multi-caliber rifle vs multiple rifles. who's taken the plunge?

Ritter & Stark rifle have barrels attached to the picatinny which maintain optic zero, but they're out of business now.

Quick change barrel is a military requirement drawn out by some general, just like "modular" handgun.
 
kthomas said:
I would agree that "quick barrel change" systems are mostly a novelty, filling a niche role.

The majority of people I know that wanted a "quick change" system have moved to dedicated rifles. The novelty of constantly swapping barrels, bolts, zeros, mags, etc. wears off after a while.
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You know what they say about opinions.
 
EC said:
You know what they say about opinions.
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Sure.

There will be some that really enjoy and take advantage of a "switch barrel" system. In my experience, most people that start that way end up with dedicated rifles.

I will say there are some times where switch barrel systems have a nice advantage. Being able to quickly take a barrel off for cleaning is pretty nice. Or if you are going on a trip, would like multiple different cartridges, but not the footprint of many rifles.

However, the novelty of swapping out barrels at the range does wear off. Personally, I would rather swap between dedicated rifles then bother with changing out barrels, mags, bolts, adjusting scope turrets, etc. But that's just me. Some may prefer that, and that's fine.

Also, you don't need a rifle to have a dedicated "switch barrel" system in order to swap out barrels. All you need is a vice, torque wrench and action wrench, and a shouldered barrel can be swapped out in a manner of minutes. I occasionally swap between a 6BRA and 6.5 Creedmoor barrel this way. If you want to make the process even simpler, you can machine wrench flats into the end of your barrel. Essentially, every rifle is a "multi-cal/switch barrel" rifle.

And not all switch barrel systems are built the same. Some are more convenient then others. Some are a lot more reliable and robust then others. Some are more repeatable then others. Some will have more of a tendency to shift if bumped, etc. A switch barrel system that relies on a set screw is never going to be as robust as a shouldered barrel torqued to ~100 ft-lbs. That's just a fact.

It really depends on what your ultimate end goals are, and what you are willing to trade-off in order to achieve that. There's no free lunch, no matter which direction you go. You just have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your objectives.
 
kthomas said:
Sure.

There will be some that really enjoy and take advantage of a "switch barrel" system. In my experience, most people that start that way end up with dedicated rifles.

I will say there are some times where switch barrel systems have a nice advantage. Being able to quickly take a barrel off for cleaning is pretty nice. Or if you are going on a trip, would like multiple different cartridges, but not the footprint of many rifles.

However, the novelty of swapping out barrels at the range does wear off. Personally, I would rather swap between dedicated rifles then bother with changing out barrels, mags, bolts, adjusting scope turrets, etc. But that's just me. Some may prefer that, and that's fine.

Also, you don't need a rifle to have a dedicated "switch barrel" system in order to swap out barrels. All you need is a vice, torque wrench and action wrench, and a shouldered barrel can be swapped out in a manner of minutes. I occasionally swap between a 6BRA and 6.5 Creedmoor barrel this way. If you want to make the process even simpler, you can machine wrench flats into the end of your barrel. Essentially, every rifle is a "multi-cal/switch barrel" rifle.

And not all switch barrel systems are built the same. Some are more convenient then others. Some are a lot more reliable and robust then others. Some are more repeatable then others. Some will have more of a tendency to shift if bumped, etc. A switch barrel system that relies on a set screw is never going to be as robust as a shouldered barrel torqued to ~100 ft-lbs. That's just a fact.

It really depends on what your ultimate end goals are, and what you are willing to trade-off in order to achieve that. There's no free lunch, no matter which direction you go. You just have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your objectives.
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The Kraken locks in the barrel at 100 ft/lbs....
 
mareshow said:
The Kraken locks in the barrel at 100 ft/lbs....
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Cadex supposedly has one of the better switch barrel system on the market. The main complaints against it are that it isn't as convenient/easy to use as say AI's system.

A system with more parts, is always going to be more prone to failure then a system with less parts. And in my previous line of work, set screw failures have costed the company many tens of millions of dollars of operational down time.

That said, I would feel pretty confident with Cadex's or AI's switch barrel system. They are some of the more robust ones out there.
 
I’ve had almost all the switch barrel rifles, starting with the Barrett MRAD. Still have an AI AT, and the Desert Tech.
The AI is repeatable enough, that I’ve switched barrels between relays shooting F class, and in one or two shoots, no problem to be right back on the V, and the Desert Tech is even more repeatable still.
I have also used my Impact action as a switch barrel, and just hand tighten the barrels on and off, with very little poi change, maybe 1/3-1/2 MOA at 500 meters.
1-2 clicks on the turret, and away you go.
After owning switch barrels, and the ease of barrel cleaning, equal accuracy to all my purpose built rigs and f class rifles, and the ability to change barrels, in 45 seconds with no special tools, I’d never go back.
I run an number of different calibers, depending on whether I’m banging steel, shooting f class, practicing, load testing etc., and the comfort level of running one scope, one reticle, one trigger, same LOP and stock feel, for all those different calibers can not be discounted. Way cheaper if you plan to shoot several calibers in a season as well.
Plus you can literally buy 4 new barrels for the price of one extra scope on a dedicated second build.
Just my experience over the years, but the guys I shoot with have all gone to or considering switch barrels themselves now too. Ymmv.
 
