Savage Barrel Swap Question

[New User]

I would like to swap a barrel on a Savage rifle and create a 7.62x39 bolt action rifle. If I purchased all of the parts and tools myself, how much would the whole deal cost me? I already have the rifle, by the way.

Thanks in advance.

 

[chevyforlife21]

as much as a new gun

 

[New User]

as much as a new gun

Thanks.

By the way, I think your shift key is broken.

 

[chevyforlife21]

haha but check brownells.com for barrels. what caliber is it originally?

 

[akolleth]

Okay you will need a barrel (around $100-150) a go gauge for 7.62x39 ($30), a barrel nut wrench ($40) and some way to secure the rifle such as a barrel vise.

Here is a link that explains the whole process. The hardest part really is just obtaining the parts-
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=39566

And here is a link to a guy who is selling custom made 7.62x39 barrels for savage ($100)
http://www.switchbarrel.com/SAV_SALE.htm

 

[R.W.Dale]

That switch barrel guy is a complete shiester, send him money at your own risk.

I have a 7.62x39 Stevens 200 and here's how it breaks down


CUSTOM ORDER. Shilen 7.62x39bbl. $320 (nobody stocks this caliber)
Northlander recoil lug. $30
Stevens 200 action in .223 $150
223 bolt face opened up $40
wrench $35
headspace gauge rental $15

also I spent hours of filing to get the extractor to the correct profile. But prolly the biggest hangup you need to know about is such a rifle WILL NOT feed ammo from the mag. My rifle is a single shot only proposition

 

[Bigfoot]

But prolly the biggest hangup you need to know about is such a rifle WILL NOT feed ammo from the mag. My rifle is a single shot only proposition

Krochus was your .223 Savage a staggerfeed magazine version like mine is? It's my understanding that the newer centerfeed magazine Savage/Stevens will feed oddball short cartridges like the 7.62x39, PPCs, BRs , etc. With the centerfeed magazines the cartridge is pushed straight forward into the chamber, some of them are even CRF, just about idiotproof. Until sometime this year all 223s used staggered magazines, and those mags wern't all that great at feeding even the .223. The OP didn't say what kind of Savage he has so hopefully he has or can get the newer magazine style.

 

[chevyforlife21]

yea listen to krokus a barrel is the price of a new gun

 

[benzy2]

The good prefits are in the low $300 range and factory take offs are a bit less than that. That $300+ gets you a top notch barrel. While you may be able to buy a different setup with the same money it won't have NEAR the quality barrel on it. Really the only cost is a barrel wrench if you buy one, a go gauge, a bolt face if it is different from the one you have, potentially a mag well, and the barrel itself. Its a simple process that can turn a lot of decent rifles into outstanding rifles without breaking the bank. It is a lot cheaper than getting any other rifle fit with a barrel from a similar manufacturer. If you are swapping into something such as .308 the go gauge will work for multiple other chambering as well if a different option is wanted down the road. I have been looking very seriously about getting another well used inexpensive Savage and swapping in a .260 barrel and a SSS stock. Should make for a great budget long range rifle.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Call this guy, he'll tell you all about it, and he sells ALL the stuff you need.

First class operation, honest and a great outfit to deal with.

We use this guy from time to time at the shop.

Sharp Shooters Supply (419) 695-3179

A good place to learn from http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/

Have fun!

 

[New User]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[chevyforlife21]

benzy made good points that shilen barrel will give you awesome accuracy

 

[627PCFan]

I switch barrels (223 to 6.5x55) 2x a year. Takes less than 10 minutes. The pain in the A is resighting the gun :banghead: