Guidance on choosing a new barrel or new rifle

[yakimanoob]

Anytime someone is super focused on an 'ultralight' rifle, I always think they should just spend more time in the gym and either lose the couple pounds they're hoping to save, or gain a couple pounds of muscle so the can carry a normal rifle that shoots better than an ultralight.

I'm already a fitness god and you can't prove otherwise

 

[yakimanoob]

Anytime someone is super focused on an 'ultralight' rifle, I always think they should just spend more time in the gym and either lose the couple pounds they're hoping to save, or gain a couple pounds of muscle so the can carry a normal rifle that shoots better than an ultralight.

But seriously I agree 100%. It's still fun to have nice toys though!

 

[std7mag]

After carrying around an 8-9lb rifle all through my youth, and middle years, I've come to really appreciate a lighter rifle.

They aren't that welcoming to shoot from the bench, but that's not what they are intended to do.

When you're lugging a pack with a water bladder, knife, binoculars, range finder, food, maybe a spotting scope and tripod, first aid kit, and other essentials.
Heck, here in the east you may have a climber, or saddle stand and sticks with you also.
The 2-3lbs you save on rifle weight doesn't seem like all that much from the outside.
But it carries better, and makes a HUGE difference as you put miles away from the truck!!

Plus let's face reality. While hunting your rifle is mostly being carried, with one or two shots being taken, IF we are lucky!

 

[Dubz337]

Everybody complaining about the difference between an 8lb rifle and a 10lb rifle should really invest in one of these


can carry whatever all day with this

 

[yakimanoob]

lol I love how this has already devolved to arguing about the merits of ultralight rifles.

 

[mtmuley]

lol I love how this has already devolved to arguing about the merits of ultralight rifles.

If you like the rest of the rifle, just rebarrel. Was faced with kind of the same situation. Bought a barrel. Do what is best for you. mtmuley

 

[p_ham]

Hey folks!

I've never been quite satisfied with the accuracy of my Savage 16 LWH with the factory 20" 1:9.5 7mm-08 barrel, and have been looking at new barrel options. As much as I'd love to drop $1000+ on a premium tube, it's hard to stomach that in light of all the great guns that can be bought for the same or less $$. It looks like I could put together a fluted criterion barrel from NSS for less than $700, or a carbon barrel from Oregon Mountain Rifles for a little less than $800.

Does anyone on here have experience with either of those, and do you recommend them?

Or do you think I'd be better served investing in a new rifle from the get-go?

I won't be getting rid of the Savage either way, as it was my first hunting rifle and a birthday gift from my wife, but even if I can find a handload with good accuracy, the pencil barrel seriously limits my ability to practice before the barrel gets scalding hot.

Whether with this rifle or a new one, the long-term goal is an ultralight backpack hunting rifle with a folding stock. In that sense, this whole project long-term has a $3k price limit, because if I'm going to spend that, I'll just buy a new Savage Ultralight Elite.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your advice!

Those Criterion barrels shoot really well. Look into X-Caliber and Preferred also. I'd stay away from carbon unless you like the look.

 

[yakimanoob]

Those Criterion barrels shoot really well. Look into X-Caliber and Preferred also. I'd stay away from carbon unless you like the look.

Thanks p_ham. When it comes time to actually spend any money on this idea, I'll reach out directly.

 

[std7mag]

I’ve had good experiences with Shaw barrels. Probably run you about $600 installed.

I've gotten 4 different E.R. Shaw barrels over the years.
For a hunting rifle, they do just fine.

One note I will make about Shaw barrels.
Their bluing is a thing of beauty!!!

 

[deer_shooter]

I've gotten 4 different E.R. Shaw barrels over the years.
For a hunting rifle, they do just fine.

One note I will make about Shaw barrels.
Their bluing is a thing of beauty!!!

I have 4 also. All shoot really well for me.

 

[Eagle376]

For under $2000 and at the right places for under $1500 you can get a Sako s20 which shoots lights out.

 

[psinclair]

Or you could snag one of these.....

As close to a custom build as you'll ever find.

 

[std7mag]

@yakimanoob,

I know you posted this in May.
Rereading it, I have some questions.
But for now I'll ask, did you get another barrel yet?

 

[yakimanoob]

@yakimanoob,

I know you posted this in May.
Rereading it, I have some questions.
But for now I'll ask, did you get another barrel yet?

Haven't made any moves yet, and won't for some time. This thread is mostly about planning/budgeting for the future.

What questions do you have?

 

[Darkside]

Howdy, if you would like to get another barrel for your Savage. E.A.B.C.O has barrels chambered, threaded and ready.
You just spin the old off and spin a new one on, get headspace gauges go - no go. And save your money for that one your wanting. Hope this helps.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

What barrels does Eat A Booty Co chamber?

 

[Darkside]

Cristron. I might have misspelled the name.
E. Author Brown Co. eabco.com

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Cristron. I might have misspelled the name.
E. Author Brown Co. eabco.com

I'm joking. That's just what comes to mind when i see EABCO. I'm pretty sure thats where I bought a tuned up encore frame a while back.

Google suggests they used green mountain barrel blanks at one time, not sure if that's still the case. Nice pricepoint on those barrels for sure, less than just a premium blank.

 

[Horseman]

I had a local guy rebarrel a m700 with a standard chrome moly shilen 26” barrel, no fluting. I think it was almost half the price of Shilen’s premium or benchrest line. With a good bedding job and a 2lb trigger my $600 Shilen barrel shoots 1/4 moa.

 

[Jbotto]

I have rebarreled with both a Criterion and an ER Shaw on a savage. Both accurate but that criterion is smooth! Pushing a correct-sized patch down the barrel requires little effort when compared to a Savage factory barrel or the ER Shaw. Cleans up really easy too!