Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Remington 700 BDL Switch Barrel

I have a project in mind and wondering if it’s possible.
I have a very clean vintage 1966 Remington 700 BDL Standard contour with open sights in 6mm Remington and I would like to have a switch barrel with the same style factory barrel in 308 Win.
I have the 308 barrel.
Is it possible to do this without any alterations to the stock?
I want the rifle left with all the original finishes.
Thanks for any input.

This is a popular modification using a “Remage” nut. The bedding has to be opened up a little to accommodate the nut.

Yes Sir I’m aware of the Remage nut but I don’t want to stray from the original platform. I want to keep it as original as possible but be able to change calibers.

I have done a couple. I didn't need to alter the stocks but neither was an original wood stock. If needed, it should be very minor.

I have done a couple. I didn't need to alter the stocks but neither was an original wood stock. If needed, it should be very minor. [/quote]
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Is there an alternative to the Remage nut?
Would there need to be a second bolt?

I would not modify that rifle. 6mms are getting hard to find. Why butcher a rifle with a higher value than you would have with a chopped-up rifle?

Yes Sir that’s exactly why I don’t want to alter anything other than wanting to have a switch barrel.
I have the 308 barrel that is practically new except it’s 55 years old identical date codes and original open sights.

Without a remage nut, I don't know that you'll be able to do it just because of likely headspace issues.

May or may not be OK. A gunsmith can correct me if I am wrong...but on factory barrels, the headspace is set by the shoulder and tennon length. Barrel gets screwed on tight and the headspace is what it's supposed to be.


The remage nut allows you to properly set the headspace.



There's always arguments on m700s vs clones. But that was a big selling point on a custom clone to me. I can call Kelbly's and have a barrel made...or a few other vendors...barrel ships to my house and I screw it on. The factory 700 actions just don't have tight enough tolerances to do that. Sometimes it works but probably not worth figuring it out. Unless you have a barrel vise and action wrench already.

There's another issue. Possibly marring the barrel and/or action. Yes..if done properly and the barrel comes off easily, you shouldn't leave marks. But some m700s are known to be tough to get off.


Good luck! It'd be a neat endeavor if it worked easily...but chances of that are slim unfortunately.

I have a mod 700 switch bbl. My gunsmith pinned and silver soldered the recoil lug to the receiver, each bbl is then head spaced to that. I have a 6.5 cm, a 308 and 30 06 all using the same bedded action. A bbl change takes about 2 minutes. All three bbl are .5 inch @ 100 yd capable.

I have open sights on both barrels.
Who is your smith?
I’m looking for someone that can accomplish the job.

That sounds like the deal!

I actually have 2 mod 700’ s done this way, a short action in .223 and 300 blackout and the other one I mentioned. The only problem I have encountered is having to re zero the scope when you change bbl. I was going to look int the quick change mounts, so I could just keep a scope for each different caliber. I have heard that they maintain their zero after removing and replacing the scope.

Any of the Barrels have factory open sights?

No, all scoped. Having open sights would likely add all sorts of problems. I’m pretty sure the bbl’s are landing in the same spot when I tighten them up but with bbl sights I could see problems with factory mounted sights. Now if you used new bbl’s and set your head space you could then install new sights and have them on top of the bbl, instead of tilted to the side. Hope this makes sense.

Yes Sir it does make perfect sense.
I’ve been told it can be done but not certain.
That’s the reason for my post, trying to locate someone that can do it if it can be done.
I appreciate your thoughts and confirmation of what I expected.

OP,
Have a competent 'smith fit/clock the Bbl's of choice & headspace accordingly.

Have the recoil lug pinned w/o the ignorant silver braze option as mentioned above.

I have several 40X's,700's,Sevens w/ multiple switch Bbls for their dedicated receivers.

Thanks for the reply Dan
Please keep in mind both the barrels I have have open sights mounted so can it still be done?
I’m trying to find a smith can do the job and not having any luck so far.

It can still be done once the second barrel is indexed and headspaced correctly. The only problem is, with every removal and installation, the joint is going to loosen until the barrel goes too far and the sights are no longer on top. A half degree is readily noticeable. As far as headspace is concerned, there is no real issue but indexing can be problematic. GD

Yes Sir that makes perfect sense but I doubt I’d be changing barrels very often.
I would just like to have the option if the occasion arises to need to swap calibers say from varmint to elk hunting.
I’ve always had the need to feel unique. lol

Look to the WTO switch lug.