I read an interesting article in the latest issue of Varmint Hunter about barrel wear. At the end of the article the author, M.L. McPherson, says that Pac-Nor can supply prefitted barrels for Savage actions at less than $300. Presumably that means they are chambered, threaded and crowned and the customer simply installs the barrel, which with the Savage locknut is apparently easily done. That option is of interest to me. I have never owned a Savage rifle. How long is their magazine box for magnum cartridges (300 Weatherby length)? Is it really that simple to install a barrel on a Savage? How does one set the headspace? Rufous.

Savage bolt action rifles on the 110 design are headspaced like a military heavy machine gun. The barrel is screwed into the receiver which has the bolt and a special depth gauge (like a headspace gauge, but not the same) in it. Screw the barrel snug up on the gauge, tighten up the lock nut against the receiver (yes there is a torque spec) and you're done. Savages are available in 300 rem Ultra Mag and 7 STW, so full length magnums are do-able. A very versatile design, unfortunately ugly as a mud fence. Still, pretty is as pretty does, and every one I've ever owned or shot has been quite accurate. - Dan

Another point to mention is that with the muti-piece bolt that Savage uses, you can change the bolt heads and therefore switch between regular and magnum cartridges. Midway.com sells the wrenches, gages etc. for the barrel switching.