26 March 2008, 07:31
Cliff LyleRe-barrel project underway
Guys I'm starting my first re-barrel project and I'm really pumped about it. I've been wanting a .260 Remington but could not find one that was left handed. So, I found a Browning A-Bolt II Micro in .308 that I'm going to ship to my gunsmith. He'll put a hart barrel on it and I'll add a little length by way of a kick eze pad (only for length). Warne bases are on the way and Leupold is installing a German #4 reticle in my 2.5-8x36 VXIII.
I think the package will be really handsome and should be a perfect Oklahoma whitetail rifle. I'll post some photos as soon as I can find out how.

I think the A-Bolt one of the most under rated actions of late. Slip one of these into a light weight LH Lone Wolf Riflestock of the correct length and you'll hate yourself forever more. It becomes the "go to," rifle and you really won't need another in the lower forty eight. I reworked a LH A-Bolt in .270 Winchester a few years back and have found it to be as close to the all around American rifle as one could desire. Easy to hump up the steep stuff yet shoots with amazing accuracy for such a light barrel. If I do my part, there's meat in the freezer. Elk, caribou, big horn sheep, mule and white tail deer have been taken with it. I've even used it against prairie dogs! What's not to like?
There have been reports of problems associated with removing the original barrel so, you may want to inquire if the GS has worked this combination before.
Good luck and enjoy the results!
26 March 2008, 16:27
Cliff LyleTom, thanks for the lead on lone wolf stocks. I will check into them. I had also heard there might be some issues on the barrel buy my smith shoots an A-Bolt and doesn't seem concerned.
George, thanks much for the photo posting tips. I'll get some taken this weekend and will keep everyone posted.
26 March 2008, 17:11
urbaneruraliteI put together a very similar rifle for a similar purpose. I think you will be pleased.
27 March 2008, 03:37
Cliff LyleIf you used an A-Bolt, did you have any difficulties with barrel removal?
28 March 2008, 00:25
urbaneruraliteMy rifle started as a Savage 16FLHSS .243. Swapping barrels took about fifteen minutes.
28 March 2008, 19:43
Cliff LyleI hope the Browning is as easy. My gunsmith doesn't seem worried about it. Yet.