I have Ruger 77 Hawkeye in 6.8 SPC that I can't seem to get to shoot well. Swapped scopes, dropped it in a McMillan stock I had for another short action Ruger I sold. Tried different ammo. Rifle currently has a 16" pencil barrel. I'm considering a new barrel to get accuracy and allow me to shoot suppressed.

Stock will take a medium sporter barrel. I thinking either going 16" threaded 6.8 SPC or 18" threaded 224 Valkyrie.


I've never had a barrel changed out. How do I start? Who do do recommend to perform such a delicate procedure? What is the process?

I know nothing.

Get with JGFireman....

What kinda groups are you getting?

If your sure your done with that barrel S&S precision is top notch in Denton, talk with them, they will supply your components or you can gather them and take it all up.

If your gonna do the Valkyrie I would suggest a 7 twist barrel, and Brux is one of the best out right now. I did one in a number 4 taper (6.5-284) and it fills a sporter stock quite nicely.

There are a bunch of excellent rifle builders in Texas but I can say from having more than 4 rifles done there you won’t be disappointed at all.

That's sound advice.

To help explain...it's not a big deal. There are two ways to approach it. You get all the needed parts and take in for the smithing or you let the smith order it all. They don't make much on rifle parts and most don't care either way....everyone I've ever met would rather be standing in front of a machine making chips over being in the phone....ordering parts or in general.

Now should you want to get parts....you really need a barrel, muzzle brake, reamer and go gauges (assuming you aren't going to use the Smith's reamer and gauges). Reamers and go gauges can be rented from 4D but you need to coordinate time because it has to be send back in a certain time frame.

I prefer the second way just because I want to control things and know where and who my bottle necks are. If it's a supplier I'll know and might try someone different because of it next time. Plus, it beats me wondering if the smith ordered the right stuff, did he order stuff when he said...etc. Plus, back to my point above....they don't like phones and I refuse to be "that guy". If you cannot wait months without knowing or bugging him then you should go the second route because you'll be part of the reason things take so long...they aren't making chips but instead talking on the phone.

Get with JGFireman...

I’m just offering another simple check...

Good ammo?

If so, from same lot?

He's welcome to post. I'm just trying to get several opinions.

RedSnake,

I have checked the screws. I have several Rugers and what you posted is good advice. I learned that a while back.

Everyone is telling you to get with jgfireman because he does the type of work that you are asking about, not because he would know of who to send it to.

Optimal Ruger action screw torque can be finicky. Regardless of whether you rebarrel, try tightening the front screw gorilla tight (75-95 in-lbs) followed by the rear screw (40 in-lbs) and the middle just finger tight. Should shrink your groups significantly

I had no idea he was a gunsmith. I will reach out to him as well.

. Tried different ammo.