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Re: Stepped Barrels; "THE" classic contour for .404's

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14 December 2003, 04:29
ScottS
Re: Stepped Barrels; "THE" classic contour for .404's
PC,

When you say stepped, are you referring to the same, or similar, stepping of the barrel that is done on military rifles? I have never seen an english name rifle with such a barrel.

Scott
14 December 2003, 04:38
MacD37
Quote:

Are stepped barrels the most classic way to go for a .404 ??

My smith has a 3 stepped contoured .404 barrel there that he feels is the most classic way to go but I am not sure if I really like them. Maybe I would be better off with a normal profiled Lothar Walther ??



PC, though there are many old bolt rifles in African chamberings, that sport step barrels, that doesn't make that profile "CLASSIC"!

The stepped barrel was done to save machineing time when building war rifles, and to reduce the time to train machinests, in war time. Most of the sporters with this conture, are re-bored, and sporterized military barreled actions, that were reworked for hunting! Actually the stepped barrel is usually a better shooter, than other contures, because they are stiffer, and much easier to bed properly!

I personally like the stepped barrel, with band mounted express sight bases, front and rear, and barrel sling swivel. If done properly, and stocked in classic stocks, these are easy on the eye, IMO!

What action are you useing for your 404? If those barrels are already set up for 98 Mauser,and are they new barrels, or take offs? I would like to know where they are located. I have several very clean Mauser actions, and I "DONT" have a 404! My E-mail is: DUGABOY1@aol.com
14 December 2003, 07:56
Atkinson
FLASH.....Woody at LW has now got into production 2 new barrel contours...The original Mauser Commercial contour that has a stright portion to sleeve a barrel band rear sight and the original Holland and Holland contour (my favorite)...He took the H&H contour off my Holland and Holland..

The H&H contour is my all time favorite with a short 4" or 5" quarter rib butted up against the 1.25" chamber portion that steps down to the barrel, then a full contour of the barrel after that. Both are available as we speak.