Steezo757,
To answer you questions:
DonT, am I understanding you correctly? I can buy a Savage .308 rifle, use the stock and action as a host for other calibers. Of course the .300 Whisper/Fireball round, but could I also use a .223 barrel using the proper bolt face in the .308 host?
Yup that is pretty much it. You might need to add a .223 folower (about $10) and as you said the bolt head.
And when I want to change out barrels, simply undo the barrel nut and install another barrel? (That's what I used to do with my ARs until I went with the MGI setup ). Don't the Savage models have internal magazines? Will the .308 internal magazine need to be swapped out as well?
It isn't quite as easy as the MGI (had one and it don't get any easier than that) but it isn't too hatefull either. I don't beleive there is any change needed to the mag well other than possibly the follower. All that I have done were .223 to .300 whisper. It is my understanding the short action is short action for all calibers with the exception of the bolt head, long action the same way.
M21black has a point but here here are some things to consider:
Get a qood quality scope with repeatability. Site the rifle barrel in before removing and witness mark it so you can bring it back to that point if you reinstall. When you install the whisper barrel count the clicks to zero it and write them down and put them with the other barrel. Now you have a way to get you very very close to zero when you change out the barrel again. If you had an MGI upper on your AR then I am sure you are accustom to doing this with your various calibers now.
In either case you are likely going to buy a complete rifle then convert it. With the savage vs. others you have the "option" to go back if you don't like the whisper, and some folks don't after they have made the change. With the savage the change could be done by you if you choose in less than an hours or so. BUT if you go remington, CZ or Winchester it is likely that you are going to have to take it to a gunsmith to have it done and around here that can take 3 weeks to 6 months depending on the smith.
There is no Right answer only a whole bunch of possibilities
DonT
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