Replacing the barrel on a Remington 700 in .308 Winchester, especially adding a threaded barrel for suppressor use or other accessories, is a significant undertaking. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, highlighting crucial steps and considerations for a successful and safe barrel swap. Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Improper firearm modification can lead to serious injury or death. Always consult with a qualified gunsmith if you lack experience.
Why Replace a Remington 700 Barrel?
Several reasons might prompt a Remington 700 .308 barrel replacement:
- Accuracy Issues: A worn or damaged barrel can significantly impact accuracy. Replacing it with a new barrel, especially one with a superior profile or manufacturing process, can greatly improve shot grouping.
- Thread Addition: Many shooters add threaded barrels for mounting suppressors, muzzle brakes, or compensators. This enhances sound suppression, recoil management, or muzzle flash reduction.
- Caliber Change: Switching calibers requires a barrel change. This allows you to adapt your rifle to different hunting situations or target shooting disciplines.
- Barrel Wear: Over time, even with proper maintenance, barrels wear down, leading to decreased accuracy and potentially affecting the life of the firearm.
Tools and Materials Needed for Remington 700 308 Threaded Barrel Replacement
Before you begin, gather all necessary tools and materials. This includes:
- New Threaded Barrel: Choose a barrel specifically designed for the Remington 700 action in .308 Winchester and your desired thread pitch (e.g., 5/8x24). Consider barrel profile (e.g., heavy varmint, sporter) based on your intended use.
- Action Wrench: A properly sized action wrench is crucial for safely removing and installing the barrel.
- Barrel Vise: A barrel vise is essential to securely clamp the barrel during the process, preventing damage.
- Go/No-Go Gauges: These gauges ensure the chamber is properly sized after installation, crucial for safe and reliable operation.
- Headspace Gauge: Essential to verify correct headspace after installation. Incorrect headspace can lead to catastrophic failure.
- Action Cleaning Kit: To clean the receiver thoroughly before installation.
- Torque Wrench: To tighten the barrel nut to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Thread Lubricant: Apply a suitable lubricant to the threads to prevent damage.
- Safety Glasses and Hearing Protection: Essential for protecting your eyes and hearing during the process.
- Cleaning Solvent and Patches: To clean the barrel after installation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remington 700 308 Threaded Barrel Replacement
This process is complex. Again, we strongly recommend seeking a professional gunsmith if you are unfamiliar with firearm modification.
- Safety First: Unload the firearm and ensure it's completely clear of ammunition.
- Remove the Existing Barrel: Use the action wrench to carefully loosen and remove the barrel nut. The barrel should then be removed from the action.
- Clean the Receiver: Thoroughly clean the receiver to remove any debris or residue.
- Install the New Barrel: Carefully align the new barrel with the receiver and tighten the barrel nut using the action wrench and torque wrench, following the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.
- Headspace Check: Use the headspace gauge to verify correct headspace. Incorrect headspace is extremely dangerous and requires professional intervention.
- Chamber Check: Use go/no-go gauges to verify chamber dimensions are correct.
- Final Inspection: Carefully inspect the barrel installation for any issues or defects.
- Test Fire (Under Supervision): After completing the installation, test fire the rifle at a gun range under the supervision of a qualified firearms professional.
Choosing the Right Threaded Barrel
Several factors influence your barrel choice:
- Thread Pitch: Choose the correct thread pitch for your desired accessories (e.g., 5/8x24 is common).
- Barrel Profile: Heavier profiles offer greater stability, while lighter profiles are easier to carry.
- Barrel Length: This affects accuracy and velocity. Consider the intended use of your rifle.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Select a reputable barrel manufacturer known for quality and consistency.
Conclusion
Replacing a Remington 700 .308 barrel, particularly adding threading, requires precision and expertise. While this guide provides a general overview, improper installation can lead to significant risks. Always prioritize safety and seek professional assistance if you are not experienced in firearm modification. Remember, safety should always be your top priority.
