What are everyone's thoughts of prefit barrels? After looking into it, seems an average dude can aquire a few tools and install a barrel and be shooting in much shorter time than having someone else do it? Are the prefit makers accurate enough? Is there anything else one would need more than a vise, action wrench, torque wrench, go/no go gauge and a barrel?
Opinions on prefit barrels
- Thread starter MT257
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
waspocrew
Well-Known Member
Which action? I've had good luck with both shouldered prefits and savage style with barrel nut.
I am very pleased with the pre-fits on my .257 WBY (McGowan) and .264 WM (X-caliber) both on Savage LA.
Tikka action.
ATH
Well-Known Member
I've build more than half a dozen rifles with McGowan prefits (I have 2 on order right now). They have been exceptionally accurate; my 338 Edge groups with my F-class rifle built with a Bartlein by a nationally known smith.
Your list of tools is sufficient.
Your list of tools is sufficient.
Sending156s
Well-Known Member
After my 1st pre-fit, all parts bought from Impact Precision. Barrels chambered & threaded by Wade Stuteville. I have sold & traded every other action except a Deviant XM size used for a 65 PRC. All my actions except that one is now an Impact. I was using a cheaper vise that worked great. On BF sale upgraded to the SAC vise. I can't see ever having to ship my barrel for a replacement again except for that XM Deviant. On the ones I shoot the most there is a spare barrel in my safe. My 1st pre-fit is the most accurate precision rifle I have ever owned.
W
Wyo37
Guest
I just put a shouldered prefit on myself. (On a tikka)
I used a:
Barrel vise
External action wrench
Internal action wrench
Go/no-go gauge
Torque wrench.
I did need a 3ft piece of pipe on the External action wrench to get the factory barrel off (leverage)
New barrel shoots great.
I used a:
Barrel vise
External action wrench
Internal action wrench
Go/no-go gauge
Torque wrench.
I did need a 3ft piece of pipe on the External action wrench to get the factory barrel off (leverage)
New barrel shoots great.
Yea I was looking at just getting the action to prevent having to remove factory barrel. I've heard they are on there pretty snug.
W
Wyo37
Guest
It wasn't too bad honestly. But, getting a bare action would make it extremely easy.
And personally I would go tikka instead of a 700 clone, but that's just me.
Why?
Joefrazell
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2017
- Messages
- 1,599
The only thing you're going to be leaving on the table is tenon thread clearance. With a true custom fit a smith may be able to get it a bit snugger with less "slop". That being said I've had both on a bighorn origin and they both shoot great. Tenon threads are a tighter fit with the barrel that my local smith chambered with the action. This could make a difference but it doesn't mean the profits aren't going to shoot. There's so much more that goes into an accurate rifle. As long as the chamber is cut true/clean with a good blank is what matters most.
Joefrazell
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2017
- Messages
- 1,599
Probably bolt throw and being able to have the bolt lock on safe. I've got both and I have to say I really like a tikka action. It offers a lot. Plus with a tikka you can still do a shouldered prefit.
Guess if it's those small features are what he needs but you can find customs with similar bolt throw. Don't know about the bolt lock on safe but never needed it. Being able to change the bolt face and having a ton of aftermarket stocks, triggers and bottom metal etc gives the Origin an easy win over the Tikka.
