Gunsmithing Improving Barrel Finish

[DeviousSB]

I recently spent my very limited budget on purchasing a new savage stevens .308. From what I understand the action on the stevens is identical to the 10 series, so I shouldnt really need to worry about it. Ive upgrade the stock (ultimate varmint) and added a harris BRM-S. I dont even want to mention the optics... let just say its Chinese and rhymes with Farska.

Upon examining the barrel is does not appear that it was finished very well (im not surprised at this price point). My questions is, is there anything that I can do to the barrel to increase the quality of the finish, and make it shoot more accurately? I understand that you can "fire lap" a barrel, however from what I have read your essentially shooting the throat out of the chamber and decreasing the barrel life by several hundred rounds. Since this is a rifle I plan to learn with, that dosnt sound like an ideal solution.

Are there options for improving the quality of the barrel finish or is my best bet to save up some money and spring for a shilen or similar aftermarket match barrel?

 

[Revenge Seeker]

Re: Improving Barrel Finish

You should read more, buy less. (young grasshopper)

lol

 

[Wil]

Re: Improving Barrel Finish

shoot it.... when you've shot it out, you will have read enough and shot enough to know exactly what you need to do.

quit gettin wrapped up in the details of such things...


put that money towards quality ammo, reloading gear, and a quality marksmanship class...

 

[DeviousSB]

Re: Improving Barrel Finish

Creeter- Was something I said incorrect? I would hope that wasnt just a comment on the quality of my gear... people have varying budgets, and mine happens to be on the extreme low end. Id prefer to shoot than just watch.

Wil - The insight is appreciated. I already have a wishlist of things I would like to do to my current rig, as well as a thorough list of reloading gear that I have developed from reading many different articles and threads (Doc's thread was immensely helpful)

Im aware that most people on this forum are working with set-ups that reach well into the thousands of dollars, at this point I dont... and im really just looking to do the best I can with what I have to work with.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Improving Barrel Finish

A little bit of finishing...finest grits...might help. After that, shoot. Trigger time will help most. About 2500 rounds down range, done properly, and a new PacNor Match barrel and you'll be in hog heaven. What might prosper you most would be to join the Hide on-line instruction program. After a year on that, you'll be able to tell what you really want to do. JMHO

 

[Raven 6]

Re: Improving Barrel Finish

Nothing will help you more than trigger time. Buy the best that you can afford and spend your time at the range, not on the computer. Trust me MORE TRIGGER TIME.

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: Improving Barrel Finish

Have you even shot this yet? Try that first before you fuck with something that may not matter.If it shoots accurately enough to use/enjoy/practice then you've saved some headache.Most production barrels on the lower priced rifles are quite rough but still shoot better than the average trigger-puller.
And do buy ammo and practice....also signing up for the online training on this site will teach you more than you can imagine!