Shilen DGR compatibility with chassis?

[SporkInTucson]

Hello,

On a whim, I bought my first bolt action a few years ago, a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39. It was great for learning the basics of reloading and shooting out to 100yd, but I'm at the point where I think I'd benefit from moving to a cartridge that has similar recoil but has better selection of reloading components and tools -- something like .243. I had pretty much settled on building something like Stillers TAC 30 + folding chassis (Whiskey 3?) + Shilen 22" barrel (10" twist?) -- folded length of rifle must be < 38".

Then I stumbled across Shilen's DGR action which appeals to me because of the ease with which barrels can be replaced. If I build on a DGR I thought I'd start with a Shilen 22" barrel chambered for .243 with a 14" twist. This would be for shooting 100 or 200 yards at SERP, but I'd like to think that I'd be able to swap in a higher twist barrel every once in a while if I want to try shooting farther on the occasional trip to TRC. (SERP and TRC are Tucson ranges.)

Q1: Am I missing something re (Savage style) barrel swaps, or is it really simple enough that one could swap a barrel for a given range trip? Demo videos on YouTube make it seem pretty simple, given go/no-go gauges and proper tools.

Q2: Does anybody know if the Shilen DGR is compatible with any folding chassis? Some info says that the Shilen DGR has a "footprint similar to Remington 700" which sounds like a red flag for somebody like me who doesn't want to do a lot of fitting. Also, I can't tell what sort of magazines the DGR uses, but it seems like most chassis are built for AI mags.

This is my first post and I'm a newbie, so I apologize in advance if my questions are silly. That said, does anybody have any info that would help me decide for or against the Shilen DGR?

Thanks!

 

[DeltaBravo]

Spork,

Can't speak for the DGR but my DGV was a drop-in fit to my B&C Medalist that I had used for my Rem 700. I would think a call to Shilen (GREAT folks) should answer your questions. My DGV is not a REM 700 on the top, tho; it takes two front Rem 700 bases. I went with Shilen's picatinny rail, but any after-market 0.85" spaced should work, and I have no regrets about their rail!

Swapping barrels with the Savage nut set-up is easy. All you need is a GO gage, a NO-GO gage, and a barrel wrench. A simple vise works, but a barrel vise is on my list of things to get!

Dennis

 

[coonhunter70]

I have the DGR, mine went right into a bell&Carlson M40 stock made for a remmy 700.

Hello,

On a whim, I bought my first bolt action a few years ago, a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39. It was great for learning the basics of reloading and shooting out to 100yd, but I'm at the point where I think I'd benefit from moving to a cartridge that has similar recoil but has better selection of reloading components and tools -- something like .243. I had pretty much settled on building something like Stillers TAC 30 + folding chassis (Whiskey 3?) + Shilen 22" barrel (10" twist?) -- folded length of rifle must be < 38".

Then I stumbled across Shilen's DGR action which appeals to me because of the ease with which barrels can be replaced. If I build on a DGR I thought I'd start with a Shilen 22" barrel chambered for .243 with a 14" twist. This would be for shooting 100 or 200 yards at SERP, but I'd like to think that I'd be able to swap in a higher twist barrel every once in a while if I want to try shooting farther on the occasional trip to TRC. (SERP and TRC are Tucson ranges.)

Q1: Am I missing something re (Savage style) barrel swaps, or is it really simple enough that one could swap a barrel for a given range trip? Demo videos on YouTube make it seem pretty simple, given go/no-go gauges and proper tools.

Q2: Does anybody know if the Shilen DGR is compatible with any folding chassis? Some info says that the Shilen DGR has a "footprint similar to Remington 700" which sounds like a red flag for somebody like me who doesn't want to do a lot of fitting. Also, I can't tell what sort of magazines the DGR uses, but it seems like most chassis are built for AI mags.

This is my first post and I'm a newbie, so I apologize in advance if my questions are silly. That said, does anybody have any info that would help me decide for or against the Shilen DGR?

Thanks!

 

[Big Mc]

I sure wish I could help you but, I ordered a DGR on FEB.5 2013. I was told by Jennifer Hull 2 to 4 months. I STILL WATING for it. When I ask how are doing all I get is lip service. For My next build. I plan to use ANYBODY else. Just fact. Tommy MC>>

 

[DeltaBravo]

Tommy,

Did you order a complete rifle, or just the barreled action? Shilen gets their stuff from Stiller for the actions, and McMillan for the stocks. I've heard that McMillan is running a 6 month delay; don't know about Stiller.

I had a great experience with Shilen, but then, I'm only a couple hours away so I could (and DID) visit to set things up. They also let me be there when the DGV was put together and David showed me how to do it.

Dennis

 

[rich44]

Check out the Stiller Tac30AW or Defiance Deviant both are cut for the AI mags and you could probly get them both from Bugholes they usually stock them.
As for the Shilen its made by Stiller and although it does use the Savage Barrel nut you can still swap barrels on the Stiller tac 30 or Defiance IMO and I own a bunch of Savages it is easier to swap barrels that headspace on the shoulder, you don't need a gauge and you need basically the same tools for either to change barrels.
I"m waiting on a Defiance that I special ordered with two bolts one for 223 and one for 308 for almost the same thing.
BTW although the Shilen has a floating bolthead like the Savage they don't recommend swaping out the bolthead

 

[butchlambert]

Big Man,
You started a post on this earlier. Let it go. If you have no patience just request a refund of your deposit.