New Rifle or Second Barrel?

[SimonDodsworth]

I currently have a Schultz and Larsen Classic DL in 6.5x55, which I'm rather fond of but I'm in the process of applying for 30-06 for Boar with Lincs Police. FLO says he will recommend but who knows what obstacles his inspector will throw in my path. Anyway, I can't decide between spending around £1000 on a new barrel or the same on something like a T3x. If I go down the barrel route, I'll also be looking at QD scope mounts and a picatinny rail for the Schultz so I can switch from my Minox to NV easily. If I go with the new rifle option it's scope mounts etc.

I'm simply after opinions or experience. I can squeeze one more in my cabinet so that's not a drama.

 

[takbok]

I'd go with a new rifle (Tikka). Much less hassle than chopping and changing barrels and scopes all the time. Ultimately it's up to you though - what do you want?

 

[norcan]

That’s true for some rifles, but it really isn’t hassle to change a barrel on a S&L.

 

[The Singing Stalker]

I bought a Blaser as i liked the idea of switching barrels. I now have 2 Blasers so as couldn’t be bothered with the changing of barrels. I’m a lazy sod.
I think my point was, buy another rifle.

 

[Miki]

New barrel.
It takes seconds to do and as long as it's the same bolt (which in your example it is) it's easy.

I don't speak from experience but I believe the POi stays within 1MOA.
I have taken my S&L barrel off and reffitted it and the POi did move but less than 1MOA, probably less than 1/2.
I can't imagine that the machining is that far off on the breech/action interface of another barrel to effect the POi.

 

[SimonDodsworth]

I bought a Blaser as i liked the idea of switching barrels. I now have 2 Blasers so as couldn’t be bothered with the changing of barrels. I’m a lazy sod.

Thanks for the help...I can't afford another Schultz so would have to be barrel only.

 

[SimonDodsworth]

New barrel.
It takes seconds to do and as long as it's the same bolt (which in your example it is) it's easy.

I don't speak from experience but I believe the POi stays within 1MOA.
I have taken my S&L barrel off and reffitted it and the POi did move but less than 1MOA, probably less than 1/2.
I can't imagine that the machining is that far off on the breech/action interface of another barrel to effect the POi.

I'm feeling that may be the best decision for me. I can't imagine having any reliability problems with the Schultz that would make me worry about having all my eggs in one basket. I also have the synthetic stock so wouldn't even need to take it off to change barrels

 

[SimonDodsworth]

New barrel.
It takes seconds to do and as long as it's the same bolt (which in your example it is) it's easy.

I don't speak from experience but I believe the POi stays within 1MOA.
I have taken my S&L barrel off and reffitted it and the POi did move but less than 1MOA, probably less than 1/2.
I can't imagine that the machining is that far off on the breech/action interface of another barrel to effect the POi.

Would you suggest the standard barrel for 30-06? I fancy the look of the fluted but am concerned it may make the rifle a tad light

 

[Steff]

Switch barrel concepts are a nice thing to have. Be it for simple replacement of a barrel or a general change of calibre. Also if you do a seasonal swap they come in handy.
But even though it may technically work I don‘t advocate changing your barrels on a regular (weekly, daily) basis. Apart from the hassle I simply wouldn‘t feel comfortable.
I have 3 Blasers. I could get along with 2, but it‘s so much nicer the way it is.

 

[SimonDodsworth]

Switch barrel concepts are a nice thing to have. Be it for simple replacement of a barrel or a general change of calibre. Also if you do a seasonal swap they come in handy.
But even though it may technically work I don‘t advocate changing your barrels on a regular (weekly, daily) basis. Apart from the hassle I simply wouldn‘t feel comfortable.
I have 3 Blasers. I could get along with 2, but it‘s so much nicer the way it is.

The 6.5x55 would be on most of the time for Lincolnshire/Yorkshire Fallow, Roe and Muntjac with the occasional switch to 30-06 for boar and maybe hill deer if the opportunity arises

 

[The Singing Stalker]

The 6.5x55 would be on most of the time for Lincolnshire/Yorkshire Fallow, Roe and Muntjac with the occasional switch to 30-06 for boar and maybe hill deer if the opportunity arises

Why not sell the 6.5 and get a 3006 for everything. I use mine from munties up.

 

[SimonDodsworth]

Why not sell the 6.5 and get a 3006 for everything. I use mine from munties up.

I considered that but love the rifle. I'm just having some modifications made to the original wood stock. If I get on well with 30-06 I guess I could sell the 6.5 barrel

 

[Island]

I bought a Blaser as i liked the idea of switching barrels. I now have 2 Blasers so as couldn’t be bothered with the changing of barrels. I’m a lazy sod.
I think my point was, buy another rifle.

That was pretty much an identical thought process, and outcome, as mine...

 

[cjm1066]

In 40 years

Ruger 77 trigger guard not bedded and broke loosening action.

Swarovski scope failed - repaired under their superb warranty.

Nikon scope turned within mounts - temporary substitute for Swarovski, using tape to fit 1” scope in 26mm rings.

BSA trigger safety wouldn’t disengage, needed a polish and lube, but then its over 60 years old.

Then returning home to get the 308 ammo for the 308 – the 7x57 didn’t fit

 

[Leroux]

I walked this road with Sauer. Started with a Sauer 202 in a 30-06. Later bought a 6.5 x 55 barrel. Now I have 2 Sauers....Buy 2 rifles. You will end up there eventually

 

[Pete6.5]

You like your existing rifle so why not just shoot everything with 6.5x55? And just spend a relatively small amount on mounts and the rest on just getting out there shooting. I'm sure plenty of boar have been shot with 6.5 mm calibre

 

[Steff]

In 40 years

Ruger 77 trigger guard not bedded and broke loosening action.

Swarovski scope failed - repaired under their superb warranty.

Nikon scope turned within mounts - temporary substitute for Swarovski, using tape to fit 1” scope in 26mm rings.

BSA trigger safety wouldn’t disengage, needed a polish and lube, but then its over 60 years old.

Then returning home to get the 308 ammo for the 308 – the 7x57 didn’t fit

Are you lonely or why do you post such irrelevant stuff?

 

[nic531]

When I lived in Germany, I am sure 6.5 55 was the go to rifle for boar there. Why use a different one for here?

 

[nun_hunter]

Switch barrel concepts are a nice thing to have. Be it for simple replacement of a barrel or a general change of calibre. Also if you do a seasonal swap they come in handy.
But even though it may technically work I don‘t advocate changing your barrels on a regular (weekly, daily) basis. Apart from the hassle I simply wouldn‘t feel comfortable.
I have 3 Blasers. I could get along with 2, but it‘s so much nicer the way it is.

I agree in that it's a great concept with many plus sides but it's not something you'd actually do that often. Great if you're travelling and have some different shooting to do so it takes up less space and weight and you get familiar with the one rifle and scope or if you are shooting miles from home and can't return between shooting disciplines.

In reality if you're going to use the 6.5 during the day for stalking and the 30-06 only at night for boar then two rifles makes more sense with two different scopes. Otherwise you'll potentially get fed up of changing and end up using the 30-06 for everything but I'd rather have a spare barrel sitting in the cabinet than an entire rifle.

If you're only planning on shooting boar with NV as opposed to driven boar then I'd also just stick with the 6.5 and spend the money on a thermal or NV add on.

 

[cjm1066]

Are you lonely or why do you post such irrelevant stuff?

Very happy with lots of freinds than you