who should i have rebarrel my gun

yotehunter243

New member
i just purcheased a used (60 rounds fired) Winchester model 70 in 223wssm and i have read all the reviews and comments on this gun and caliber. I knew what i was buying going into the deal but i have other plans for it. This is going to be strictly a calling rig. I have limited knowledge of haveing guns rebarreled. So what brand Barrel should i go with?
 
How fast do you want to go? Or, what's your budget, and what do you want for your money? Stainless or blued, bughole groups or just sub-MOA, etc. There are any number of 'good' barrel makers, and some 'really good' barrel makers.

I would recommend finding a gunsmith that you trust and discuss what you want to do and what your budget will allow. See what he recommends, and if you're comfortable with that, go for it. I can recommend a couple of smiths that specialize in precision rifles, but you may not need that level of accuracy.

For a hunting rifle, I would personally use an E.R. Shaw, Douglas or Shilen barrel. For a varmint rifle, I might use a Pac-Nor or Shilen. For a benchrest rig, a Shilen, Krieger, or Lilja. It just depends on what I expect out of the completed rifle. I've got barrels from all those and a couple of other makers, and they all shoot very accurately - for what their intended purpose is. The person that installs the barrel is at least as important as who made it. A hack can ruin an exceptional barrel when installing it, and a very good smith can make a mediocre barrel really shine.
 
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I got $1500 dollar budget for scope and barrel. Not looking to spend it all but thats what I got. I have a shilen on an AR and love it. Im wanting to shoot 50-60 gr bullets and want accurate as I can get and still not be heavy
 
I got $1500 dollar budget for scope and barrel. Not looking to spend it all but thats what I got. I have a shilen on an AR and love it. Im wanting to shoot 50-60 gr bullets and want accurate as I can get and still not be heavy
 
How inaccurate is the barrel on it now? I have the same rifle, and it would not shoot factory ammo worth a darn.
 
Macs guns Talk to Chuck 307-689-2796. Great guy and knows guns. He built 2 for me. They way out shoot me.

Eric Wallce 406-925-3947 he is fast and good. He lives just north of you in MI. Hes built one gun for me and is starting on one more.
 
I sent my win 70 to douglas barrels for a new barrel a few years ago. They did the fitting and all in house for me and turn around was very quick. I would not hesitate to sent another their way if I needed it. I think I was there and back for all under $500 and the gun shoots lights out. That gives you $1000 for glass!
 
I personally think the gunsmith is more important than the make of barrel.

With names like Shilen, Pac-Nor, Krieger, Douglas, Lilja, Brux, Broughton, Lothar Walther, Rock Creek, etc, etc... You really can't go wrong with any of them, especially if you're building a calling rifle.

As for gunsmiths, I've heard nothing but good things from:
http://www.gretanrifles.com/
http://www.weaverrifles.com/
http://greensrifles.com/

I have a gun right now at Bob Green and he has been nothing but a complete gentleman to work with.
 
I personally would shoot the gun first. You may not like it and end up with a custom you can't sell. The WSSM may not be your huckleberry...
 
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