Model 10 <-> Axis Barrel swap / build project. Am I crazy?

[Newtosavage]

Okay, I've been itching to do my first Savage barrel swap/build for a while now. Ordered, then cancelled the order for a 12FV because I found a .280 Ruger I just couldn't live without - so my "big" gun is now covered.

As many here know, I have a model 10 in 7.62x39 that I really enjoy, but over the past year one of my young friends has really taken a liking to that rifle. Enough that I've been tempted to give it to them as a "first rifle" gift. But I really hate to part with that action!

I was thinking of building a 6.5CM or a 7mm-08 anyway, so here's what I'm thinking...

Cabelas has their Axis rifles on clearance right now for $259. What I'm thinking of is buying a new Axis in one of those calibers, then swapping barrels, bolt faces and magazines, and giving my friend the Axis with the 7.62x39 barrel, and dropping the 6.5CM or 7mm-08 Axis barrel on my model 10 action.

I've been looking for used barrels in those calibers, but just the barrel alone is bringing upwards of $175. For just $85 more, plus some tools, I could have two rifles.

Is that a crazy idea?

[jpdown]

The only difference between a Savage Axis barrel and a Savage barrel is the stamp on the barrel. Swapping barrels will work.

[foxx]

You're thinking right, Grasshopper.

[Newtosavage]

You're thinking right, Grasshopper.

Whew! For a minute there I thought I may have lost my mind. LOL.

Now I just gotta decide 7mm-08 or 6.5CM

I already have a 7x57 and have a .280 rem on the way. The 7mm-08 would be convenient when it came to loading components, but that 6.5CM is so darn tempting...

[FW Conch]

Because of the stuff You already have, and other reasons:

Go with the 6.5CM :-))

[Newtosavage]

Because of the stuff You already have, and other reasons:

Go with the 6.5CM :-)) Kinda what I was thinking...

[RC20]

Yes you are crazy, but it goes with the Savage rifles!!!

Its a nutty community for a reason.

[Newtosavage]

Yes you are crazy, but it goes with the Savage rifles!!!

Its a nutty community for a reason.

Well put. In a way, I kinda hope that if I get one barrel swap done, I'll get it out of my system. But my fear is that it will only get worse! LOL

[SageRat Shooter]

It WILL only get worse..... It's an addiction! I call it Alice in wonderland.... Only you can determine how far the rabbit hole goes....

I started just wanting to upgrade a PD gun...

Then it was, I want to REALLY put together a "Tack Driver".... That I can shoot the wings off a fly at 500 yards... I'm just waiting on the barrel to arrive to get it finished. I told my self that "this is the last one"....

My wife laughs at me now when I tell her this is the last one... She says that within a year "You'll have another project you want to put together" She's probably right.... LOL!!

[hereinaz]

Get the 12 fv for $300 bucks with a $20 off online coupon...

[hereinaz]

SPRING2016 is the code I think.

[Newtosavage]

Get the 12 fv for $300 bucks with a $20 off online coupon... Nah, I was gonna do that, but I already have a SA model 10. If I got the Axis, I'd get the sporter barrel that I'd actually use. I don't really have any use for a 26" heavy barrel.