Choosing a .308 barrel questions...

[EMWONAY]

I'm going to be building a .308 on a Mauser 98 action. This will be my first build, so I am pretty green. I am going to be buying a barrel for it, but I would like some suggestions or ideas about what exactly to buy. Things like what barrel length, rate of twist, etc. Also, would like suggestions for barrel manufactures that would make the type of barrel I'm looking for. I am willing to spend up to 200 dollars for it. But, I could be convinced to spend more should there be justification to do so. So any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[redneck2]

I would suggest talking with the barrel mfg's

They will ask you...

Intended purpose

Anticipated weight of bullets

The stock you intend to use (contour)

There are lots of contours, materials, fluting options, etc.

FWIW...$200 isn't going to buy much of a custom barrel, and you're going to have to find a gunsmith to install it, which will just about double the price.

A custom rifle costs at least twice what a factory rifle would, and is worth about half as much when you're done. I own several.

 

[EMWONAY]

Thank you redneck2. I guess I should have put a little thought into the quality I was expecting for the money I was willing to put out.

So are there any particular pre-made or stock barrels that would be ones to look out for?

 

[EMWONAY]

Thank you redneck2. I guess I should have put a little thought into the quality I was expecting for the money I was willing to put out.

So are there any particular pre-made or stock barrels that would be ones to look out for?

 

[Jim Watson]

E. R. Shaw will sell you a decent CM barrel for $155, SS for $225; contoured, chambered and threaded.

Do you have or plan to get a barrel vise, action wrench, chamber reamer, and headspace gauges? Plus expertise in their use.

If not, they will put it on for $75 and blue the CM for $95 to $105 depending on how shiny you want it polished.