Quality and re-barrel issues with Browning BAR?
I am thinking of a project for a western, Alaskan hunting rifle. Saw a used BAR in 300 win mag and was thinking of getting a good re-barrel to 338 magnum. Mostly thinking bear, moose, elk in that order. I only have experience with bolt and lever guns, so any comments on rifle or caliber in a semi auto would be appreciated.
Second, being in PA, I couldn't hunt with this set-up locally, but some western trips are in our future, and I think more states, provinces out there accept these actions?
Thanks,
Harmless
Second, being in PA, I couldn't hunt with this set-up locally, but some western trips are in our future, and I think more states, provinces out there accept these actions?
Thanks,
Harmless
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Welcome Harmless. Almost any state out here in the FREE WEST, lets you use a semi-auto for hunting. I personelly use a .338 bolt action for most of my big game hunting, and have used my buddies BAR .338 at the range. It is an excellent hunting cartridge, and the BAR is one fine rifle. You won't go wrong with that caliber/gun combo for big game. Being a semi-auto, that BAR will give less recoil than a bolt or single shot, which means you will shoot it more and become familar with it. If you reload for it, be sure and get small base dies, so the shells will slide into the chamber with ease. I've had good luck with IMR 4350 and Sierra 250 grnspbt bullets, but since Nosler came out with 180 and 200 grn ballistic tips, I'm going to try one or both next year, will work up loads come spring green up, and see what they'll do. I've owned Winchester and Ruger rifles in .338, and both were extreamly accurate. For Alasaka and out west, you can't go wrong with a .338
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
The only thing I can add to pac_rat's excellent reply is this:
No need to rebarrel, just get an older model BAR or the newer Mark II Safari in .338,- they're priced the same as the .300.
I take 3 rifles when I go to hunt deer and bear. One of them is ALWAYS the BAR .338 Safari II.
You'll never need anything bigger and you'll never find anything better.0 -
I also wonder how much a re-barrel on a Bar is? There is a used rifle at my local gun shop for a couple hundred.
Yep you can hunt with these in free State's.
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forget the rebarrel job, it would be cheaper to but a new rifle than have a used one rebarreled. the gas operation realy adds $$$ to any rebarrel. 0 -
I agree with Mike on the re-barrel. You will end up with more money in re-barrelling a .300 win. mag. than you will just to buy a new or used .338. There are good gunsmiths out there that can do a good job of re-barrelling for you but if he doesn't get it right--can you say 'trouble'. Pinhead. 0
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