Author Topic: barrel length for 450 alaskan (Read 1169 times)

Ct Kid · « **on:** February 01, 2004, 03:00:19 PM »

Been looking at the browning model 71 repro for a 450 alaskan conversion.I have seen it with two barrel lengths 20 and 24 inch.What would be the best of the two lengths.Anyone have experience with a good gunsmith who can do the job.thanks

Judson · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2004, 09:19:45 AM »

I can do that conversion in my shop, as to barrel length with that bore diameter/ case capasity you can run a 20 inch barrel no problem. Going to a longer barrel will give you little increase in velosity probably no more then 25 to 30 feet per second. Running a little longer barrel will make powder selection alittle easier and give you alittle more weight which you will probably want.

Tim50 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2004, 01:36:44 PM »

Judson,
How much would a conversion like this cost? Can you also do the 50 Alaskan? How long is your waiting list? Thanks for your time....

Judson · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2004, 01:49:21 PM »

For either the 450 or the 500 conversion you are looking at a new barrel, rental on a reamer and around $100 labor, not more then $150.
I do not have the reamer but rental is around 55.00. Barrels are available from the Montania Rifleman or Shilen and if you are intrested I will check on price and give you a total for the conversion, it will be on the "high side" that way you will have no rude suprises, the actual job should come in lower.

VernAK · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2004, 12:33:20 PM »

CT,
My neighbor uses a 450 Alaskan built on a Browning 71 by Lee Penwell of Nabesna, Alaska.....The barrel is 24" at least and has a full length magazine....topped with a Lyman receiver sight, it's a formidable rifle....

Con · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2004, 07:08:20 PM »

Judson,
Given that you've converted M71s to 50 Alaskan I was wondering if you could speculate on what work would be/is required to get a Marlin 1895SS converted to 50 Alaskan. I've toyed with the idea of having one done but nobody that I'm aware of has done it before in Australia.
Cheers...
Con

VernAK · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2004, 05:15:42 AM »

There is currently listed in the Whitehorse Star a Browning 71 450 Alaskan with Lyman receiver and 20" barrel with screw-on muzzle brake.

LILED · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2004, 04:22:58 PM »

Nothing over 21" mine has a 18.5 and wrings most of the velocity out of it.

liled

VernAK · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2004, 05:23:49 AM »

Barrel length depends on the intended use of the rifle. My neighbor uses his for hunting moose in open mountains and frequently makes shots near three hundred yards with his 26" barreled 450 Alaskan. If we were shaking brown bears out of the alders, the 20" would sure be handier. But I have carried a prew64 70, 375 H&H for 35 years and have not found that 25" long action rifle unwieldy in the brush and the long barrel is an asset for hunting at longer range, I have found sights to be the primary limiting factor for me when hunting in heavy bush. The receiver sight without aperture works great for me.

I will check with my neighbor regarding his velocity and load out of the 26" 450....