Thread: Switch barrel : any experience ?

Originally Posted by Woody

I own a Schultz and Larsen 308 Classic dl (which is a switch barrel rifle). I have a 21inch standard profile barrel and a jaktmatch fluted sporting /hunting barrel at 25 inches. Shoots very well and the original rifle less than 3 g. I saw one in 6.5*55 in Outdoorsman Rotorua the other day for about $2700. Extra barrels about $1500 last time I asked James Pain. I think Sauer also offer a switch barrel option.

Nice looking rifle. What do you do to run calibers with different head sizes?

Originally Posted by Blaser

Nice looking rifle. What do you do to run calibers with different head sizes?

I use 308 in both barrels; however the same bolt will accept about a dozen different cartridges of similar base diameter. S&L offer various magazine stops to accommodate varying cartridge lengths and also an alternative bolt to accommodate a range of magnum calibres. One might question the advantage OF HAVING A SWITCH BARREL INSTEAD OF TWO SEPERATE RIFLES, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY THE EXTRA BARREL AND PERHAPS MAG AND BOLT costs less than a whole extra rifle and scope. The Schultz and Larsen are not a lightweight rifle, mine weighs over 8 lbs, but very well made and finished. The barrels are machined such that the 3 lug bolt head locks inside the barrel when the rifle is loaded so headspace is consistent. Mine will shoot 1/2 moa groups with handloads from either barrel so it is at least as accurate as my Sako 85 but in my opinion the S&L is a better finished rifle. S&L have a web site and I seem to recall a page on there which describes the barrel, calibre, magazine and bolt options. For instance, if I were to purchase a magnum bolt and magazine AND A 7MM MAGNUM BARREL, I COULD FIT THESE TO MY EXISTING RECIEVER AND STOCK IN ABOUT 5 MINUTES. (sOrry about the capitals, I keep hitting the caps lock by mistake) There are also several higher grades of rifles and stocks, as with other brands, available. I can only speak from my own experience, but I am very happy with mine.