Proof Research's Carbon Fiber Barrel manufacturing process begins with full-profile, match-grade 416R stainless steel barrel blanks that are then turned down to a significantly reduced profile greatly reducing weight. This reduced contour barrel is then wrapped with high-strength, aerospace-grade carbon fiber impregnated with a proprietary matrix resin developed by Proof's advanced composites division, PROOF Research ACD. The aerospace-grade carbon fiber used has a specific strength up to 30 times that of stainless steel and a specific stiffness up to 7 times greater than steel. But strength and stiffness are only part of the equation. Heat conductivity and thermal expansion are also of paramount importance when developing a match-grade carbon fiber barrel. Proof's helical wrapping pattern favors the longitudinal thermal diffusivity of the carbon fibers (along the length of the barrel) allowing them to more efficiently dissipate heat emanating from the barrel rathe...