I have a rifle that I like but it weighs more than I care for. The most significant weight factor is the heavy-sporter weight barrel, an F-34 contour Adams & Bennett chambered to 257 AI. It shoots well, but I'm less apt to take it afield because of the weight.

I have been told that removal of barrel mass takes more than just turning it down. Is this always the case?

If I get the barrel turned down, is it apt to change its character accuracy-wise?

I have about 800 rounds through it. Those have varied in their velocity (pet load runs a 100 gr bullet at 3300 fps) and I'm relatively careful not to shoot on a hot barrel. Should I just shoot the heck out of it as-is and keep the weight issue in mind when I rebarrel?

What is all this likely to cost?

Thanks all,

efw

You would be better off in the long run replacing the A&B barrel with something in a lighter contour.

Thank you; that is what I was assuming.

What all is involved in properly turning down a barrel?

Nice sig line... I like, "This is my rifle, this is my gun, this is for fighting..."

Re-contouring will run anywhere from 100 to 250 dollars depending upon how often the 'smith contours barrels, whether or not bluing is included, and the amount of material to be removed. Accuracy may or may not be affected.
What is involved? The barrel is mounted in the lathe and set-up so the proper taper is established and it is turned down. Alternatively, it is set up in a lathe which is equipped with a copier attachment and turned down. A real forunate 'smith may have a CNC lathe and will program the appropriate contour and turn it down. All in all, it's usually not a big deal with any decent quality barrel which is properly stress relieved. GD

Thanks Greydog!

Would you guess that the A&B is a "...decent quality barrel which is properly stress relieved."?

I'm thinking that shooting this thing out might be fun...

I just sent a 24" heavy varmint bbl to McGowan to be turned down. I sent just the bbl, along with a 20" Carbine bbl that I wanted duplicated. The price quoted was $45 plus return shipping to cut to 20", crown muzzle, and turn down from 1" to 1/2" at the muzzle; duplicating the contour of the carbine bbl. This price did not include bluing, but did include polishing to remove the machining marks.

hclark,

Thanks for that insight; that is most helpful!

Was the barrel you sent for recontouring a McGowan or do they do such work on products other than theirs?

It was an unknown brand that I took off a Savage 99 I bought. Apparently they will work on any brand. I sent them an email and got an answer the next day. Here is their website:
http://www.mcgowenbarrel.com

Thanks again, H! I emailed them yesterday and they've answered my questions.

I appreciate the heads up on this very much,

efw