Bolt action take-down?switch barrel?
How about sharing some thoughts, knowledge and experiences?
Re. center fire bolt action rifles, are there any such animals that are accurate, dependable and reasonably affordable?
I know of rifles: singles, doubles that break-down, and swap-out barrels readily. (Shotguns: semi-auto, pump, singles and doubles.
Assuming identical or nearly so on cartridge: base diameters, OAL and general contour, belted to belted, or non-belted to non-belted.
It would seem do-able and very handy to be able to switch out calibers via barrels rather than seperate rifles?
Appreciate feedback ......... thanks!
Re. center fire bolt action rifles, are there any such animals that are accurate, dependable and reasonably affordable?
I know of rifles: singles, doubles that break-down, and swap-out barrels readily. (Shotguns: semi-auto, pump, singles and doubles.
Assuming identical or nearly so on cartridge: base diameters, OAL and general contour, belted to belted, or non-belted to non-belted.
It would seem do-able and very handy to be able to switch out calibers via barrels rather than seperate rifles?
Appreciate feedback ......... thanks!
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Whats your idea of reasonably affordable...
Mine is 1500-2000, given everything is good quality..0 -
Mr. Quickmajik! Your questions are better than mine! On the money and very real!
What I can ideally afford vs. what I'd convince myself into spending for a more ideal set-up are no doubt a bit different!
Hunting and firearms are just a couple more of my life's afflictions. When I had rug rats, I put off getting toys and expending much for personal endeavors.
Now things are a bit different, and the only one that would notice or be affected, is yours truely. Besides, I'd like some well- planned-out personal toys to play with, while I can still play.
I can now more readily convince myself that a given item is a not merely another of of my WANTS, but rather a NEED!
(I'm now in a similar situation to many others: some uncertainty of what is coming down the pike ..... six months or year from now.)
If, I were able to line-up what I have in mind, 1000 would be reasonably comfortable .... 1500-2000 would potentially be possible.
What are some of the possibilities?0 -
Reference quick change calibers, the only one that comes to mind is the Thompson/Center family of single shots.
For bolt action accuracy, the barrel will be bedded/ free floated, and locked quite tightly to maintain headspace, so I do not see quick change there.
For a good value for durability, accuracy, reliability- take a look at some of the Savage rifles. They do not get the press of some of the other brands, but seem to get the job done.
Within some limits, you are going to get what you pay for. It's the old story- Fast, cheap, good- pick any 2 of the 3.0 -
You have to remember that your point of aim likely will not be the same for different barrels. Also , the price of the base gun, plus extra fitted barrels and bolt heads (if need be) can easily exceed the price of the same choices in multiple guns, depending on, of course, the manufacturer. The Savage can be somewhat switch barrelled, tho it takes some special tools and gauges and the know how/ability to use them, but definitely not a screw off, screw on barrel. 0 -
Lots of switch barreled rifles are out there, and no more problem than any of them as far as headspace problems. Once the barrel is set up for the action it never changes the headspace if you even try to torque to the last settings..
Not as easy as theT C's but still easy enough to do.....
With 3 bolt head sizes you could make one of everything ever made for one action..........0 -
The Blazer rifles are switch caliber, bolt action. Mostly single shot and very expensive.
Sako makes the Sako Quad, but I think it is a rimfire only
I think the Savage rifles have easy change barrels, but not something you will do in the field.
And of course you could go with an AR 15 and multiple uppers.0 -
Yesterday I threw two questions into the forum that have bothered me for years. ( Switch-off/take-down barrels and optics for bolt action format. ) I am sure that those problems/concerns/questions have been bothersome for other folks too.
I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge, and your time, to discuss these questions and come-up with possible solutions. I now see a few unanticipated angles or areas of conern. However, you have provided better possible solutions than I'd managed!
Thank you:
quickmajik
11b6r
allechalley
mrbruce
iwannausername
Now all I have to do, is to mull this over for a bit, and figure out when and where to go with it.0 -
well about the quickest gun to change calibers in is AR-15/Ar-10 platforms.
with one Ar-15 lower you can switch between 3 dozen cartridges anything from .22LR to 204 ruger to .25WSSM to .450 bushmaster to .338 lapua in a minute, just by pushing two pins, to remove and replace uppers. that covers about anything you will hunt in america.0 -
have a switch barrel rifle built on a bolt action, then all you need is the barrel vice and action wrench. 0 -
Alan Rushing,
First, a little historical perspective.
This is a Classic Takedown or Switch Barrel rifle as designed and crafted by a true gunmaker:
Note the line of separation between the receiver and barrel. This design crates two parts consisting of the barrel/forearm and the receiver/stock. These rifles are a premium price due to the craftsmanship and skills required to make them. Usually somewhere between $10,000 to $25,000 USD depending on wood, engraving and accessories.
This is an older single shot M1885. Again, Classic and expensive:
This is a modern Dakota Travelor rifle ustilizing a barrel extension for the takedown feature:
And this is a modern Marlin lever rifle converted to takedown:
None of these will fit into your idea of affordability as the craftsmanship, time and materials far exceed it. Well, maybe the Marlin...
There is nothing stopping you from using a bolt action and simply switching the barrels, we do that in benchrest frequently. But the drawback here is the need for a barrel vice and wrench and a place to actually secure it and do the switch. It's a pain in the field without a proper bench and clamps.
You will also be forced to skip the bedding for the barrel since it is nearly impossible to get two or more barrels to fit the bedding THAT exactly where it is beneficial.
Savage is probably the most economical combined with a simple system. Again, you need the tools, a vice, gauges and a place to work.
If you're really intent on trying to be frugal about switching barrels, I suggest foregoing a bolt action and concentrating on the T/C single shot break actions. They are not only affordable but can demonstrate some excellent accuracy when worked over by a knowledgeable gunsmith.
Quite honestly, I've built Classic switch barrels and used the switch barrel concept when shooting benchrest but I find it's still makes more sense and is easier to just used separate rifles. But you should go through the exercise for yourself before making up your own mind.
I didn't skip AR platforms intentionally. I think they provide a viable alternative for your needs. The exception though is the weight of the lower and several uppers. Even in 'lightweight' configurations, one lower and three uppers will put you on your knees after a while. This is a perfect reason for the concept of bearers...
Enjoy the process of exploration and decision making, it's worth the trip.
Best.0
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