I'm planning a lightweight 14.5" 223 build from a Savage action. The contour I want (0.675 pencil) is lighter than what most barrel makers offer as a standard contour. With used 223 AR barrels selling for $150~$500, it would be cheaper if I can make an adapter that allows Savage action to take AR barrels?
What's the feasibility of the said adapter?
Savage small shank is 1.055" - 20, the minor of the thread would be around 0.993". AR barrels have 13/16 - 16 thread, the major diameter would be 0.8125". So in theory, the thinnest part of the wall on the adapter would be around 0.090".
In comparison, the AR barrel extension's OD is 0.9987", and the thinnest part of the wall would be 0.093". So the said Adapter would have similar strength compare to the AR barrel extension?
Where I got stuck was how to index / headspace the barrel.
On Savage action, the barrel usually threads 0.800~0.900 into the action to get correct headspacing. The tenon length on some of my Savage barrels measured around 1.600".
On the AR barrel, the 13/16 - 16 thread tenon length is 0.620" before hitting a shoulder that's 0.980" in diameter.
My initial thought was using the shoulder on the AR barrel to lock it into the adapter, and have the adapter outside thread to run 1.600" long and lock into Savage action with barrel nut. But that's a no go as the wall would be too thin on the shoulder portion. Can I turn down the AR barrel on the chamber/shoulder portion? Say down to 0.850" to give me ~0.070" wall thickness, but that'd still be too thin to machine? There's also the accuracy implication of turning down a barrel after it has been chambered?
Suggestions, thoughts?
What's the feasibility of the said adapter?
Savage small shank is 1.055" - 20, the minor of the thread would be around 0.993". AR barrels have 13/16 - 16 thread, the major diameter would be 0.8125". So in theory, the thinnest part of the wall on the adapter would be around 0.090".
In comparison, the AR barrel extension's OD is 0.9987", and the thinnest part of the wall would be 0.093". So the said Adapter would have similar strength compare to the AR barrel extension?
Where I got stuck was how to index / headspace the barrel.
On Savage action, the barrel usually threads 0.800~0.900 into the action to get correct headspacing. The tenon length on some of my Savage barrels measured around 1.600".
On the AR barrel, the 13/16 - 16 thread tenon length is 0.620" before hitting a shoulder that's 0.980" in diameter.
My initial thought was using the shoulder on the AR barrel to lock it into the adapter, and have the adapter outside thread to run 1.600" long and lock into Savage action with barrel nut. But that's a no go as the wall would be too thin on the shoulder portion. Can I turn down the AR barrel on the chamber/shoulder portion? Say down to 0.850" to give me ~0.070" wall thickness, but that'd still be too thin to machine? There's also the accuracy implication of turning down a barrel after it has been chambered?
Suggestions, thoughts?
