I got a stupid question...

[Sniper338]

I see lots of chambered and fit barrels for sale here and there... example "a take off barrel" ...

say a brux barrel came off a rem 700 action.... would this barrel fit another rem 700 action perfectly? Or does it have to be re-fit?... same question goes for custom actions... a barrel from say a defiance machine action... would it fit a different defiance machine action Just fine?

I cant figure out how this is all done because i would have thought that the headspacing would be a bit different action to the next action... i could see the custom actions being much closer in specs.... just wondering how this all worked because ive seen a barrel here and there for sale that came off a defiance machine short action... like i have.... just didnt know if it would fit perfect too.... so ive never pulled the trigger on any take off barrels...

 

[dkhunt14]

On a Remington it needs to be fitted. You don't know how much they trued the action or how much it varies from factory. Some companies like BAT and Kelbys hold headspace to .001. They still should be checked. Matt

 

[fdshuster]

Yes, they need to be fitted on the Remington receivers. I've tried swapping dozens of barrels with receivers they were not fitted to & have never found one combination that had the proper headspace, bolt closure, etc.

Custom receivers like Bat & Panda, yes, many times they can be swapped for a perfect fit, due to their much closer tolerances.

I have 2 Bat receivers, one an older one and the other much newer. Barrels can be swapped between them for perfect fits.

 

[Sniper338]

Thats what i was guessing.. so custom actions only if i ever go that route..

 

[Dusty Stevens]

if you had a barrel that was a good shooter would you sell it?

 

[Erik Cortina]

Thats what i was guessing.. so custom actions only if i ever go that route..

Not all custom actions. Panda actions are notorious for having the same headspace. Defiance is one the I know of that is not identical from one to the next.

 

[1shot]

+1 to Eric's post. You can call Kelblys' and give them the serial number of your rifle, barrel brand, dimension, caliber, etc. and the next thing you know it will shows up in the truck, ready to screw on and shoot. The first time I heard the same thing you did I called B-$. One day I was at Kelblys', and I watched G. Walley chamber a barrel for an action that wasn't even in the state, let alone in the shop. So like you I wanted to see for my own eyes as to how they can do this. I don't work for Kelblys; and I'm sure there are other companies that are just as capable of the same quality, but I know extreme quality and precision when I see it. The phrases "guess work" or "good enough" just don't exist in that shop, not to mention the employees are shooters and great people to deal with.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd

 

[jsthntn247]

I had a fella headspace a different barrel for my remington by grinding the lug a few thousandths.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

That would work (changing the recoil lug thickness) provided the bolt nose clearance worked out.

On my Barnards, I screwed a barrel fitted to one onto an action I obtained later. The headspace is within .001. The bolt nose clearance was reduced .001 also. I then bought a barrel off of a third Barnard rifle. It headspaces correctly on my actions. The bolt nose clearance is well within reason, although I don't know what it was originally. Maybe I got lucky, maybe the tolerances are that good with Barnard. I'm just happy to have them.