Thread: Switch barrel : any experience ?

Thanks Dean.

Entire project budget is less than $500.

Got second barrel for $100 from a mate
Around $250 for re-thread, chamber and crown
Maybe $50 for materials to make up barrel vice and action wrench.

Believe me, it took me long enough to find a lefty action/rifle, i keep a close watch on TM, most are well over $750.

I hear what you say about re-zero, not a major issue for me, 10 minutes to local range, and I have flexible work setup, so not a hassle to pop down.

Would you recommend pinned or alignment block for the lug ?

Originally Posted by ebf

Thanks Dean.

Entire project budget is less than $500.

Got second barrel for $100 from a mate
Around $250 for re-thread, chamber and crown
Maybe $50 for materials to make up barrel vice and action wrench.

Believe me, it took me long enough to find a lefty action/rifle, i keep a close watch on TM, most are well over $750.

I hear what you say about re-zero, not a major issue for me, 10 minutes to local range, and I have flexible work setup, so not a hassle to pop down.

Would you recommend pinned or alignment block for the lug ?

Rem 788 LH action and only $500 to spend - wow, that's a big ask!

Unfortunately it's not a lefty's world, and with less options it means you just have to pay what ever is required if you want quality. Rem788 is pretty much the bottom tier of action you could get. Even a LH Savage would probably be better - as it least you can still get parts for those.

For a switch barrel rifle it would be most ideal to first select an action with an integral recoil lug (i.e. Howa, Sako, Win70, etc.) and avoid any of the 'sandwich/washer recoil lug set-ups, as this only creates a major potential issue. Even with a 'pin' installed the lug it can still squew off alignment a bit, which could then affect the bedding, shoulder seat, etc.

Professionally, this sort of job i would give a very wide berth. But for a home project, if you could first find a way to make the recoil lug integral to the action (so that it will never move) then you will have overcome one hurdle. Still i shudder at the thought of a Rem788 action though, especially for a project such as this. But if you're on a budget........

D.