ER Shaw rifle barrels??

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pyscodog

Active member
My 788 in 243 win just doesn't seem to like any of my hand loads. Meaning anything less than an inch is/has not happened yet so I'm considering a new barrel. I know the 788 is probably not a top choice for a custom build but I have three 700 custom builds and the 788 is such a cool little rifle that I figured What the heck, fix it up a bit. The cost of the Shaw barrels kinda matchs the value of the rifle.So...that being said, hows the accuracy? The 788 is a carbine model so the barrel will be cut to the same length but in a magnum sporter contour.
On a side note, if any of you have a aftermarket 243 barrel threaded and chambered for the 788, I would be interested in it.
 
I have five centerfire rifles with aftermarket barrels. Three of them are Shaw barrels and two of those will shoot groups just as tight as my Krieger and CBI barreled guns will. Consistently. The last Shaw was in .221 Fireball that I got on sale from Midway and truthfully just haven't spent that much time working up a load for it yet. I just got the barrel threaded for my suppressor so come springtime I hope that it will be shooting the half inch groups like the others will.

My longest prairie dog kills ever were with a ER Shaw barrel that I paid $150 for. And that price included a set of go/no-go gauges and a Savage barrel wrench! Talk about a bargain!

I would say that a Shaw barrel would do you very well. For sure, I am a fan of them.
 
Good to know Rustydust. Did you do the install? If all the rifles were Savage, I expect you did. I will probably need a smith or just send it to them.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogGood to know Rustydust. Did you do the install? If all the rifles were Savage, I expect you did. I will probably need a smith or just send it to them.

Well, I bought an AR-15 upper from Model 1 with the Shaw already on it. And one was a .223 Remington barrel originally that I had rechambered to .223 AI and the guy that did the rechambering did the install. I am holding that one in my avatar. The .221 Furball I borrowed a set of go/no-go gauges from a friend and installed it myself. I have no clue as to what it takes to rebarrel that 788 (really neat rifle!) but wouldn't be surprised if that was a gunsmith job. Maybe Youtube?
 
I can buy it chambered and threaded, but it will need to be head spaced and that will require a smith. Not sure if they do the 788 but I know they will cut threads for the 700. I guess I need to make a phone call.
 
I've had shaw do a few rifle arrel installs and they all came out great. Your gonna get good and bad reviews but I've had nothing but good to say about them. Im not sure how the 788 RECIEVER differs from the 700 but I'm sure it would be no issue for any competent smith to do
 
I have also rebarreled 5 Savages w/Er shaw bbls. As stated above they also shoot as well as my CBI/BHW/Benchmark barrels.
 
Shaw barrels work fine. I have barrels several actions with them and no issues. It's been a while since a worked on a 788 but I want to say it is the same thread as the 700...1 1/16" X 16.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogI know the 788 is probably not a top choice for a custom build .

I know a few people who would strongly disagree with this statement. Sounds awesome and let us know how your build goes.
 
I had a shaw barreled AR from model 1 that was an awesome shooter. I also have a Shaw on my 300WM and it shoots really well too. I did have a second 16" M4gery with a Shaw and it would shoot around an inch. My accuracy standards are higher then most folks. If you want to be completely sure it's a tack driver I'd pay for a bigger name brand. If your on a budget and will be happy with sub MOA I think shaw will work well for you. It may shoot better but I'd atleast expect sub MOA out of it with a shaw.
 
Originally Posted By: msincShaw barrels work fine. I have barrels several actions with them and no issues. It's been a while since a worked on a 788 but I want to say it is the same thread as the 700...1 1/16" X 16.

Can't remember the thread pitch off hand but its different than the 700. Fine threads IIRC.
 
My only Shaw barrel was just bought from Midway for $128. It is installed on a Savage Model 11 and shooting well. I am still in the load development stage, but groups are looking good so far. The finish is much better than what came on my factory Savage.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogOriginally Posted By: msincShaw barrels work fine. I have barrels several actions with them and no issues. It's been a while since a worked on a 788 but I want to say it is the same thread as the 700...1 1/16" X 16.

Can't remember the thread pitch off hand but its different than the 700. Fine threads IIRC.

You are correct...the barrel thread is 1"X20tpi
 
I ordered a 24" sporter contour in 20 vt and was told 8-12 weeks. It was at my door in about 8 weeks. This was for a savage, with a plastic stock and 2.5 lb. trigger. I just wanted to see for myself how they would shoot. So far I have shot 32, 35 and 39 gr bullets and they are all about 3/4" to 1". Some groups were bigger but this is not meant to be a bench gun. Hope this helps.
 
It depends when you order. I know I've had some turn a little faster but normally is 6 months. Depending on caliber you can go to gunshack.com and get one in 26" in about 4-5 days
 
Mine was around a year+ turn around if I went straight to ER, started as in stock at midway and then a 9 month wait (around there anyways), and now are regularly in stock at midway. This was in the middle of the latest shortage though, it's supposed to have gotten better.
 
Put a Shaw heavy magnum contour barrel in 6.5x55 on a Stevens 200. While not my most accurate rifle, its accuracy is satisfactory to me and would not hesitate to buy another one.

A fellow range member installed a Shaw barrel on one of his benchrest rifles very recently. He is quite pleased with his.
 


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