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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Douglas Barrel?


Bob58

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I am the new owner of a Remington Model 30 barreled action that has a 26" barrel and am hopeful you could help me determine the barrel's maker. I believe it could be a Douglas replacement in their "ENF" contour. It has the contour of a 1917 (not surprising), it fits my original Model 30 stock's barrel channel (Model 30's used surplus 1917 barrels) and has 6 grooves that turn clockwise when viewed through the chamber (left turn?).

 

I don't believe it's military - those were originally 5 groove barrels with 2 grooves used periodically as replacements. Douglas offers 6 groove barrels and this was verified in several other 6 groove Douglas barrels I have. Douglas, however no longer lists an "ENF" contour as they once did so I can't really verify their ENF contour.

 

I'm trying to determine its quality and possible accuracy to see if it would be worth rechambering. My heart is set on a 300 H&H, but it is currently 30-06 AI. That is another question - first, can it be rechambered to 300 H&H and second, is it worth it ( bolt face, maga box, etc)since it is fairly close ballistically.

 

I sure would like to hear some gunsmith opinions on the first question.

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Trying to identify an unmarked barrel is basically a crapshoot? Any talented gunmaker can duplicate a contour so that's no help.

 

As to accuracy, the proof is in the pudding. take it out and shoot it. Even the very best barrel makers occassionally turn out a dud that won't shoot.

 

yes, the .30-06 can be rechambered to .300 H&H. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that. I have customers that will easily pay $1000 to have an action ground & polished and others who don't want to have the charger hump removed when having an action drilled & tapped. Only you can say how much it is worth to have that kool model 30 chambered in 300 H&H.

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The question of whether or not your AI chamber can be recut to 300 H&H can be answered, but whether it can be answered accurately or not I have no idea. The H&H case tapers significantly. At the shoulder location of your AI case, the H&H case is only a few thou larger, maybe. The maybe is because we do not know the specs of the reamer used to cut your chamber or the skill level of the person doing the work.

 

I have an 06 improved print that shows a case diameter only .002 smaller than an H&H print shows case diameter to be. That does not leave a lot to clean up as it is only .001 per side. The H&H reading was taken approximately .030 farther out from the case head, so that may give you a tich more working room.

 

Now, there is the possibility of setting your barrel back, but again with out knowing the specs of the reamer or the skill level of the person using it, how far it would have to be set back remains unknown. The farther back it is set, the looser it will be in your barrel channel.

 

I think Shilen also made a 6 groove barrel.

 

I'm not a gunsmith, so I may well be full of caca.

 

 

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The question of whether or not your AI chamber can be recut to 300 H&H can be answered, but whether it can be answered accurately or not I have no idea. The H&H case tapers significantly. At the shoulder location of your AI case, the H&H case is only a few thou larger, maybe. The maybe is because we do not know the specs of the reamer used to cut your chamber or the skill level of the person doing the work.

 

I have an 06 improved print that shows a case diameter only .002 smaller than an H&H print shows case diameter to be. That does not leave a lot to clean up as it is only .001 per side. The H&H reading was taken approximately .030 farther out from the case head, so that may give you a tich more working room.

 

Now, there is the possibility of setting your barrel back, but again with out knowing the specs of the reamer or the skill level of the person using it, how far it would have to be set back remains unknown. The farther back it is set, the looser it will be in your barrel channel.

 

I think Shilen also made a 6 groove barrel.

 

I'm not a gunsmith, so I may well be full of caca.

 

 

Yes, at 1.65" from case head the 300 H&H is only .014 " wider than an '06. Not sure what one revolution setback would gain? It's another .294 inches to the '06 shoulder which would provide more "barrel" to work with. I guess around 1.65" , or less in the 300 H&H reamer might "chatter"?

 

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