OK, I have the above rifle in 223. It is wonderfully accurate. I have been toying with the idea of getting another barrel for it ie. a 257 Roberts. Having heard horror stories about removing the factory (installed) barrel, is there someone who would do this for me? Would I need to change the bolt face? I assume I would. Are Adams & Bennett barrels any good? I don't need benchrest accuracy, but want to utilize the full potential of the rifle.
Having done this once, is it safe to assume that switching back is something I could do myself?
PM if necessary.
Thanks, Peter.

Yes, you would need to change the bolt face, and the magazine box and follower.

Savage barrels are not that tough to remove. You will need a barrel nut wrench. Midway has one for a reasonable price. It has a 1/2" square hole designed to accept a 1/2" break-over bar. That's all the leverage I've found necessary. You still need a barrel vise and an action wrench to keep those from turning while you loosen or tighten the barrel nut.

You could do the work yourself if you have the necessary tools including a go gauge for each cartridge. As far as switching barrels, it would probably be cheaper, and easier, to just set up a second rifle.

Thanks Mark. I do have the barrel nut wrench, but I had read stories about how difficult it was to 'break" the factory installed barrel loose.
Peter.

Seeing as how I've done it a few times I figure I can chime in on this. Yes, Savage has a tendency to over torque the barrel nut.

I apply a little penetrating oil and let it sit for a few hours (sometimes the day before) and then I set my action in a couple of hardwood blocks in my regular bench vise, put my barrel nut wrench on and then give it a good whack with a 4 pound hammer. Some have come off
with just hand pressure but some have to be persuaded.

When you install the new barrel just torque the nut to 30-40 lbs-ft. I like to replace the factory stamped recoil lug (because they're not always flat) with a Sharp Shooter Supply machined lug and I also tend to replace the barrel nut for the same reason.

You'll have to change the bolt head (2 minutes) and then change the magazine and follower. On the 110 it takes another 2 minutes but the newer blind mag models it take a little longer.

Check over at www.savageshooters.com all the instructions and tips are posted there. along with a bunch of vendors for aftermarket goodies.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
Yes, Savage has a tendency to over torque the barrel nut.

. Some have come off
with just hand pressure but some have to be persuaded.

A little bit of under statement at times, I assure you!!

Sorry Frank; just can't let that one get by. roger