Gunsmithing five groove barrel question

[steelcomp]

I have this Western Field .30-06 that was bought from Montgomery Wards in the late 60's. It was a very in-expensive rifle then, but the more I research, the more I'm really surprised at what I find. First, I finally found that it's built on a commercical FN Mauser98 action. One of the other things I've discovered is that it has a five land/groove barrel. Is this anything particularly special? I've read nothing but good reviews on the accuracy of these rifles.
Just curious.
TIA

 

[CFS]

Re: five groove barrel question

That's probably going to depend on the twist and weight of the bullet used.
The 5R Remington uses a 5 groove 1in 11.25 twist. They are very accurate.

Pop

 

[steelcomp]

Re: five groove barrel question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CFS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's probably going to depend on the twist and weight of the bullet used.
The 5R Remington uses a 5 groove 1in 11.25 twist. They are very accurate.

Pop </div></div>Thanks Pop. This is no where near a Mike Rock 5R design, just a 5 grove, light contour production barrel (I'm guessing). I think I've read before that while not totally uncommon, it's not typical, and there are certain advantages of the design (lands and grooves opposing eachother).
Twist is 1:10, as close as I can check, and bullets will probably never exceed 175-180's.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: five groove barrel question

The jury's probably still out regarding even numbers of lands as opposed to odd numbers. For reasons even I don't completely understand about myself, I think that odd numbers may have an advantage, and the number '5' seems to have some special, maybe even magic significance. I don't piss upwind, and I don't question established tendencies like this one.

'98 Mausers are an old, well established, and well understood 'Gold Standard' among Gunsmiths, especially older ones. Even if it's not of gemstone quality, a '98 Mauser action has excellent potential.

The .30-'06 is also a well respected chambering with lots of ammo options and broad capabilities. Were I to change the rifle significantly, I'd personally keep the chambering myself; but the bolt face diameter allows a for lot of alternatives, too.

Greg