browningguy
Member
Ok, somepeople won't think it's real gunsmithing because it was really isntalling a new barrel on a Savage. But for someone who is as mechanically inept as me it feel's like quite an accomplishment.
It's a Savage 12 FV in .243, it has a Sharpshooter Supply L-VT pillar bedded stock that I installed about 18 months ago and has the standard accutrigger (still haven't even adjusted this from new). I added a 20 MOA base for the Weaver Grand Slam 6-20 scope, and installed a stainless Lothar Walther .243 Winchester barrel, 8 twist, 28" long. I used a home made barrel vise made from a couple of pieces of 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 oak, I purchased a Savage barrel nut wrench and go gauge from Midway. It's such a simple job, if I can do it anyone can do it.
And here is a pic of the barrel vise while removing the original barrel. I had two holes in the bench where I mount a woodworking jig so I sized everything to fit those holes. Two 1/2" x 5" grade 8 bolts with nuts and washers was all it took. My barrel was on very tight, could not budge it even with an extension handle on the wrench, but a few gentle taps with a 3 pound maul and it spun right off.
The LW barrel is very nice, an excellent finish and it cleans up so much easier than the factory barrel. SO far I have just had it out twice to try some different loads and am very happy with the results with both 68 gr. Berger FB and 95 gr. Berger VLD's.
It's a Savage 12 FV in .243, it has a Sharpshooter Supply L-VT pillar bedded stock that I installed about 18 months ago and has the standard accutrigger (still haven't even adjusted this from new). I added a 20 MOA base for the Weaver Grand Slam 6-20 scope, and installed a stainless Lothar Walther .243 Winchester barrel, 8 twist, 28" long. I used a home made barrel vise made from a couple of pieces of 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 oak, I purchased a Savage barrel nut wrench and go gauge from Midway. It's such a simple job, if I can do it anyone can do it.
And here is a pic of the barrel vise while removing the original barrel. I had two holes in the bench where I mount a woodworking jig so I sized everything to fit those holes. Two 1/2" x 5" grade 8 bolts with nuts and washers was all it took. My barrel was on very tight, could not budge it even with an extension handle on the wrench, but a few gentle taps with a 3 pound maul and it spun right off.
The LW barrel is very nice, an excellent finish and it cleans up so much easier than the factory barrel. SO far I have just had it out twice to try some different loads and am very happy with the results with both 68 gr. Berger FB and 95 gr. Berger VLD's.