to many barrels not enough receivers

[Deerhunter#1]

Well in the last month I have aquired an additional 3 barrels. I really like dedicated receivers for each gun but was unable to fund that need. They each fit on one of my various receivers with no need for work other than forearm fit. That being said what have your experiences been when switching one barrel off that is sighted in and putting another on. When switching back was the point of impact changed. All my guns are sighted in but really want to feel comfortable switching if need be.

[thejanitor]

I would shoot to check zero after the switch. Mine have always been within a couple inches but not perfect..... I always shoot to check.  thejanitor

[Deerhunter#1]

That is what I was afraid of. My 25-06 and 20 guage ultra slug are fitting the same receiver and those are the two guns I was looking at useing this year. They have the thumhole lam stock that I like also. I guess the 30-30 will have to be my center fire this year. Closest range is an hour away and it is like taking a chance with your life to shoot there this time of year.

[gomerdog]

Thejanitor's experience has been mine also. I always feel more comfortable checking POI after switching barrels.

[Jimbo47]

That is the greatest concern with having extra barrels, and why a lot of guys are now dedicating a barrel to a single receiver, myself included.
 
It's a latch and hinge system and these rifles aren't the most precision built instruments to come down the pike.
 
You can get away with it if it's a range gun, but if you use your extra barrels for hunting, we have to respect the animals we hunt, and without a range nearby it's not ethical to take the chance.

[Deerhunter#1]

I agree the 25-06 will have to sit this year. The 20is gusts is staying on that receiver. The 30-30is will be the deer gun of choice for this season.

[Jimbo47]

Yep, I've got a 20 gauge Tracker ll barrel that's sitting in the safe right now waiting for a receiver!

[tat438]

Hey guy,
 
  I am VERY new to handi rifles. I have a .50 Huntsman, a 45-70 and a .270 all on thier own recievers. I have considered buying additional barrels, and I always thought that if the sights, iron or telescopic would not change since they were actually attached to the barrel itself.
 
  I believe what yall are saying, but how does removing the barrel from the action change the point of impact. I am glad to have seen this because it really changes my mind about just getting the extra barrels.
 
  Thanks
 
 
  Tommy
 
 

[quickdtoo]

I haven't swapped barrels for years, but when I did, I had three barrels fitted to one frame, 223, 243 and 25-06, I shot them all in succession at the range on the same day switching them out to cool after each load was tested, they never changed POI enough for me to notice.

Tim

[cjrjck]

I've been fortunate I guess but switching barrels has not been a problem for me as far as change in POI. I think it is important to tighten the forearm screw the same each time after removing and replacing a barrel. The only way to know for sure is to try with your guns.

[quickdtoo]

I've been fortunate I guess but switching barrels has not been a problem for me as far as change in POI. I think it is important to tighten the forearm screw the same each time after removing and replacing a barrel. The only way to know for sure is to try with your guns.

That's an excellent point, forend screw torque is extremely important, consistency each time the forend is installed is essential, I've always used a torque sensing screwdriver to make sure it's the same each time, but there are other methods to deal with it, most are mentioned in the FAQs. Dedicated forends for each barrel makes this a lot easier, many members order a new forend for each accessory barrel.

Tim

[tacklebury]

I only have the one switch barrel at the moment.  I just put orings (actually my daughters braces rubberbands, lol) on each stud and swap em.  Zero change in POI with the same forearm.  I think if you bed one, it'd be more critical. 

[jeneks84k10]

I guess I dont understand how the poi could change just by swapping barrels. If the sights/scope are attached to the barrel and  you do not disturb them when swapping then the poi shouldnt change either. I dont have any barrels without dedicated recievers but I do disassemble my guns for complete cleaning occasionally and have never had a poi change afterwards.

[manatee1947]

could not afford that many complete guns either, like Quick, I have 3 to a frame. I have not noticed any radical change in poi either. I shoot mostly cast bullets though, and figure that 2" at 100 yards is doing really well, and I might stretch that to 150 for hunting, where 4" would be fine for whitetails or hogs. I don't use the handis for target stuff In fact, from shooting 6 different calibers, 6 barrels, across 3 frames, at 75 yards you could cover the entire group of probably 80 rounds with a paper plate on the range backstop as I was trying different loads for them. If you were shooting at 300 yards it would be a problem though.

[Deerhunter#1]

Well I am headed to the range one last time before the pa season opens.  I have never tried taking the barrel off replacing it and seeing what happens. I will do it while there and see what happens. Am a little leafy of a 30-30couple as the county I am hunting bear is also open and I have a liscence. I think the 25-06mill with 120the brain bullets would be slightly better medicine.

[Jimbo47]

I'f you sight in your rifle and swap the barrel and it shoots the same as before you removed it, then what more could you ask, and your mind will be at ease, and there is nothing wrong with that if at least you are positive that it will.
 
I don't think I could just take someones word for it without proving it to myself, with my own rifle.
 
If I sight in a rifle to hit say 1 1/2" high, that is where it better hit, but then again, that is just me.