Buying new barrels for action w/ WTO Switchlug

[3ngineer]

If I wanted to buy a new barrel from a switch lug equipped action, I'd need to send the action to the smith for proper headspacing right?

I'm looking for an <$1,500 action setup that allows DIY barrel changes so I'm looking at the switch lug vs something like the TL3 where you can just buy a prefit. If a switch lug action requires sending it in for a new barrel, it seems less cost-effective than a prefit barrel action. Is this correct? I don't need to change barrels at the range. Just at home in my garage.

 

[Pete B]

If you aren't needing to switch barrels outside of home, save the headaches and go for simple....... answer is TL3
Pete

 

[Baddog 0302]

I'm drawing a blank at the moment, but the $$$$ actions are made so precise that several shops will offer prefits for your $$$$ action Check with some of those that advertise here about what you want to achieve.

 

[bgavin]

I have a axiom with WTO switch lug.

I use keystone accuracy and had to send it in for the first barrel. He will now have the measurements on it and you can order without sending in the action for future barrels.

 

[spife7980]

You should be able to order a new barrel from wto for the switchlug, they should have saved the information to cut you one again.

 

[Rob01]

If you want to spend less and still get prefits then get a Bighorn Origin action. $825 and you can get prefits.

 

[jcmullis2]

You posted in the wee hours and it’s a little confusing to me as whether you meant “from a switch lug” or “for a switch lug” but I’ll go with what you said.

If I wanted to buy a new barrel from a switch lug equipped action, I'd need to send the action to the smith for proper headspacing right?

I take it to mean that the barrel was initially threaded/chambered for a different action that was equipped with a switch lug and you wanna use it on your action. If that’s correct then it would need to be properly headspaced on your action. You would need to send it to your Smith if he doesn’t have your measurements.
Like bgavin said, once you’re Smitty has the measurements of your action he might not have you send it in. Several places have Shouldered prefit barrels available for various actions. If you buy from them you don’t have to send it off.
Your other option is using a barrel with a barrel nut setup. This is the most cost effective way in my opinion because a good barrel can be had for about $300 unless you want fluting, cerakoting or other added services.

 

[3ngineer]

Thanks for the input guys. @jcmullis2, wee hour posting sometimes turns into stream of consciousness... sorry for the confusion. I understand now.

Go prefit compatible action (Origin, TL3, etc) and never need to send your action to a smith for barreling (barrel vice, action wrench, ft-lbs torque wrench required).

Go WTO fitted action for the fastest barrel changes but will need to send your action at least once to each barrel smith you use (only in-lbs torque wrench required).

 

[jcmullis2]

Bo

Thanks for the input guys. @jcmullis2, wee hour posting sometimes turns into stream of consciousness... sorry for the confusion. I understand now.

Go prefit compatible action (Origin, TL3, etc) and never need to send your action to a smith for barreling (barrel vice, action wrench, ft-lbs torque wrench required).

Go WTO fitted action for the fastest barrel changes but will need to send your action at least once to each barrel smith you use (only in-lbs torque wrench required).

That’s it in a nutshell. My last prefit shouldered barrel took about a month and cost about $675 from PVA patriot valley arms but button rifled barrels were less. My last barrel nut barrel took about a week and was about $300 from nss northland shooters supply. Guess which one has been the most accurate of them. The pva shoots in the low .4s moa the nss shoots in the high .4s - low .5s. I don’t have to say where my next barrel will come from.

 

[Rob01]

Thanks for the input guys. @jcmullis2, wee hour posting sometimes turns into stream of consciousness... sorry for the confusion. I understand now.

Go prefit compatible action (Origin, TL3, etc) and never need to send your action to a smith for barreling (barrel vice, action wrench, ft-lbs torque wrench required).

Go WTO fitted action for the fastest barrel changes but will need to send your action at least once to each barrel smith you use (only in-lbs torque wrench required).

Times aren't set in stone. Sometimes you can get a prefit in stock and get it shipped the same day. All depends on company you are getting it from and what they have. Don't expect any barrel in a week. Feel lucky if you get it but pre-planning when rebarreling is key. That smith that you sent the rifle to might be busy and you have to wait 2-3 months for the WTO barrel. It happens.

 

[Kanati]

If I wanted to buy a new barrel from a switch lug equipped action, I'd need to send the action to the smith for proper headspacing right?

I'm looking for an <$1,500 action setup that allows DIY barrel changes so I'm looking at the switch lug vs something like the TL3 where you can just buy a prefit. If a switch lug action requires sending it in for a new barrel, it seems less cost-effective than a prefit barrel action. Is this correct? I don't need to change barrels at the range. Just at home in my garage.

Terminus Zeus. Proof does prefits, as well as a few other barrel manufacturers that can be found on www.bugholes.com (Southern Precision Rifle).