Barrel Change on Remington 700

[Charles S]

Barrel Change on Remington 700.

I have a Remington 700 BDL 30-06 that I use as a general purpose hunting rifle. In the past, the majority of my hunting was stand hunting with typical shots of 200-300 yards. When I originally purchased this rifle I had a muzzle brake installed, the barrel floated and the action bedded, and I have had some trigger work. The stock is original and the rifle has a 3.5-10 Vari-X III scope on it. I have moved from Central Texas to East Texas and my style of hunting has changed. I am now hunting in timber from shorter stands. I am doing a lot of still hunting. I use my ears now when I hunt and I have decided that I really don’t like the muzzle brake.

If I have the muzzle brake removed I will be left with a 20.5 inch barrel and I would prefer to have a longer barrel. I guess I am looking at having a new barrel installed.

I do not need match grade accuracy 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards are fine with me, although I would prefer the magical one inch groups.

I really don’t want to invest a great deal of money in this rifle, but I want the job done correctly. I have killed a lot of game with this rifle and it has a great deal of sentimental value.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I appreciate your input.

Charles

 

[critter]

I think the 20.5" barrel would be fine for your uses. I used to hunt in timber with a Rem 742 in 30-06 with an 18" barrel. It was accurate enough and generated plenty of horsepower even from the short barrel.

I believe your accuracy and energy will still be fine. It will be only marginally louder than a longer barrel such as a normal 22" barrel. I guess a 26" one would be a little less harsh on your ears though.

If the noise is your only problem, why not try some 'ear valve' type hearing protection or even the electronic type that enhance your hearing but shut out loud noises. Even they, though expensive, might be cheaper than a new barrel.

Good luck with the project.

 

[Al Thompson]

Given your parameters, McGowen Rifle Barrels sounds good. Their prices for installing a barrel are great and the ones I've seen shoot very well.

 

[WYO]

If you go to forums such as 24 Hour Campfire (www.24hourcampfire.com) or Accurate Reloading (www.accuratereloading.com) you frequently can find factory takeoff barrels at reasonable prices in the classified sections. A lot of these barrels have never been fired, as they come off guns that were acquired for the actions for upcoming projects. I think EBay also has a lot of barrels. A gunsmith should be able to fit the barrel for a reasonable price.