Gunsmithing changing caliber on Savage model 112

gol1

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 5, 2008
351
99
ISRAEL
Hi

I have a savage model 112 rifle in 0.223' I am looking to convert it to 0.308 Win' I am not familiar with Savage rifles and wanted to know if it's possible to convert that action from 0.223 Rem' to 0.308 win and if so what parts do I need and where should I get it from' preferably a Sniper Hide member/sponsor that is familiar with USA firearms export regulations
Thanks
 
Re: changing caliber on Savage model 112

Yes you can.

You'll need a different bolt head, barrel wrench, headspace gauges, and some way of holding the action while you unscrew the barrel nut.

Google savage barrel change and check out the link that pops up. I think it's switchbarrel.com or something.
 
Re: changing caliber on Savage model 112

If it really is a Savage 112 (long action) he might also need a different bolt baffle and a different or modified magazine box, in addition to the bolt head (no guarantee if that's the right bolt head for your vintage 112, also might need a new extractor, etc. if the existing one doesn't fit in the bolthead). Best to try to contact Fred Moreo at Sharpshooter Supply with the serial number and he can tell you everything you need.

The main problem will be getting the parts out of the United States, there are a lot of regulations like ITAR and it might not be economically feasible for a seller to export the small parts you might need.

Other than the bolt issues unique to your particular model, like SJshooter said, it's pretty easy to swap barrels on a Savage. To add to what he said, this is what I use to install/remove Savage barrels:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]A barrel vise like this one, this one, or this one. I use the Davidson one, but they're all the same. You can probably make one if you have access to some machine tools.[*]An barrel nut wrench to remove/install the barrel nut[*]A "go" headspace gauge. You only need a "go" gauge. I like these Manson gauges because they have a notch cut out of the flat end for the ejector, so you don't have to take your bolt apart and remove the ejector first.[/list]
 
Re: changing caliber on Savage model 112

Thank you very much for the information I will check with Mr. Fred Moreo and will contact Brownells, they are always very helpful even with problematic foreigners like me :), and they don't charge that much for the paperwork handling, a real great company.
Thanks
 
Re: changing caliber on Savage model 112

A long action 112 set up as a 223 should work just fine as a 308; the extended bolt baffle is standard on all long actions that came as short action calibers. With the extended bolt baffle, bolt throw on a long action is only 1/4" longer than a short action Savage with "normal" bolt baffle. As mentioned, you'd probably need a new magazine should you want to use it as a repeater vs. a single-shot.

Also, your long action .223 bolt head isn't made by Savage any more and should be very easy to sell to somebody in the States should import/export laws not prevent it....somebody like me, for example...