There are several reasons for re-barreling a rifle. This article will look at some of the reasons you might want to re-barrel a rifle as well as considerations for the choice of a new barrel, and the process involved in putting a new barrel on a rifle.

Reasons for Re-barreling

One of the most obvious reasons to consider re-barreling is that the original barrel is worn out. A high round count and a lack of cleaning or improper cleaning methods are probably the most significant causes of barrel wear. All barrels can eventually become worn to the point that performance declines. Barrels which have excessively hot loads shot through them can become worn or shot out fairly quickly. Sometimes a really thorough cleaning can restore accuracy, but barrels will all wear out eventually.

Other reasons for re-barreling a rifle are that you want to change the rifle to a different caliber. Sometimes a barrel change is needed because you want to be able to shoot specific bullets. Some rifles originally had barrels with a twist rate that stabilized bullets adequately until the shooter decides they really want to shoot long, heavy for caliber bullets. These bullets require a different rifling twist to stabilize them than shorter bullets do. Long very low drag bullets have become very popular in the last few years as shooters look to be able to shoot at longer ranges. However, if you shoot these bullets in rifles that don’t have the proper twist to stabilize them, the advantage of the longer bullets may not be obtainable. Weight reduction can be achieved by re-barreling with a smaller contour barrel, a fluted barrel, or a carbon fiber barrel. If better accuracy is desired a premium barrel made by any of several quality barrel makers might be a reason to re-barrel.

Considerations for Barrel Choice

Today there are so many choices in barrels that it might seem overwhelming. Quality might be one of the first priorities. This may be one of the easier decisions to make since there are several different barrel makers turning out barrels of very good quality. Reviews and opinions are easy to access in the electronic age. While everyone has opinions and preferences, a good amount of data can be accessed on most every barrel maker. Not every fine barrel has to cost as much as the farm. Research is going to be an important element in choosing a quality barrel. If weight is a priority, there are carbon fiber barrels, fluted barrels, skinny barrels, short barrels etc. Durability is another factor that might be considered. Stainless steel barrels have an advantage of corrosion resistance for instance. Carbon fiber barrels and fluted barrels have an advantage in dissipating heat. What the rifle is going to be used for will have an influence on barrel choice. A rifle for hunting in brush will be best with a shorter lighter barrel while a rifle for long range shooting would be better with a longer stiffer barrel. When considering what barrel is going to serve your needs best, list your priorities, do some research, and decide what compromises are acceptable.

The Process of Installing Your New Barrel.

While there are barrels for certain rifles that come ready to screw into the receiver and head spaced, many 0f the barrels will have to be squared, threaded, cut to length, chambered and crowned.

These pictures show some of the steps in getting a new barrel ready to install. As with a lot of other things, attention to detail and having the right tools is a requirement. With all of the different options available re-barreling a rifle can not only give you a gun with a perfect chamber and bore, but also make a rifle into a gun that meets your personal requirements.

Craig, at Craig’s Outdoor Sports can help you find the best barrel for your re-barreling project and get it put together on your rifle. He will be able to discuss what options are available for your rifle.

Warning

Since Craig’s Outdoor Sports has no control over the use of the information in this article, any use of any information contained in this article is the responsibility of the reader and user of any information in this article. Building firearms can present many hazards and injury and should only be done by trained professionals.

“

.