Help make some decisoions.

[B. Miville]

Well, after reading AZhuntnut's thread about the lightweight rifle he built I have grown a bit of a fancy in giving a go on my own shortened barrel rifle.  You see, I have a factory 24", .30-06 barrel that got all dinged up.  I had to sand and polish out the scratches, but the cold blue job looks and wears horribly.  I have considered having it reblued, but had not gotten around to it yet.  But now I am thinking of sending it out for a chop down.  Since hunting in New England pretty much means trompin' through thick woods and swampy/boggy areas I can appreciate having a nice short rifle (indeed I have a .45 colt, 20" Winchester 94AE that is my current favorite woods gun).  So, measuring the barrel I can have it cut to 17" to remove all the dinged and cold blue spots, or, I THINK I can have it chopped to 18", and if I send it to SSK I could have an arrestor muzzle break put on (And perhaps you folks might now.....do they cut threads and thread it on?).  Anyways, thats the info, so what would you do?  Have it cut to about 16 1/2" or so and leave it, cut it to 16 1/2" or so and add the Arrestor, cut it to 18" and add the Arrestor?  Or I guess another option would be cut to 18", no break, but have it re-blued.

I promise to post pics if/when it gets done 

Brian

[Grumulkin]

Since it appears you really want to shorten the barrel, I would have a brake installed since the price for shortening and recrowning the barrel and the price for having a brake installed aren't that much different.

As for barrel finish if you decide to refinish the barrel, I would go with SSK's mil spec finish.  It's a dull black and quite durable.  You could also have the receiver refinished with the barrel if you want them to match but I don't think a barrel that doesn't match the receiver looks bad.

As for how brakes are installed; it varies.  T/C's Muzzle Tamer is threaded on.  I believe SSK's Arrestor brake is cut directly into the barrel; you could check SSK's web site for more information on this.

[B. Miville]

Hmm, I did not know SSK did full refinishing. Something I will look into, especially the mil spec you mention.  I think I will still have it shortened, but now I am thinking of moderating it a bit and going to the 18-20 inch range.

Brian

[blacknwhite]

I would have it chopped and not get the muzzle brake (LOUD). Short barrels are cool! Sand and spray it with flat black and go huntin.

[B. Miville]

Hey guys,

Well, the final decision is......20", no brake.  I contacted SSK and JD said he will refinish the barrel for $60, which sounds good to me.  I will have him chop and crown the barrel (another $50.)  When I get it back it will be time to hunt down some glass.  I scavanged my Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x and Burris Zee rings for my .257 Roberts barrel, and I MIGHT go with the same scop again unless I can find a good fixed 2 power or variable 1(ish)-4(ish)x scope in the $200 range.  Definately going with the Stratton Custom base again......that thing looks beautiful on the Encore system, and she seems mighty strong too!  I may even splurge a bit and pick up a set of the new Flex Tech stock and forend.

Brian