Gunsmithing Looking for some information.

[DeauxJoe]

I bought a used Remington 700 from Mile high shooting supply. It is shooting well so no complaints there. I was looking at getting a little work done on the rifle but I have been getting a lot of information and need some help putting it all in perspective.
First off a little information about the rifle. It has an after market barrel on it, but I don't know what kind. Is there any way to tell? Also the bolt has circular machine marks on it, so obviously something has been done to it. Again is there any way to tell what has been done?
This all started because I'd like to get the barrel and action cerakoted but my local gun smith suggested that I have any truing work done before I cerakote the rifle. He also suggested if I am going to true it I have to go with a new barrel due to the difficulties of getting the head space right. So basicaly with all that information I'm trying to make a decision.
I have been told time and time again if the rifle shoots well the stop worrying and shoot. Well that is what I plan to do but I'd still like to have the barrel and action cerakoted for protection and looks. So I am trying to establish where exactly do I stand to make some decisions on where to go.
So with all that I turn to the infinite wisdom of the hide. Whats the verdict can I just get the damn thing cerakoted or should I be looking into truing and etc.?

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Looking for some information.

First, don't fix what ain't broke.

Second, a good shooting rifle is worth shooting as is until it doesn't shoot well anymore.

Then all those suggestions from your Gunsmith will make perfect sense.

Cerakote is fine now or then. If now, tell him he'll get it back again when it's time for that new barrel. He should be OK with that, I'm guessin'. Will probably need the Cerakote repeated then, but I really think that's a minor issue in the mix at that point.

Greg

 

[swil]

Re: Looking for some information.

since is has been rebarreled, are you sure is hasnt been trued already??? I'm thinking paint it and shoot it....or just shoot it.

 

[STR]

Re: Looking for some information.

I agree with Greg on this. Honestly, the cerakoting at this point is because you want to change it's looks. Most of us apply it to our rifles for the looks, because most of us take care of our rifles to where they won't corrode any how. To add a little clarity to why you'll need a new barrel when the action is trued, I say the following. When the threads are recut, they are enlarged, which make the threads on your old barrel too small to fit correctly.

I would shoot that barrel out, which will take quite a few rounds. Then I would get in contact with one of the fine gunsmiths on this site, and go nuts on a full custom build. They are mostly out about 6 months, so if you want to minimize your down time, try to get in line 6 months before you shoot that barrel out. Just a suggestion, but definately not the only way to go about it. Best of luck.