I am wanting to upgrade my Savage .243 some and was wanting to put a better barrel on it. I currently have the sporter barrel on there and was looking at some varmint barrels. My question is, Can I change the sporter barrel out to a varmint barrel? Might be a dumb one as I do not know. I have never changed barrels out myself and was wanting to work on this one. I still want to keep the rifle light to pack for coyotes but want to help the accuracy. Thanks fellas.
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Savage 11 .243 Barrel Replacement
- Thread starter pjosh6
- Start date
It is a fairly straight forward proposition.
Try googling, Savage barrel swap.
Read a few tutorials, watch a few videos.
Try googling, Savage barrel swap.
Read a few tutorials, watch a few videos.
Okay.. Thanks i looked around and found some options... Thinking either stay with 243 or go with 260... Will use for deer and coyotes.. Also reload for it
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Give Jim at Northland Shooters Supply a call. He can hook you up with all of the tools you need as well as an excellent Criterion prechambered barrel. I have one in 260 and it is a hammer. It easily shoots as good as my Bartlein and Rock Creek barrels.
Focusing on your original question, you can, but will it fit in your stock? I am assuming since you said "varmint barrel" you're talking about a heavier barrel, which may or may not fit the barrel channel on your stock. If the gun is factory and the sporter barrel is factory, then my guess is going to be no. So, you'll either have to modify your stock, or buy a new one once you get the barrel swapped. Regarding the barrel swap, it's very easy if you've got the right tools, and with a small investment they can be yours. My Dad and I had never done it before, drilled out a 4x4 to use in combination with a bench vice to hold the barrel and had my .22-250 changed into a 7mm-08 in about 20 minutes, because we were taking our time. If you have even the smallest amount of mechanical knowledge and can follow directions, I encourage anyone to try. One word of warning on the barrel swapping, once you have the tools and the know-how.....it's hard to stop
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I did what you are asking last year and documented it the process on YouTube. As previously stated, you can swap out the barrel but you will either need to open out the channel in your current stock or buy a new stock that can accommodate the thicker barrel.
In regards to changing the caliber, 260 is a good round if you reload. If not, factory ammo is a little harder to find than 243 and it costs a lot more. If you don't reload (or plan to start) then you would probably be better off sticking with 243 or stepping up to 308.
Here is a link to my five part series:
Budget Long Range Rifle build - YouTube
Part 2 covered installing the new barrel:
I'm a total amateur and these videos reveal that, lol. Check out savageshooters.com for additional information.
In regards to changing the caliber, 260 is a good round if you reload. If not, factory ammo is a little harder to find than 243 and it costs a lot more. If you don't reload (or plan to start) then you would probably be better off sticking with 243 or stepping up to 308.
Here is a link to my five part series:
Budget Long Range Rifle build - YouTube
Part 2 covered installing the new barrel:
I'm a total amateur and these videos reveal that, lol. Check out savageshooters.com for additional information.
I will be looking to get a new stock... Probably a B&C stock... Will i have a hard time if i get a new stock and try to go with a 24" varmint barrel to stay with a leightweight rifle? Say 8lbs or so with scope? Two of my other rifles that have varmint barrels are heavy
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I looked and found a 260 barrel on McGowens that is a 1/8 twist with varmint contour and is 24" long. I think that might be a good choice for my build.
