I have a very accurate custom .338-06 rifle based on a Savage 110 action but the barrel profile is too large and it throws the balance too far forward. I also don't like the look or feel of the stock particularly. I'd like the profile reduced just enough to balance the gun and then a new B&C Medalist stock installed. Can a gunsmith do this or will I have to have to have the barrel replaced (or would it be cheaper)?
Some places like Shaw & McGowen do it very inexpensively. If it needs blueing this is not cheap. Most of the major barrel makers will do it at least on their own barrels. The re-contour will be less than a new barrel, but if you add blueing costs then it is almost a wash.
Who made the barrel? Many times custom barrel makers will re-contour their barrels for cheap.
This is a job that any reasonably competent gunsmith should be able to accomplish. GD
In the old days Smiths used to do this as part of the barreling process... but a good deal of stress relief occurs after contouring .... so re contouring could change how it shoots.
"... but a good deal of stress relief occurs after contouring .... so re contouring could change how it shoots."
I believe that you mean a good deal of stress is introduced during contouring and then must be relieved afterwards.
Correct DocEd... I don’t re-contour match barrels that have been stress relieved...
Removing material does not induce stress. The stress exists in the material (assuming the material was not properly stress relieved prior to machining) so the removal of material actually removes stresses which existed before. Material which has been properly stress relieved is inert and the only way machining will induce stress is if the operation is one which deforms the material rather than cutting it. So, a very dull cutter could induce stress as could a swaging operation. GD
I have done this once before and the time/labor involved made me swear it off. Never say never, because I just traded into several heavy weight barrels that I want to make sporters out of. Looks like I will spend 4 hours per barrel leaning over a lathe again, while tweeking the taper attachment.
If I had a really accurate custom rifle, I'd leave it alone.
Like was said, I'd imagine reprofiling can change how the barrel shoots. Stresses and harmonics can come into play. It could shoot just as good or maybe better...
Probably better to spend the money on a good barrel and chamber job. It's a savage so I believe you can buy prefits that screw right on?
You also aren't a fan of the stock. So, I'd personally sell it and buy or have built exactly what I want.
My 2 cents.