Adams and Bennett barrel?

[Jordan]

I'd like to build a 338-06 hunting rifle off of a military mauser action. I'm doing this project on the cheap and I'm not looking for sub-minute performance out of a barrel... but it needs to be hunting accurate. Say an HONEST 2.5" shooter.

Would I be satisfied with one of these cheap Adams and Bennett barrels I see advertised in Midway. Dang how good could they be for $80?
But they're reamed and threaded (short chambered)...

Any other suggestions? Remember, ON THE CHEAP!

 

[Sam]

It would only be cheaper on any given payday. By teh time you get done (assuming that you do get done) it will cost more than a good modern sporting rifle. And that uis without paying yourself any wages.

Sam

 

[Jordan]

So hows about those A&B barrels?

 

[Jim Watson]

All I know is that some of the folks on the Savage board say they are decent for the money. I don't think you would have any trouble getting better than 2.5 MOA, from what I have READ.

To really do it on the cheap you must have the knowhow and equipment to do it yourself. A good gunsmith probably makes less per hour than a plumber, but the hours add up turning a sow's ear into a silk purse.

 

[mrmeval]

http://t6aluminum.tripod.com/98mauserER.htm

http://t6aluminum.tripod.com/98Mauser_rebarrel.htm

If you absolutely want to do it, have fun. A full loadout of tools can cost you more than a submoa guaranteed rifle but you can build more rifles or sell the tools later.

 

[Jordan]

I've got the tools and the know-how.

I just wanted opinions on that barrel.

 

[BBBBill]

Good results

I, too, had reservations about a "cheap" barrel. I won't say that they are the equal of a Douglas XX, but I've seen very good results from the A&B barrels. I'm told by a reliable source that they are produced by one of the well known/respected barrel makers.

 

[Clemson]

The midway barrels are made by whomever has the lowest bid at the time. Names mentioned (by Midway) include Shaw and Wilson. I have used three of them. I must say that I have been very pleased with the quality. You can expect it to be as good as or better than the average factory barrel. One .257 Roberts on a Mauser shoots 1/2 inch groups. They are plenty good enough for hunting purposes.

Clemson

 

[Plink]

If I remember right, Adams and Bennett had some quality control issues a few years back. I don't know if they got them under control by now or not. I remember stories of excessive runout on some barrels and bad bores in others. If you buy one, check it over VERY thoroughly before installing it.

Isn't ER Shaw just another Adams and Bennett brand?

 

[SUBMOAS]

I purchased a AB Barrel in 338-06..

Next time I'll spend the right money for a good barrel. Barrel fouled up really bad. Had to spend the night cleanind it. I tried every load I could. Best group was 2" at 100 yards.
Took off the barrel and sold it. I will never buy another Adam barrel again.

Learn for other people mistakes and save your money...

 

[Jordan]

SUBMOAS: This is the kind of advice I'm looking for. What might a "next-best-thing" be? Still on the cheap end.. but a little better quality

 

[dfaugh]

Something to consider

...especially if you wanna go "on the cheap"....

I've built a Turk Mauser (retaining the military barrel--re-crowned and ported, that shoots 1.5 MOA or less, with S&B commercial ammo or handloads. I "scrounged" alot of part off various auction sites--total cost under $200 w/scope and mounts. I'm currently working on a 8mm-06 (which, with handloads is "stepping on the heals" of a .338 Win Mag (about 200 fps less, and can be reamed WITHOUT removing the barrel)). I'lll have less than $250 in this one (also including the scope).

In short, If you have decent rifling, you might consider sticking to the 8mm format, and the original barrel.

P.S. If you handload the selection of 8mm bullets is much better than it used to be, not much different than you'll find in .338

 

[waumo]

I have 4 A&B barrels installed on Savages. The worst one (308) is good for about 1 MOA @ 200 Yds. The best one (221 FB) is good for about 0.6 MOA @ 200 Yds. These are for 5 shot groups.

They all foul about like factory barrels I have used.

I'd say for the money the A&B barrels are generally a good deal. I've also heard of people who have gotten complete duds.

 

[Jordan]

Thanks gents! Sounds like they're on par with the unimpressive barrels that come on most factory offerings. I can handle that.

Interesting idea with the 8-06.

 

[micah_johnson_92]

I recently aquired a Ruger 10/22 with a Midway stainless steel Heavy Target barrel. Is the Midway brand built and sold by Midway USA? Are these expensive barrels?

 

[dirtyjim]

i have a a&b barrel in 220 swift & its very accurate with factory winchester 50gn psp ammo. it does get copper fouled a little sooner than other barrels but thats not a big problem. i originaly bought the barrel because i wanted a 220 swift & it was in stock. i figured if it didn't shoot i could turn it on gunbroker & get most of my money back. so far its holding up well.
i know another guy who has built 5 or 6 rifles with a&b barrels in everything from 22-250 to 338-06 & all of them average right at 1" or less @ 100yards.

 

[LLG6149]

Adams & Bennett

I purchased the Adams & Bennett barrel from Midway. I had a gunsmith cut and recrown it to 14" for use in my Ruger Charger. Using bulk ammo from Wal-Mart I am getting five round groups inside a 1/2" circle at 50 yds. I am very pleased with the barrel and excellent price.

 

[critter]

I have 3 A&B barrels all installed on M98 actions. One is in .270 and the other two are .35 Whelen. (All barrels purchased from Misway.) All 3 are well within your accuracy criteria. I am quite satisfied with them.

 

[Powersgt]

How about an update on your project, I am looking at doing a simular but not on cheap. I have already done 80% (safety, trigger, stock and receiver.) I have a Wilson .338 barrel uncut; from a gun smith out of NY and trying to finish other projects currently. It's on a 30-06 M98 rifle.

 

[dirtyjim]

i used a a&b blank on my 375 h&h and i'm very happy with it.
since its an open sight only rifle i was a little concerned about the sights having to be off center to get it on target but the sights are dead center.

 

[triggerman770]

Adams & Bennet barrels

if you break the barrel in there shouldn't be a fouling problem.
I use Jack Kreigers method on any barrel including A&B.
fire 1 shot-clean for 20 rounds. fire 3 shots- clean, for total of 21 shots
then fire a ten round string and clean and your barrel should clean with no copper left. this basically burnishes the barrel and irons out machine marks.
I've done this on AR15's;Savages;Mausers and others with good sucess.