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?