Another Crackpot Idea

[Sheldon N]

If you want both switch barrel as well as interchangeable size bolt faces for 223, 308 and magnum faced cartridges, I'd strongly suggest taking a look at the Bighorn TL-2 or TL-3 actions. As noted above, you can interchange the bolt face without needing an entire new bolt.

The other thing the Bighorn offers is that it uses the Savage small shank thread pattern so not only can you run a traditional shouldered barrel like any other action, you can also use a savage pre-fit if you want to swap in a cheaper barrel for practice use. That avoids the cost of a gunsmith to chamber the barrel, just need a go gauge and a wrench.

The other thought might be that if you're going to run 223 as well as larger calibers it may be better to build on a short action platform rather than a long action, especially if you wanted to magazine feed. You could do any of the short action magnums in 6.5/7/30 to serve as your larger caliber option.

 

[stacy]

I have more switch barrel rifles, than non switch barrel.

I just bought a Borden Alpine Magnum and it will have the magnum bolt, a .378 bolt and a .473 bolt fitted by Jim Borden.

If you are going to build a switch rig, buy a GREAT action as a start, it will be worth it in the long run....

Phil.

I USE THOSE 40XBBR PHIL WORKS GREAT !!!

 

[Quickoz]

I run a trued R700 as a switch barrel rig. Have 5 barrels on one action. Have one scope for them all. Just zero at 100m so your zeros arnt far out from each other.

 

[Pappy42]

Re: Barrel torque
Switch barrel R 700, highly "massaged", Eliseo RTM chassis. Gunsmith recommended barrel torque 75 foot pounds. My geezer self switched barrels, screwed on hand tight; forgot to torque it and shot some of my best scores. Should you follow your gunsmith recommendations, absolutely!

Re: Scope zero
Zero @ 100 yards with a barrel and load. Count your clicks to a stop (for example, until bottomned out) and record your dope. Old fashioned, cheap, yep, that's me.

 

[Mr.Knowit all]

Gents,

Has anyone any experience with switching barrels routinely on a Rem 700 or clone (Stiller) action?
My idea is to purchase a Stiller long action with additional bolts: Magnum, standard, and maybe 223 bolt faced bolts. What are the pitfalls? All this assumes that one's multitude of barrels have been properly headspaced by your smith. I would think that someone who is able to tie his shoes would be able to remove his barreled action form his stock, put the barrel in a vise, utilize an action wrench to remove the action, and then reinstall the action on one of HIS (or her) additional barrels without more mechanical knowledge than changing a spark plug and properly setting the torque for the barrel to action fit and then for the action screws putting the rifle into the stock.

Theoretically, this would enable one to train cheaply with 223 ammo while shooting your .308, 30-06, 300wm, etc. with the same stock, scope, and trigger, the expenses being several chambered barrels, but the payoff being a greatly reduced number of scopes and a smaller gun safe.

Where are the holes in this idea?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies.

God bless America,

Scarface 26

I have a Stiller TAC300 and I am on my 5th barrel-no problems with the action, it's solid. I never really understood why or how people could train on other "cheaper" calibers or even bullets when they will be shooting another one. So you want to practice on a caliber that recoils differently and has a completely different BC, etc.... I think that making a jump from a .223 to a 300wm would greatly shock you if you were not used to the recoil. I truly believe that doing that may cause more harm than good. JMO Maybe I am the one that is missing the idea....

 

[Quickoz]

Its all about practicing the fundementals without the expense. Its why I shoot a 308 w/ 155gr bullets as they are half the price of 7mm bullets down here in Australia. Also why I shoot a 223 for practical rifle matches that are less then 500m. Cost is a major factor to alot of people so being able to shoot more for less is very very good. Sme reason why pistol shooters practice using 22lr and not there comp guns.

 

[Pappy42]

There is something to be said for just having to "learn" one rifle.