1903A3 Barrel Contour Comparison

[Walsh]

Hey ya'll quick question. How much difference in contour is a GI 03A3 barrel and a Light Palma contour. Also, what does the GI contour most closely resemble and what does the barrel weigh

I ask because I want something that will not heat up as fast but still be able to be medium weight. I am trying not to flute because of the extra cost in doing so, although if it really came down to it, I might could.

Thanks,
Walsh

 

[RTH1800]

I do not have the specs, but light Palma is much heavier. I would guess at least 1.5#

 

[Walsh]

So you think that the GI is around 3 pounds at 24"?

 

[RTH1800]

I would guess so. I have held many in my hands and they are far from the size of a light Palma contour barrel. I am not an expert, but have handled quite a few.

 

[Walsh]

What aftermarket contour would you compare it to?

 

[RTH1800]

I would suggest you get with Frank Green, who is on the site under that name. He is with Bartlien and has an interest in vintage rifles. You can find him positing on the subject in several threads here. He will give you exactly the info you need. Or, just call them. My guess is medium to heavy sporter for weight but contour would be wrong. Frank will set you on the right path. And you cannot do better than one of his barrels.

 

[Walsh]

Thank you, I'll try and get with him, he seems decent. I am building a 03 ultility rifle and want a bit more shots before my barrel gets to hot. I appreciate your responses!

 

[Frank Green]

Thank you, I'll try and get with him, he seems decent. I am building a 03 ultility rifle and want a bit more shots before my barrel gets to hot. I appreciate your responses!

Walsh, Sent you a private message but I'll post the information here as well so everyone will know also. The 03 contour barrels have approx. a .640" muzzle (I'm taking an average/taper etc....) and they have an approx. .875" neck which is 6" from the breech end. The breech length with threads is 1.75". So approx. 1" straight section in front of the receiver. A finished '03 barrel ready to install weighs 2.8#. I would say the closes thing to a '03 contour would be like our #3 sporter but with a slightly smaller muzzle diameter. The breech diameter of a '03 barrel is 1.140" also. Most regular sporter contour barrels will have a 1.200" or a 1.250" breech diameter would be the other difference.

If you want a barrel that is a little heavier if your worried about heat etc..and how it shoots the #3 contour barrel would work just fine. If you wanted to go a tad bigger make it with a .900" neck diameter and a .700" muzzle. That would be like a #3.5 contour.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels