I would love to be able to do a barrel swap on my 7mm rem mag to 257 weatherby. I've only ever owned factory rifles, so have no idea what is involved in a barrel swap. Is there a special wrench needed to remove the factory barrel, if so what would they be worth? How much would it cost to have the factory remington barrel threaded to accept the savage nut,(instead of having to buy two barrel wrenches) if it is possible and/or needed? Are there any modifications that would have to be done to the action to accomodate the nut, or is there enough "meat" on the action to lock the nut in place? How many calibers will fit the same bolt(and magazine) without having to modify or replace it?
I apologize if all these questions sound a little "tarded", but like i said, i have no idea what is involved in doing a swap. Sounds like a good idea though, as long as the total cost is reasonable and you don't have to send it to a smith to swap it out every time
The initial removal of the factory barrel does need a action specific wrench and a strong vise/press and blocks.
Best to let a smith remove it for what little that will cost.
The whole system is based on NOT modifying the action - saves costs. However, with some actions have poor lug contact so lapping is a good idea. Leave the threads alone. This is not the process you would want if trying to build a competition rifle. More for the varminter, hunter, plinker who wants to try lots of different chamberings or is going to go through a barrel fast.
For someone looking for 1/3 to 1/2 type accuracy in a simple no brainer type change. Yes, some could see 1/4 min but I would hazard more the exception then the rule.
I would still recommend a Savage or Stevens as they are not saddled by the same woes as the Rem but if you already have the action, this is for you.
There is plenty of action to lock the nut in place. Remember the thread is like 1.060" and the actions is just under 1.25" or thereabouts.
To figure out ALL the potential fits, just open your reloading manual (more better) and look at all the cases and wildcats that use the same bolt face and mag length. That is a huge number and most of these reamers are available to make up your dream barrel.
In my SA Savage, I have bolt heads for 223, 308 and magnum so I can install ANY cartridge based on these bolt heads that will also fit in a 3" mag. My guess is I have access to at least 60 options, probably more like 100.
When you get bored, just spin on another barrel and have fun.
So you can have a sporter hunting barrel, a small bore varmint zapper, a big bore dangerous game boomer. As long as they fit the bolt head and mag length, have at it.
Savage shooters have been doing this for years and loving it. The most barrels I have heard one owner have was 100 and counting.
Visit my website to get a feeling for the cost of the barrels. You can also look at the links for available chamberings from Shilen and McGowen.
We are still working on the supply of barrel nuts but I am sure this can be overcome if there is enough interest. Also, I am sure that making barrels will not be difficult as both already make barrels for Savage. The thread and other chamber cutting is not hugely different.
JEC, if you look at the reamer options, you will be pleased to see that most of the new desired match chambers are also available. Some can be tight neck too. Of course, not all options are available but the ones that make the most sense are.
So right now, the interest is about luke warm. I think most Rem owners aren't too comfy about swapping their own barrels as this concept is completely foreign.
However, if proper steps are taken, the barrel swap is safe and definitely easy to do.
Look forward to hear your thoughts and interest on the barrel nuts. The barrels themselves can be had. It is only the bulk purchase of barrel nuts, that I need to ensure interest for.
Let me know...
Jerry
