I have a savage model 12 in need of a re-barrel. If i buy a blank from anyone of the top manufacturers can any competent smith chamber and install it on my action, or can only special pre-made savage barrels be used (like ones from sheilen)? I don't need to be able to take the barrel off myself. Im just wondering if these can be swapped out like a rem 700?
Gunsmithing Can this be done?
- Thread starter HSNARC
- Start date
Re: Can this be done?
You see a lot of pre threaded and chambered Savage barrels from many different makers because it is a fairly simple operation to swap from one barrel to another. All it takes is barrel vise, barrel nut wrench, a piece of new brass (for headspace) with a bit of masking tape on the back and the barrel.
While it is absolutely possible for a gunsmith to start with a blank and chamber and thread it may actually be less cost and wait time to buy a pre-chambered barrel from a high end maker.
The barrel nut is not scrapped in the deal. It is the reason the whole process is that easy. Sharp Shooters Supply is a great place for you Savage guys. He uses, I believe, Brux barrels now and they are great barrels.
You see a lot of pre threaded and chambered Savage barrels from many different makers because it is a fairly simple operation to swap from one barrel to another. All it takes is barrel vise, barrel nut wrench, a piece of new brass (for headspace) with a bit of masking tape on the back and the barrel.
While it is absolutely possible for a gunsmith to start with a blank and chamber and thread it may actually be less cost and wait time to buy a pre-chambered barrel from a high end maker.
The barrel nut is not scrapped in the deal. It is the reason the whole process is that easy. Sharp Shooters Supply is a great place for you Savage guys. He uses, I believe, Brux barrels now and they are great barrels.
Re: Can this be done?
I do like the idea of a Brux chambered and ready to fit on my action. $405 plus tools and gauges probably would be right in the ballpark of having a smith do it, plus the wait is almost non existent.
I do like the idea of a Brux chambered and ready to fit on my action. $405 plus tools and gauges probably would be right in the ballpark of having a smith do it, plus the wait is almost non existent.
Re: Can this be done?
Well, the wait would be determined by Fred's inventory. That is sometimes low/non-existent.
But you see the bigger picture now.
Well, the wait would be determined by Fred's inventory. That is sometimes low/non-existent.
But you see the bigger picture now.
Re: Can this be done?
well ya hopefully he still has one in when i get the cash together....thanks for the info
well ya hopefully he still has one in when i get the cash together....thanks for the info
Re: Can this be done?
Unless you have a competent smith with lathe and the knowledge to do a good job at cutting the threads, etc, I'd go with a prefit barrel. Most anybody can install a barrel with the proper tools. I'd suggest replacing the recoil lug with a reputable brand that is thicker than the stock unit. Stockade would be a good suggestion. Just FYI they can do your barrel install to I believe. I've had good luck with their parts.
If you desire, I think you could probably tackle the job yourself, although you would need to obtain some tools, such as action wrench, barrel nut wrench, and the proper go gauge. A no go gauge wouldn't hurt either, but you can make a no go gauge by simply putting a peice of normal scotch or clear packing tape on the rim of the go gauge. This is what I do and it's what I've seen several competent smith's do for precision rifles.
I'm just a fan of the DIY thing! Goodluck
Unless you have a competent smith with lathe and the knowledge to do a good job at cutting the threads, etc, I'd go with a prefit barrel. Most anybody can install a barrel with the proper tools. I'd suggest replacing the recoil lug with a reputable brand that is thicker than the stock unit. Stockade would be a good suggestion. Just FYI they can do your barrel install to I believe. I've had good luck with their parts.
If you desire, I think you could probably tackle the job yourself, although you would need to obtain some tools, such as action wrench, barrel nut wrench, and the proper go gauge. A no go gauge wouldn't hurt either, but you can make a no go gauge by simply putting a peice of normal scotch or clear packing tape on the rim of the go gauge. This is what I do and it's what I've seen several competent smith's do for precision rifles.
I'm just a fan of the DIY thing! Goodluck
Re: Can this be done?
I used one thickness of masking tape on the back of a FL sized (virgin) cartridge case as a head space gauge. It worked perfectly.
I used one thickness of masking tape on the back of a FL sized (virgin) cartridge case as a head space gauge. It worked perfectly.
Re: Can this be done?
I dont mind doing somthing like this myself as long as i can do it to the same quality a smith would. I am assuming that with the proper tools and gauges, I could screw on a prefit barrel and make it shoot well? Is there any trick to it that comes with experience, or is it just follow the instructions and VOILA?
I dont mind doing somthing like this myself as long as i can do it to the same quality a smith would. I am assuming that with the proper tools and gauges, I could screw on a prefit barrel and make it shoot well? Is there any trick to it that comes with experience, or is it just follow the instructions and VOILA?
Re: Can this be done?
Mostly just follow the instuctions. As with all barrels you just screw it on and hope it shoots well. It will, as long as you use one of the top names like Bartlein, Kreiger, Brux, etc.
Besides, it will be fun.
Mostly just follow the instuctions. As with all barrels you just screw it on and hope it shoots well. It will, as long as you use one of the top names like Bartlein, Kreiger, Brux, etc.
Besides, it will be fun.
Re: Can this be done?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used one thickness of masking tape on the back of a FL sized (virgin) cartridge case as a head space gauge. It worked perfectly.
</div></div>
So how did you check for excessive headspace?
There are a few shortcuts that work (I just used a case sized to where I wanted it and let the nut tightening set the headspace-the tape plus tightening could wind up with too much room) BUT, the only responsible advice is to recommend that the installer use a "go" and "no-go" guage set to set headspace and check it.
What worked for me might blow your face off......
60Kpsi next to an eyeball isn't something to trifle with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used one thickness of masking tape on the back of a FL sized (virgin) cartridge case as a head space gauge. It worked perfectly.
</div></div>
So how did you check for excessive headspace?
There are a few shortcuts that work (I just used a case sized to where I wanted it and let the nut tightening set the headspace-the tape plus tightening could wind up with too much room) BUT, the only responsible advice is to recommend that the installer use a "go" and "no-go" guage set to set headspace and check it.
What worked for me might blow your face off......
60Kpsi next to an eyeball isn't something to trifle with.
Re: Can this be done?
well good. When i do get around to doing this i think i will go with a Brux from sharp shooter supply. I think they had one that was similar to an MTU contour in a 1in8 twist. I would think 22-24 inches would be sufficent to get 70gr berger vld's to about 3100fps
well good. When i do get around to doing this i think i will go with a Brux from sharp shooter supply. I think they had one that was similar to an MTU contour in a 1in8 twist. I would think 22-24 inches would be sufficent to get 70gr berger vld's to about 3100fps
Re: Can this be done?
Changing the barrel is easy, I would recommend replacing the recoil lug withthe new barrel the factory one is often thicker at top then bottom. Also get head space gauges. You may check with kevin at stockade he has profit benchmark barrels an is a wealth of knowledge.
Changing the barrel is easy, I would recommend replacing the recoil lug withthe new barrel the factory one is often thicker at top then bottom. Also get head space gauges. You may check with kevin at stockade he has profit benchmark barrels an is a wealth of knowledge.
Re: Can this be done?
I'm not saying he shouldn't get the gauges. In my case I had a gunsmith show me the fine art of using the "redneck go/no go gauge" for Savage barrel replacement.
Go/No go are really cheap insurance.
I'm not saying he shouldn't get the gauges. In my case I had a gunsmith show me the fine art of using the "redneck go/no go gauge" for Savage barrel replacement.
Go/No go are really cheap insurance.
