Barrel Fluting/Chopping/Recrowning

[Pancho Villa]

Hey all,

Does anyone know of a gunsmith who does good, reasonably priced work on chopping a barrel down, recrowning it and fluting it?

What kind of prices should I be looking for? Whats too much?

[GunTroll]

Fluting will cost you. The rest is relatively inexpensive. If your barrel is small in diameter it may not even be able to be fluted.

[ChunkyMonkey]

buy a new barrel for about the same cost.

[Pancho Villa]

A quick look makes me think that this barrel is 0.685" wide at the muzzle.

What is the minimum barrel width that is safe for use in .308?

Edit: Also, does anyone know a good maker of barrels? Looking for a 19", thin-as-is-safe .308 barrel.

[GunTroll]

If its that savage you got then look at midayusa or brownells to find a pre threaded replacement barrel if your going on the cheap. Don't know of sizes but if you get one get a gunsmith to headspace it for you! REAL IMPORTANT to do that!

[Dinosdeuce]

A quick look makes me think that this barrel is 0.685" wide at the muzzle.

What is the minimum barrel width that is safe for use in .308?

Edit: Also, does anyone know a good maker of barrels? Looking for a 19", thin-as-is-safe .308 barrel.

Pancho,

I had a custom light weight rifle made at High Tech Custom in 7mmWSM
http://www.htcustoms.com/index.php

I have a Lilja fluted barrel that is about as thin a taper you can get and still flute. Talk with Rich and he will let you know how much is too much. You will pay going this route but it will be right. If you want more info pm me. If you get in touch with Richtell him Gary sent you.

[sniper7]

If its that savage you got then look at midayusa or brownells to find a pre threaded replacement barrel if your going on the cheap. Don't know of sizes but if you get one get a gunsmith to headspace it for you! REAL IMPORTANT to do that!

yeah...where is the video of that hunting rifle blowing up when the guy goes to shoot a bull!!!!
not the same circumstances, but you will get the point!

[GunTroll]

Look up kreiger barrels. I believe they list some info on contours and weight on their site. When I spoke to a tech there I believe he told me they will flute down to a #3 or 4 contour but no lower contours. When you look at the weight savings at these contours....you just pay for the cool looking fluting, heat dispersing and blah blah blah. You don't need it for what I assume you are doing with this rifle. And $$$$ will be spent. Better off just getting a real custom rifle made exactly how you want it.

[Pancho Villa]

Thansk for all the help guys.

I had a guy who heard of my plight actually contact me and offer to send me an ultralight .308 barrel, for free no less. #1 contour I believe. I am very grateful to him. One of the reasons that shooting is the greatest hobby to have, period - so many very generous, friendly people.