Rebarreling a Rem 700 (.308-.300BLK)

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

Hello,
I've been looking to purchase a bolt rifle chambered in .300 AAC Blackout. I enjoy shooting the cartridge from my (frankenrifle) AR and thought a bolt action chambered in the cartridge would be fun. I like shooting bolt rifles and also like the reloading options of the cartridge.
The problem is that I am left handed and take a pretty hard line of only owning and shooting left-handed rifles wherever possible.
Since I haven't yet found any popular gun manufacturer building a left-hand .300 BLK (I suppose some high-end/high-priced semi-custom or custom company could provide one, but I don't intent to pay many thousands of dollars) I thought I could just build one (or have the work done for me by my gunsmith) by buying a (used) left hand Remington 700 (or preferably a Tikka T3) chambered in .223 and rebarrel it with a 300 barrel.
Is this straightforward? Is this something that a gun owner (I've only built AR's and do not consider myself mechanically expert nor do I own machining equipment) can do, or would I have to deliver the gun and barrel to a gunsmith for the work to be done? Is this crazy-talk or is it as simple as a barrel change?
Thanks,
B

 

[notaglockfanboy]

If you choose to rebarrel a bolt gun you will have to make sure the headspace Is correct and that usually requires a lathe, finish reamer, and a set of go and nogo gauges. Not to mention a barrel vise and action wrench. Its not a simple project, but not impossible with the right tools. Good luck, hope this helps.

 

[Jim Watson]

Your AR Legoguns depend on the barrel extension and bolt being made to spec so there is no need to worry too much about headspace.
Replacement barrels for bolt actions are typically chambered short and require reaming to set headspace. I would send a Remington to a gunsmith.

Savage makes at least one lefthanded rifle, and their barrel nut system makes it possible to DIY a barrel change with only headspace gauge, barrel vise, and nut wrench.
They would probably sell you a bare action and you could buy an aftermarket barrel and stock.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/16FLCSS

 

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

Your AR Legoguns depend on the barrel extension and bolt being made to spec so there is no need to worry too much about headspace.
Replacement barrels for bolt actions are typically chambered short and require reaming to set headspace. I would send a Remington to a gunsmith.

Savage makes at least one lefthanded rifle, and their barrel nut system makes it possible to DIY a barrel change with only headspace gauge, barrel vise, and nut wrench.
They would probably sell you a bare action and you could buy an aftermarket barrel and stock.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/16FLCSS

Thank you (both). Seems like this is not for amateurs (as I expected). I suspect it's more likely to find a .300 BLK for the Rem 700 than for the Tikka. I'm not much of a Savage fan though it's only personal preference based on the feel and handling of some of their rifles. No objective analysis.
I'll have to give this more thought. I already have a Tikka LH .223 which I'd rather not sacrifice for the change though it has the 1:12 barrel which I'm not that fond of anyway. It might be worth considering if I could find a compatible barrel (and my gunsmith would be willing to take on the job - for a mutually agreeable fee).
Or perhaps I could wait until Ruger comes out with a Gunsite Scout in 300/LH. My bet is that they would be the first to bring such a thing to market. Not likely though.
B

 

[BBBBill]

I suspect it's more likely to find a .300 BLK for the Rem 700 than for the Tikka. I'm not much of a Savage fan though it's only personal preference based on the feel and handling of some of their rifles. No objective analysis.

There are pre-threaded barrels for the more popular actions (mostly Remington & Savage), but any gunsmith worth the name is capable of threading a blank to fit whatever action you have. In other words a non issue. Savage has always been the red headed stepchild due to their cosmetics. Don't let that deter you. I own Remingtons, Winchesters, and Savages. A Savage is usually my go to gun. All of mine are very accurate.