Browning Abolt 7-08 to 358 win

[Coolhand_Luke]

I have been looking for a rifle in 358 (was thinking BLR) but realized I have a Browning Abolt at home in 7-08. Nothing wrong with the rifle and I like it well enough but considering the cost of purchasing a new rifle and scoping etc. I could also consider rebarrelling/rechambering it to 358 Win. I have never had this type of work done so I have a few questions.

1. Is this possible with newer Browning A-bolts? Heard lots about M700's, M70's etc but havent really heard about people doing custom work on a browning action is there a reason for this?

2. How much would a typical rebarrel job cost, or would I just rechamber the existing bbl?

3. If anyone has/knows of gunsmiths that work on Brownings can give some recommendations on people to call/email

Also, the reason I would consider this is because I am a lefty and left handed bolts in more obscure calibers dont exactly drop out of the trees I cant just roll in to a gunstore and pickup a ruger frontier for example (yes I am jealous of all you righthanders).
If I do go the custom/gunsmithing route I am also thinking of maybe getting the trigger honed, action slicked up and also having some good iron sights added to the bbl while its "in the shop". Anyways thanks in advance for any help.

Luke

 

[guntech]

I have been looking for a rifle in 358 (was thinking BLR) but realized I have a Browning Abolt at home in 7-08. Nothing wrong with the rifle and I like it well enough but considering the cost of purchasing a new rifle and scoping etc. I could also consider rebarrelling/rechambering it to 358 Win. I have never had this type of work done so I have a few questions.

1. Is this possible with newer Browning A-bolts? Heard lots about M700's, M70's etc but havent really heard about people doing custom work on a browning action is there a reason for this?

2. How much would a typical rebarrel job cost, or would I just rechamber the existing bbl?

3. If anyone has/knows of gunsmiths that work on Brownings can give some recommendations on people to call/email

Also, the reason I would consider this is because I am a lefty and left handed bolts in more obscure calibers dont exactly drop out of the trees I cant just roll in to a gunstore and pickup a ruger frontier for example (yes I am jealous of all you righthanders).
If I do go the custom/gunsmithing route I am also thinking of maybe getting the trigger honed, action slicked up and also having some good iron sights added to the bbl while its "in the shop". Anyways thanks in advance for any help.

Luke

A-Bolts can be re barreled no problem. The trigger can be worked a bit but they will never be a great trigger.. There is nothing to do to "slick the action up"...I would think, depending on the make of barrel and the gunsmith it would run $500 to $800. You can not re chamber a 7mm barrel to 358 Win.

You can easily sell your left hand 7mm-08 I think...