I recently picked up a 1960s Browning Safiri Grade bolt rifle in 300 Winchester mag. It is based on a factory FN Mauser Action. I noticed that it has a substantial recoil lug mounted to the barrel. I am in the process of having it rebarreled as the original barrel had some pitting and the question came up about whether the recoil lug was really needed. It is likely going to have a negative impact from an accuracy standpoint but the question as to whether it was required.

Anybody have experience as to whether this is needed?

A barrel recoil lug is used to keep the system inside the stock on large recoiling rifles. I think a plastic bedding can de better than a second recoil lug in a 300wm.

My assumption is that it is not needed but on the Mauser action that FN used, the recoil lug is not huge although it does directly contact the cross bolt that reinforces the stock. Functionally, the recoil lug on the action is directly resting against the cross bolt metal on metal.

It seems like this would be enough...but the barrel mounted recoil lug was installed for a reason and I don't want to damage the stock if the lug was required.

I agree, probably not necessary on a .300 WM. However, if you are going for the original look why not put it back in there? Plus if you are using a good barrel I really doubt it is going to affect your accuracy if everything is mated up properly.

From a visaul perspective, it will be below the woodline so it won't matter. The trick seems to be getting a smith to match the original factory barrel contour as it has a fairly steep taper right in front of the chamber.

The smiths I have spoken to all agreed that a barrel mounted lug would hurt the accuracy of the rifle.

If you remove the Recoil Lug and the Termite Food Stock "Splits", at least you will know "WHY?" it happened.

If it is a safari model maybe .375h&h or .458wm was chambering options and 300wm was just made the same.

I've owned at least three .375 H&H rifles and none of them used a recoil lug on the barrel. A fourth one (a whitworth) did use one.

Get a good glass bed job which you should do anyway and get on with life.