Ruger American Re-barrel

[colder]

Has anyone re-barreled a 350 legend in say a .20 practical or .223 AI? Just looking for don’t do it or heck yes! I’m in a rifle zone in MI however, if Whitless has her way, it might move further north. Thanks, TP

 

[jpx2rk]

I rebarreled a RAR 223 over to 6x45 since it's based on the 223 case like the 350 Legend. The RAR has a barrel nut similar to the savage system, so just need a pre-fit and new barrel nut & tools. Preferred Barrels offers RAR pre-fits.

 

[msinc]

I did mine. Zero problems. I did not need a new barrel nut, curious as to why this is stated.....what I "needed" was to make a barrel nut wrench to take the nut off and reinstall it. As far as rebarreling goes, it is really one of the easier rifles I have had to do. No surprises, no issues and mine has been shooting fantastic for about 4 years now. It was junk when I started though, right out of the box. Replace the stock, add a good barrel and a Timney trigger and if you have to pay a gunsmith to do the work......well, add it up, throw the Ruger away and go buy a Sako!!!!! I would never bother with it again.

 

[jpx2rk]

I had no way to "make" a barrel nut wrench for the smooth OEM barrel nut, so I got the OEM nut off with a pipe wrench. I ordered a new barrel nut & wrench along with the new pre-fit barrel.

It is easier to just buy a higher quality rifle to begin with, but this was my first "re-barrel" job, and wanted to try it out for "the experience". I'm happy with the outcome, it depends on if you just want to try doing it or not.

 

[colder]

Thanks for your knowledge folks. I still have opportunities to hunt in Hillsdale Co, so I I think I’ll keep the legend. I really like the idea of the 6x45 though. I do a couple Encore frames and with that set up would take care of all my vermin around here! Thanks again, TP