PCS - changing barrel

[bearcatrp]

Anyone change the barrel on a PCS? Considering changing to 338 ARC. Cheaper than buying another PCS if savage comes out with one. Just emailed them asking about it. Thanks.

[jimreed1948]

My PCS came as a .223 with the 10" barrel. I removed the 10" and went with a 15", 20 Practical with a 10 twist X-Caliber barrel. Very accurate. I plan on 6 mm in the near future. Easy to do, just need a few of the right tools.

[bearcatrp]

From reading folks changing barrels on full size bolt actions, the barrel nut needs changing. Or was it folks not doing it right? Never done a bolt action. Have done AR10’s. Will start looking at parts to change it. Thanks

[jimreed1948]

The barrel nut does not have to be changed out. I used the barrel nut that came on my PCS on the new barrel.

Just make sure when you order the new barrel you order a large shank barrel for the PCS.

[bearcatrp]

Think I will go with the 400 legend. Never changed a bolt action barrel before. Just AR10’s. Do I have to order the barrel nut wrench? Need go-no go gauges, correct? Who would be a good place that would have barrels in stock? Not sure what size yet but do want 5R rifling like what originally comes with the PCS. Could do it the easy way and just get another PCS but swapping barrels should be allot cheaper.

[jimreed1948]

X-Caliber Barrels

The Urbanrifleman

I have Savage barrels from both of these companies. I would buy a barrel again from either one. If they don't have a barrel in stock, it takes about 4-6 weeks to receive one. Give one of these companies a call and tell them what you want and they can give you some tips.

You would need some type of wrench to tighten it up for sure as well as headspace gauges for whatever caliber you're going with. One barrel I have uses the conventional Savage wrench for the nut, where the other uses an adjustable wrench (Crescent type).

You would also need a barrel vise. A barrel vise makes it so much easier.

All this is easy to do when you have the right tools.

[BT]

McGowen also makes nice barrels.

https://mcgowenbarrel.com/

[jimreed1948]

I'm glad you mentioned McGowen barrels. I have one of these for my 20 VT that is very accurate. I would buy from them as well.

[BT]

I'm glad you mentioned McGowen barrels. I have one of these for my 20 VT that is very accurate. I would buy from them as well.

What platform do you have the 20 VT on? I’ve got a McGowen 250 Savage Improved on a Striker.

[jimreed1948]

What platform do you have the 20 VT on? I’ve got a McGowen 250 Savage Improved on a Striker.

It's a Remington 700 with a 15" McGowen barrel. Very accurate. It's been my primary prairie dog shooter for many years now. Since I recently finished the 20 Practical pictured above, it's headed to fields this year as well.

[BT]

It's a Remington 700 with a 15" McGowen barrel. Very accurate. It's been my primary prairie dog shooter for many years now. Since I recently finished the 20 Practical pictured above, it's headed to fields this year as well.

Very nice!