Barrel contour advice

[GrumpyGuns]

Evening all

So looking to get a new barrel for my Stevens 200 from Apache, I am going with a .223 7 twist 26". My purpose for it is a training rifle for mid to long range and varmint work. I was thinking of a M24 contour but not sure about the weight @ 6.5# I am also looking at the Savage varmint contour but a Rem varmint contour looks good too. Please help me with some real world experience?

Thanks in advance

[bc83]

I have a Shilen 26" varmint 223 wilder 1-8 twist it's got good balance not to heavy.

[GrumpyGuns]

I will have to take a look at those measurments as well. What was the weight of the barrel?

[bc83]

Don't know what the barrel weighs but the gun is a little over 10lbs with scope.

[Londerko]

Savage varmint contour (.800" @ the muzzle) is really popular for what your describing. Rem varmint or Sendero is (.830 @ the muzzle) I believe. For a long range hunting and packing arround rifle I use savage magnum contour (.700" @ the muzzle)
I have packed arround varmint contour barrels for hunting, their fine but not ideal in my option. I don't know actual barrel weights.
Hope that helps

[Mortarman0341]

Excellent question and I like the magnum contours myself for a hunter, long range guns should be close to 10 lbs. or more.

[dpfelton]

Get the magnum contour. I have a 223 ai savage varmint contour on a model 12 action in a Choate tactical stock. The weight of the barrel changed the balance point of the rifle. I added lead to the hollow stock. Now the rifle weighs 17 pounds, it tracks great prone and settles nicely offhand. Next barrel will be a different contour to shave weight, hope my experience helps.

[GrumpyGuns]

Three votes for the magnum. Could someone put up a pic so I can take a look?

[Londerko]

I brought up the magnum contour for a hunting rifle. For the training rifle your describing I think the varmint contour would be more appropriate. But it all depends on what you wanna go with it. Lots of bipod time? Or packing arround?

[GrumpyGuns]

Probably a 70/30 split between bipod time and chasing dogs. Think your right that the varmint would do well for that. Thanks