What is a Switch Barrel?

[Country Bumpkin]

As it relates to a R700 action, what is a switch barrel setup? Can someone please explain AND post pictures of the components that make something a switch barrel? What tools are needed (in comparison to just swapping out two different factor barrels on a R700 action with an action wrench and a vice.

What are the things that you need to be converned with, like head spacing? Pretend like I'm a 10 year old in explaining all of this.

Thanks in advance

 

[TC338]

Look up the WTO (west Texas ordinance) switchlug. I have one and love it.

 

[TC338]

 

[Konrad.INc]

All depends on how it's built! It can be as easy as the gunsmith just makes two barrels for the same action. It can be different bolt face bolts too. As long as the headspace is set when the gunsmith cuts the chambers then you can freely switch between the two. You just need to torque the barrel on to appx the same amount that he did to ensure proper headspace. I have a couple this way. You can leave the action in the stock when changing barrels too. Recoil lug is pinned to the action, I torque the barrels to 35 -45 ft/lb when installing. 308 and 7 SAUM in the same rifle!

 

[ATH]

The easiest, and most expensive, incarnation is two barrels shoulder headspaced to the action. Torque on, spin off. That's it.

Probably a more common version is prefit barrels with a barrel nut installation. These are cheaper as you just buy prefit barrels. But they are more complex to install as you must manually set the headspace each time.

I had one of the second flavor for awhile. It was a PIA. Eventually I just built each into a different rifle. Now my only version of a switch barrel rifle is a high quality, high dollar AR lower with multiple uppers....this is the easy button as no rezero of optics is needed. Just pop two pins, drop in the new upper, and shoot on.

 

[ARlife4me]

The easiest, and most expensive, incarnation is two barrels shoulder headspaced to the action. Torque on, spin off. That's it.

Probably a more common version is prefit barrels with a barrel nut installation. These are cheaper as you just buy prefit barrels. But they are more complex to install as you must manually set the headspace each time.

I had one of the second flavor for awhile. It was a PIA. Eventually I just built each into a different rifle. Now my only version of a switch barrel rifle is a high quality, high dollar AR lower with multiple uppers....this is the easy button as no rezero of optics is needed. Just pop two pins, drop in the new upper, and shoot on.

re: @ARlife4me

sometimes the only change needed is buffer weight when changing uppers. as long as the gas port is correct, then no change is needed (as not to change or have an adjustable gas block).

 

[ARlife4me]

wto i've been told isn't the only 1 to make those types?

 

[med358-boise]

It can also be done by drilling two holes on opposing sides of the receiver ring into the threads and using two set screws.

 

[adk hunter]

I can speak to the WTO guys. Excellent in every way. I think @Zhomeguy has a stock share with them does a LOT of builds with them.

I got a Tenacity from him and sent to them and it came out great. .284, .30-284 and a .22-250 They all shoot crazy good. Very rare do I use the .284. I switch the two others back and forth small game and large game season.

I should build a nice light .284 stand alone rig. Hmmmm!

My error is I didn't know enough about the action and dislike the closed top and being a short action limits other ideas. I do have a mag bolt face but have lost interest for now...

Too many ideas ahead of this.

 

[azsugarbear]

Most inexpensive way is to use a Tikka action with shoulder pre-fit barrels. I know you wanted info on just Remington, but once the subject of expense came up, I thought I would mention this alternative.

 

[Hard rock]

Look up the WTO (west Texas ordinance) switchlug. I have one and love it.

Xs2

 

[Hard rock]

The way they work is ,the WTO lug takes the place of the factory lug and is split and threaded with a Allen screw that tightens around the barrel after you hand tighten it then torque to 30 in pounds with a Allen wrench .It is a very easy set up west Texas ordance makes them not expensive at all.

 

[taylorms]

As it relates to a R700 action, what is a switch barrel setup? Can someone please explain AND post pictures of the components that make something a switch barrel? What tools are needed (in comparison to just swapping out two different factor barrels on a R700 action with an action wrench and a vice.

What are the things that you need to be converned with, like head spacing? Pretend like I'm a 10 year old in explaining all of this.

Thanks in advance

If you are wanting multiple barrels for your R700 action, there are options:

You can convert to a "barrel nut" and that makes your action similar to a savage in terms of barrel installation

Other option-have your GS thread and chamber multiple barrels at same time to confirm interchangeability. If you have a great GS, they might record the dimensions of the first barrel and save those dimensions to use for future barrels.

Most Remington actions will not be consistent enough in dimension, from the factory, for just any other barrel to spin on/off and headspace correctly due to inconsistent tolerance from one action to the next.

Hope this explanation helps

 

[Jeffrey Van Zandt]

As it relates to a R700 action, what is a switch barrel setup? Can someone please explain AND post pictures of the components that make something a switch barrel? What tools are needed (in comparison to just swapping out two different factor barrels on a R700 action with an action wrench and a vice.

What are the things that you need to be converned with, like head spacing? Pretend like I'm a 10 year old in explaining all of this.

Thanks in advancehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDp-lx2oZJc

they are quick and easy I have done 6 for hunting buds up here good vide to watch.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDp-lx2oZJc