.308 Barrel Recomendation?

Candocad

Candocad

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Hello,

I am contemplating restocking and converting a Czech K98 to a .308 Scout type rifle, and would like a recomendation upon which barrel manufacturer would be a good choice?

Barrel length more on the short side, 20 -24 inches max. Fluted a preference?

Any suggestions or experience of what is a good barrel for this type of conversion? Any particular gunsmith who is known to do a good job on this type of conversion in Canada?

Thanks.

Candocad.
 
A new barrel will run about $500-$600 fitted, fluting would be extra. Still interested in putting it on a Czech K98?
 
My preference is for cut rifled barrels. There are lots of folks who will tell you it makes no difference if you choose a cut rifled or button rifled barrel, but because cut rifled barrels can be deeper, they can have a little longer life. They also tend to be the most expensive. Check out Kreiger and Obermyer in the States, and Smith barrels here in Canada. Both Krieger and Obermyer have web pages a just google away, but Smith doesn't. If you are just as happy with a button rifled barrel, Ted Gaillard is a top maker here in Canada.

Although I've never broached the subject with a gunsmith or barrel maker, because scout rifle barrels are typically very light contour, you might consider having pedestals left on the barrel as a place to mount the scope rings, then have those pedestals inletted for the style of ring you prefer. The advantage is that you are not drilling holes for a base in what is already arguably a very thin barrel wall. Another option is to have a quarter rib soldered to the barrel.

Flutes can have a couple of advantages if you like the looks of them. They can lessen the weight of the barrel, by one contour size, which means that you have the rigidity of a heavier barrel with the weight of the lighter barrel. But considering that you are starting with a light contour, I would not bother. I have fluted barrels on two rifles now, but unless I began competitive shooting and wanted an edge in weight class I wouldn't bother again. They can also increase the cooling effect on the barrel as they create a greater surface area, but are you going to heat up your rifle? The advantage will depend on your shooting habits.

I will avoid any discussion of rate of twist other than to say that any twist will stabilize a broad range of bullet weights, but if you want to shoot the heaviest (longest) bullets available, you will need a faster twist. I would go 1:8, but I am in the minority on this point and most opt for a 1:10 or 1:12.

If you are going to go to the cost of a custom barrel, don't waste your money on a cheap stock. Robertson Composites should make something that will warm your heart.
 
Boomer & Maynard, thank you for the advice, it helps me narrow down how to proceed.

Has anyone actually done this? If so, what other work was required? Any pictures.

Candocad.
 
If money isn't an object, do what you wish. If you're looking to get into a relatively cheap scout rifle, with a stable well seasoned laminated stock, that with a little elbow grease can be made attractive and serviceable, put an ad in the CGN EE for
WTB Israeli 98 mauser. Most of them were converted to 7.62x51and are so marked with a huge "7.62" on the receiver ring. They are usually quite accurate as well.

They also sell in the $250 - $400 range, depending on condition.

If you're going for a sporter style scout, you might as well go for a model 7 youth rifle with sights and scope mount holes already drilled and tapped.
 
You might also look into Lothar Walther barrels. They offer pre-threaded barrels for Mauser actions.
I think the Canadian distributor is "Blue Mountain... something." The Lothar Walther barrels are hammer forged so the internal finish is very good.


Added: Woops, The barrels are button rifled. Everything else was right

http://www.lothar-walther.de/169.php
http://www.lothar-walther.de/184.php
http://www.lothar-walther.de/185.php
 
Last edited:
Candocad said:
Boomer & Maynard, thank you for the advice, it helps me narrow down how to proceed.

Has anyone actually done this? If so, what other work was required? Any pictures.

Candocad.
Click to expand...


Here is a pic of my custom .375 Ultra, which I guess falls into the quasi-scout category. The features are as follows:

- Brno 602 action
- Smith 20" 1:12 stainless fluted barrel
- Ruger front sight band
- custom brass front sight post
- custom stainless steel quarter rib inletted for Tally rings
- Tally ghost ring sight
- Burris 23/4X Scout Scope in Tally QD rings has since been replaced with a Leupold 2X EER
- McMillan Express stock made to 13.5" glass bedded, pillered, and crossbolted.
- front swivel located on the radius of the stock which protects my hand from cuts and allows me to sling up when shooting
- the sling is a Gaclo Safari Ching Sling I bought this from Gunsite when they still shipped to Canada, and it is embossed with the Gunsite Raven logo
- a nylon deflector has been installed behind the trigger guard prevents my knuckle from getting smacked
- total cost is in the $4500 range

Brno602.jpg

-
 
ml.jpg


Rugercopy.jpg



Here is a comparison of my custom Brno compared to a Ruger Alaskan for about a third of the money. When I had my rifle built the Ruger wasn't available, but before you make a heavy investment in a custom rifle, make sure there is no commecial rifle available that fills the same purpose.
 
Boomer,

Thank you for your advice, point well taken. I am not up for a $4,500 rifle, although if I was I'd be very happy with with your rifle. That is one hell of a beautiful rifle.

I see Brownall's do a variety of 308 barrels for K98's. My next move is to buy a beat up Mauser or VZ etc with a good action. Match a 'budget' barrel, possibly a Timney trigger, and a pre-inlet stock of some form. (I'd do the stock myself as I can just about handle that.)

Polishing and refinishing the bolt and action would be subject to budget. I am tempted to spray finish the barrel / other parts. It is likely to cost more than a 'stock' scout type rifle, but it will be to a specific specification. And that what a project is all about?:D

Candocad.
 
You may find the cost of importing has become a whole lot more expensive since the permit cost has shot up for 2009.

I can offer you Shilen Match CM barrels for very economical pricing. These shoot very well and would make a very accurate hunting rifle.

Various contours are available so you can pick something that suits your weight and handling needs.

I can also offer you Timney triggers for the Mausers, various scope bases and rings.

I can also offer synthetic stocks from Fajen and Ramline. These are very economical.

PM if interested.

Jerry
 
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