Drop in Barrel for Savage, what one?

[jpwilly]

I'm in the market for a new drop in varmint contour for my Savage Mod 10. Thinking about changing from .308 to 7mm-08, 260 Rem, .243 etc.

I can get an ER Shaw from Midway for $137 they also sell the Shilen for $319

Anyone here have recent experience with E.R. Shaw barrels care to share.

Any other first hand recommendations for other barrel makers are welcome.

I'm looking for a stainless 24"-26" barrel that shoots sub MOA and is easy to clean. I shoot mostly Prone & Bench target 200yrds - 600yrds and will be hunting yotes from time to time as well.

What Caliber and Barrel would you recommend. Would like to complete the swap myself for $300-400max. I have the tools.

\If ER Shaw offers 90% of a Shilen for 1/3 the price should I just go that way?

 

[R.W.Dale]

\If ER Shaw offers 90% of a Shilen for 1/3 the price should I just go that way?

in my experience a Shaw will do that.

Now if you want to chase those last few tenths off of sub .5" groups then you'll want a higher end tube.



sometimes you can find the NOS shaw "kits" that get you HS gauges and a wrench. Google is your friend there

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=...87_a_7c3466_a_7c100004285_d_100002798_d_10901

 

[jpwilly]

Thanks RW, Anyone else?

 

[Ghost Tracker]

If you're a 600 yard shooter with a $400 budget, why wouldn't you get the Shilen? I've never shot a Shaw, but I've never been disappointed with any of my 4-5 Shilen barrels.

 

[LoonWulf]

If you can afford the shilen, id dont see a reason not to get one. On the other hand i have a 700adl rebarreld and worked over by the folks at ER shaw that shoots great, all for the cost of less then a stainless shilen.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Shaw is a good OE grade bbl. Having one is similar to buying a factory rifle for target shooting which is what most folks do

 

[lonestardiver]

Head over to savageshooters.com
look up the vendor northland shooters supply
what ever he carries...they have many in stock and an excellent reputation.

 

[kludge]

For "prone, bench to 600yd, and coyotes" I'd go with the .260 Rem or 6.5 Creedmoor since it will have a little less recoil than the 7mm-08. No the coyotes don't need it, but i think the 6.5mm will do a little better than the 6mm at 600 yards.

Look at McGowen for a Savage barrel. I had mine made to my specifications and installed for less than $300. It's a hunting rifle and shoots 1/2 groups (3-shots), and it's SO easy to clean. I may never buy another factory rifle again.

Look at Dave Manson for go/no-go gauges.

 

[jpwilly]

Okay great feedback so far thanks.

Barrels at the top of the list:
McGowen $260
Shilen $319

Maybe?:
ER Shaw $137


I'm leaning toward 260 Rem over 6.5 Creedmore since I could resize my 308 brass (I have plenty) and has more case capacity.

Anyone shooting 260 Rem care to share experiences?

 

[ChrisMG]

If ER Shaw's barrels in other calibers are anything like their 10/22 barrels you are good to go.

 

[JDGray]

I was all gigged up to buy a Criterion .308 barrel for my 10FP, but ended up with a Shilen Select Match....Very good shooter! 1 splash mark at 300yrds on my steel target, with round after round after round hitting the same spot.
http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php?board=64.0

 

[WYcoyote]

Other very good Savage prefits can be had from Benchmark and Pac-nor.
I went with a Benchmark for my 6.5-.284. Shot a 2 7/8" 3 shot group at 700 yds.