Different strokes for different folks.

As long as people understand the nuances, benefits and trade-offs of each system. Understand what those are, and make the best decision for your specific set of needs and desires.
 
Very well said Kthomas.
I would agree, switch barrels need more attention to details, and care, and are probably not the best thing for new or novice shooters.
For grumpy old vets like us, and for guys who religiously handload and like to tinker, there’s nothing better.
 
redrams9 said:
I’ve had almost all the switch barrel rifles, starting with the Barrett MRAD. Still have an AI AT, and the Desert Tech.
The AI is repeatable enough, that I’ve switched barrels between relays shooting F class, and in one or two shoots, no problem to be right back on the V, and the Desert Tech is even more repeatable still.
I have also used my Impact action as a switch barrel, and just hand tighten the barrels on and off, with very little poi change, maybe 1/3-1/2 MOA at 500 meters.
1-2 clicks on the turret, and away you go.
After owning switch barrels, and the ease of barrel cleaning, equal accuracy to all my purpose built rigs and f class rifles, and the ability to change barrels, in 45 seconds with no special tools, I’d never go back.
I run an number of different calibers, depending on whether I’m banging steel, shooting f class, practicing, load testing etc., and the comfort level of running one scope, one reticle, one trigger, same LOP and stock feel, for all those different calibers can not be discounted. Way cheaper if you plan to shoot several calibers in a season as well.
Plus you can literally buy 4 new barrels for the price of one extra scope on a dedicated second build.
Just my experience over the years, but the guys I shoot with have all gone to or considering switch barrels themselves now too. Ymmv.
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I've done extensive reading on the subject and I agree. MC rifles seem to be the way of the future. Tac teams are starting to acquire them because it's easier to maintain skills/training on a single rifle, trigger, scope than on multiple systems. They also win out on cost/logistical reasons.

I like the idea of being able to field swap between calibers. What I've read/seen of the Kraken is that there's basically zero POI shift thanks to their torquing system. It's even better than AI on that front.

I think that with the price advantage Cadex has in Canada vs AI and the others, being able to support a Canadian manufacturer, the very high level of quality and precision that goes in to the product etc, Cadex is a no-brainer for those that can afford it. Only concern long-term are the barrels. If anything ever happened to Cadex, or they ban "sniper" rifles, they're the only ones making barrels for Kraken and they are quite different from a normal barrel what with the notches for the lugs and all.

With the way things are going I don't publicly disclose what I own or don't own, but the Kraken seems like a mighty impressive system.
 
I could concede it might be bearable switching from a deer to elk/big bear caliber for the big game season.

But switching from a varmint/pest caliber to big game sounds like you might break something too early, with almost year round use of one chassis/action.
No thx.
 
I think I could definitely get on board with a switch barrel that doesnt mess with POI, like a Kraken, for my long range rifles. A small cartridge for moderate distances, something much larger for ELR. Looking at what I've spent on my 3 "precision-ish" rifles, with aftermarket chassis and non-alpha scopes, I could have had a Kraken with a Theta and a second barrel. Something that would all fit in a single pelican case, and take up a single spot in a safe.
For hunting rifles that don't see alot of rounds, I'd rather have separate rifles. Grab and go.
 
Having both multi cal and standard rifles is inevitable for most folks who are keen firearm enthusiasts. Having owned and shot extensively both Accuracy International and Barrett MRAD for recreation and competition I personally really like a good MC system. The benefits are many and drawbacks few. POI shift on a solid system is minimal typically less than 1 MOA when switching calibers and it is predictable, at least for the MRAD and AI systems. That is pretty awesome performance when switching from .308 win to .338 Lapua. POI shift when going back to a zeroed barrel is a non issue. One rifle, scope and related components with the advantage of practicing with one system is a definite bonus. Wearing out components is also not a concern. These systems i.e. AI, MRAD and others are made to put thousands of rounds through them without a hiccup. Simply buy a new barrel before/after you shoot it out take the 2 min to swap it out and your good to go.
 
Brutus said:
I could concede it might be bearable switching from a deer to elk/big bear caliber for the big game season.

But switching from a varmint/pest caliber to big game sounds like you might break something too early, with almost year round use of one chassis/action.
No thx.
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What do you think you are going to break? These MC systems, whether the Barrett, AI or Cadex were all designed with military use in mind and are rugged as hell. If you're really worried, buy replacement parts and spare yourself the anxiety. One of he great things about these is that they are completely serviceable by the end-user. No gunsmith required.
 
Is it true that multi-barrel rifles are more popular in Europe because they are limited as to how many rifle they are allowed to have? I think I heard that in a firearms video on YT while someone was interviewing a firearms manufacturer. I could be mistaken?
 
rmsg0040 said:
Is it true that multi-barrel rifles are more popular in Europe because they are limited as to how many rifle they are allowed to have? I think I heard that in a firearms video on YT while someone was interviewing a firearms manufacturer. I could be mistaken?
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Varies by country, but it is true. The Blaser R8 is a very different type of rifle from what's being discussed in this thread though.

That said, MC might make sense if your wife thinks you have enough guns too. :)
 
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