How to rebarrel a Savage action?

[steezo757]

Well my AR Whisper is complete, so now I've started a bolt gun build. I just paid for a used Savage 12BVSS which I should have in my hands by the end of next week.

This will be my first bolt gun...well second, if you count my little 22. But I'm totally new to working on/with bolt guns, so I apoligize ahead of time for my ignorance.

So now I'm in the process of finding a barrel for this rifle. I'm leaning towards Pac-Nor, but will exhaust all options before my final decision is made. Maybe Spook may still be in the barrel business.

So my question is, what is the procedure to change barrels on a Savage action? I found this procedure http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Gun...?p=0&t=1&i=540 but more details would be great.

I know that I can send the action out to have the work accomplished, but I'd prefer to do it myself for a couple reasons. First, could save a couple bucks here and there. And second, for my own self satisfaction. I enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together myself to fully understand the mechanics and construction of something. And (I don't know why I'd want too), but if I ever want to put the .223 barrel back on, I could.

What tools are required? Obviously a barrel vice, barrel nut wrench and a .221 Fireball head space gauge. Anything else? The barrel vice on Brownells is quite pricey. Are there any cheaper alternatives? For my ARs, I used old leather belts to wrap around the barrel to protect them when they're put in the vice.

In this thread (http://www.quarterbore.net/forums/sh...ight=headspace) 'skullworks' mentions to use the same brand headspace guage as you do reamer. What is this reamer he speaks of?

That's all the questions I have for now, but there'll probably be more to come. I'm still in the advanced planning stage mainly due to funding, but am hoping to having all my ducks in a row when it comes time to pull the trigger.

Any input/help will be appreciated.

[Gpz1100]

i've done 2 savage bolt actions in 300-221. 1 on a 12 bvss action and the other on a striker pistol action. what you've done for a barrel vise will work fine. the instructions in the link are all there is to it. it's very easy. i use an action wrench and get the same results. all can be had from midway. i bought 221 fireball go & no-go gages from clymer. they have reamers too. don't bother with the field gage. i got a barrel from pac nor(rifle) and mc gowen(pistol) already chambered for 300-221. if you are unsure about how much to tighten the nut i've been told 30-35 ft/p of torque is factory spec. wouldn't swear to it, but it works.

[Gpz1100]

hope you get the accu-trigger, their nice.

[steezo757]

About that reamer....If I purchase a barrel that's already prefitted for the Savage and chambered in .300 Whisper/Fireball, when will I need to use the reamer?

And of course it has the Accu-Trigger. I have it on my .22lr Savage and love it.

[Gpz1100]

i didn't. i think that's used when chambering

[Spook]

Steezo, When you get the barrel It'll already have a chamber...no need for the reamer...I've always headspaced Savage barrels with a piece of sized brass and it works just fine.
There's an article I wrote years ago on Savageshooters.com that gives barrel change instructions with photos.....Piece of cake once you've done it a time or two.
I've built dozens of Savage/Whispers and find the action and cartridge to be an excellent match up, particularly with regard to feeding/ejecting.

[Gpz1100]

[steezo757]

DonT, thanks for the e-mail

Originally Posted by Spook

Steezo, When you get the barrel It'll already have a chamber...no need for the reamer...I've always headspaced Savage barrels with a piece of sized brass and it works just fine.
There's an article I wrote years ago on Savageshooters.com that gives barrel change instructions with photos.....Piece of cake once you've done it a time or two.
I've built dozens of Savage/Whispers and find the action and cartridge to be an excellent match up, particularly with regard to feeding/ejecting.

Thanks for responding. I'm definitely going to look up that article. By chance, do you have any .300 Whisper barrels laying around?

Originally Posted by Gpz1100

[Spook]

Steezo, I'm away on vacation for the next few days....I think I have a blank on order but I'll check it out when I return ....how soon would you need one?

[steezo757]

Originally Posted by Spook

Steezo, I'm away on vacation for the next few days....I think I have a blank on order but I'll check it out when I return ....how soon would you need one?

I'm looking to find one soon, but it doesn't have to be tomorrow. I actually have some items for sale on another site, in order to fund this barrel. Hopefully those items move fairly quick. Let's continue this conversation offline...PM inbound.

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Here's what just came in Today. I bought it for $530 shipped. It looks brand new. Now it's "OFF WITH THE BARREL!!!"