DIY Gunsmithing Model 700

[ChrisSteven]

I would like as much info as possible on improving the accuracy of my Model 700, 300 Win. Mag, ss barrel, synthetic stock, Swarovski scope. Already had trigger work, 3 lbs. What else can I do and how do I do it? Glassbedding, porting, muzzlebreak, shorten barrel? Are there any free websites with step by step illustrated instructions? I NEED to know about shortening barrel. My stupid self shot rifle with barrel obstruction and barrel has a bulge in it about 1 1/2 inches from end, looks like it was made that way.. it wasn't! One experienced gunsmith told me I only need about 16 inches of barrel and it could be cut down until I.D. mics correctly. Should I add muzzle break or compensator to restore length, accuracy? I don't won't to waste my time and money if I am going to need a new barrel anyway. Gunsmith I am speaking with has a lot of firsthand, field tested experience but I find it hard to believe gun will be just as accurate. He says you only need enough barrel to burn all the powder to achieve velocity. I am interested in long-range hunting as my flat marshland presents quite a few oppurtunities of extreme ranges...500, 800 yds. and more.

 

[rcmodel]

IMO: Re-barrel it.
Your gunsmith is full of it!

A 16" .300 Mag would not be able to equal the velocity of a 24" 30-06 or .308!

And a 16" .300 Win-Mag would possibly be one of the most unpleasant rifles I can imagine!
The muzzle blast would knock your socks down around your ankles!

By all means, do not port it or add a muzzle break!
That will only make it even louder!

I think a .300 magnum should have at least a 22" barrel, 24" is better, and a 26" if you want the full .300 Magnum long-range performance out of it.


rcmodel

 

[gb6491]

What length is the barrel now?
I wonder if your smith may have been referring to the legal length of a rifle barrel when he told you that you "...only need about 16 inches of barrel and it could be cut down until I.D. mics correctly."
If you have a 26" barrel now and a bulge 1.5" from the muzzle, there's a good possibility that you could have it shortened and be well within the range rcmodel suggests. If the barrel is in spec where cut and re-crowned correctly, accuracy should as good as before.
A link for DIY: http://www272.pair.com/stevewag/muzzle/mz.html
Regards,
Greg

 

[Jim Watson]

I bought a .223 788 at a gun show. Bore looked ordinarily dirty and the price was good. I wiped it out and shot it with very poor accuracy. A tight cleaning patch found a bulge near the muzzle. I had the barrel cut and crowned well behind that and shot again. Accuracy improved to mediocre. Recleaning found the bore pitted. I didn't know anybody made corrosive .223 but that was what it looked like.

Remington said they would replace the barrel for $135 so I sent it in. I got back a whole new barrelled action. So I probably have the newest 788 in the country. It shoots well, but is now no bargain.

 

[Tarvis]

I have a question: How did you bulge the barrel??? Don't put rocks in your bore.

On to the advice: If you're looking for a sub-moa barrel, you can talk to a local barrel smith or send your action to schillen or hart or whoever else to have it rebarreled with a good barrel. This is not exactly a good idea if you aren't a serious shooter. If you don't practice, spend time at the range, shoot more than 50 rounds a year a really good barrel will get you no where. If your rifle can already outshoot you, there is no need to accurize it. Also, a 3lb trigger isn't exactly helping your accuracy. I adjusted my rem 700P trigger to 8oz with a little guidance from an online page. Its actually really easy.

As far as fixing, gb6491 hit the nail on the head.

Should I add muzzle break or compensator to restore length, accuracy?

Muzzle break reduces felt recoil. Compensator reduces muzzle rise.

but I find it hard to believe gun will be just as accurate.

As long as what's left of the barrel is true and the crown is good, it will be as accurate as you are/your ammo is.

I am interested in long-range hunting as my flat marshland presents quite a few oppurtunities of extreme ranges...500, 800 yds. and more.

Practice practice practice. I am interested in shooting out to those ranges and beyond as well, but I won't shoot beyond 100 yards until I can get 3 shots in the same hole. Something to think about.