I am looking for some good and honest, if that is possible, opinions on what contour barrel to use on my next project. I am using a mauser action to build a 338-06.

Thanks
crl

i used a douglas #3 on mine.

Both Douglas and Shilen have it in #2 as the lightest.

It's a lot easier to add weight later than reduce it.

Depends, what all up weight do you want in the rig?
Pending;
- wood density/weight?
-desired slimmness of stock?
-plain barrel?Length?,reinforce dimensions?, or a particular style/bulk of open sights,(ie fully banded&hooded foresight with 1/4 rib?, or minimilistic slim trim foresight with minimilistic compact rear bridge peep?)
- choice of scope& mount system?
and I even go to the extent of taking into account:
-how many rounds I would most typically load in the rifle(despite actual capacity)
- weight of sling/swivels/fittings I will use and whether the front sling mount will be on the stock or a more bulky fitted barrel band or a minimalised integral barrel swivel base, and where it is positioned on the barrel.

....but somewhere around .580-.610(23-24")with 2.5-8x Leupold would suite me for a mauser .338/06

this is where the skill of a good rifle maker comes in, to be able to take your desires into account and sensibly adjust them where necessary through his sound ability&experience, to have a rig that balances whether it be 8lb or 9.25lb in weight.

I Have a Mauser Modelo Argentino 1909 custom in a B&C stock that balances well with a Douglas NO.3 contour that is .625" at the 24" muzzle.

That would be a good balancing weight of the barrel for a classic walnut stock too.

If you want to go with a 1 pound ultralight synthetic stock you should go with a N0.2 sporter contour and get a light weight rifle.

My standard weight rifle with the NO.3 contour barrel, B&C standard weight fiberglass stock, one-piece Redfield base and rings, and a Leupold 2x-7x scope is just under 9 pounds. Call it 9 pounds if you put iron sights on it. Mine has a slick barrel, and is a very comfortable shooter at this weight.

Hope this is honest enough.

Very good information. Thanks. I am going to stock it with a nice piece of English walnut, I like a slim stock and do not plan on a front or rear sight as I will scope the rifle. Balance is the key for me and I am looking to keep the rifle at 9 lbs with scope, sling, full mag.

thanks
crl

quote:

Originally posted by crl:
Very good information. Thanks. I am going to stock it with a nice piece of English walnut, I like a slim stock and do not plan on a front or rear sight as I will scope the rifle. Balance is the key for me and I am looking to keep the rifle at 9 lbs with scope, sling, full mag.

thanks
crl

Here's mine. 26" Douglas #4 barrel, slim stock, sans sights, weighs 9 lbs scoped and ready to go. I like the balance of the long barrel. It really helps to settle down on offhand shots.

Very nice looking rifle. This is exactly what I am looking at. Who did your stock work?

I would be inclined to go with a #3 Douglas or modify a #4 to achieve the desired balance. Sometimes, it's worthwhile to see how the stock weighs in before choosing a barrel contour. Regards, Bill.

I did a 9,3x62 with a Douglas #4 and it came out just a tad heavy ... 9 pounds with a heavy scope (1.5-5 Zeiss Conquest).

Am going to do a 338-06 next and believe I'll use a #3 this time.

quote:

Originally posted by crl:
Very nice looking rifle. This is exactly what I am looking at. Who did your stock work?

Thanks, I did the stock work except for the checkering.

Like Bill said, contour really depends on what weight you want and what will balance with your stock. I HAD to have a 26" bbl on this rifle. The balance is perfect for me and the tiny groups it shoots well worth the effort. My .338 Federal has a #2 contour.

Don't forget, if you are having the rifle built you may want to discuss your wants/needs with your smith. He may turn you a barrel to fit those needs.

I'd want it to be .625-.650 at the muzzle and 24 inches.