Gunsmithing Switch barrel advice....

[Steelhead]

So I have two rifles, a GA Precision built Remington 700 and a Winchester Stealth (push feed bolt). Both are .308.

I've been thinking about making one of them a switch barrel. I'm almost thinking that the Winchester would be easier to make into a switch barrel, because it has the integral lug.

I know the Remington will need to have the lug pinned.

What would be the pros and cons to each system? The other option would be to sell both and just order a new rifle.

What do you all think?​

 

[tansinator]

I had a switch barrel 223AI and 300 whisper. It only took about 10 minutes to switch and then you had to sight in the scope each time. It wasn't hard to do but it got to be a chore. I ended up leaving the 300 whisper barrel on and building a dedicated 223AI. It wasn't worth it to me. Others may disagree.

Eddie

 

[mcfred]

What would be the pros and cons to each system?

I'm enjoying my switch barrel setup. It's 7mm WSM for long range (plus a thin sporter barrel for packing/hunting):

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...766-my-pierce-7-wsm-build-now-new-barrel.html

7mm WSSM for shorter range competition (little bit cheaper to shoot and longer lasting barrels):

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...199189-7mm-wssm-7wsm-switch-barrel-comps.html

and 510 WSM for fun and to launch cheap 50BMG milsurp tips:

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...-go-another-route-big-bore-switch-barrel.html


It seems to hold zero just fine after completely taking it apart, swapping barrels and putting it back together. Same bolt, same scope, same magazines, etc. Saves on parts and room in the safe. The NF scope has reliable turrets, so the zero is different with each barrel but just dial the turrets in from the drop charts and it's good to go. I think either of your rifles would work for this. If you use a torque wrench and tighten the barrel and action the same each time that should help. Are either of your potential rifles pillar bedded? I think that would help too. One thing you could try as an experiment, is to fire a group from each gun, and take the receiver out of the stock and reinstall it between each shot. Whichever one works the best would probably be your best bet for the switch barrel.

 

[trigger time]

Pinning that remington lug would take all of 15 minutes, and more people work on them for future barrels.