Why Replace Your Savage Axis Barrel?
The Savage Axis rifle has become a popular choice among hunters and target shooters due to its affordability and dependable performance. Its modular design offers opportunities for customization, and one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is a heavy barrel replacement. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from planning and preparation to final testing, ensuring a smooth and successful barrel swap. We’ll delve into why this upgrade is beneficial, the tools you’ll need, and critical safety precautions. Let’s get started on enhancing your Savage Axis!
Enhanced Accuracy
Heavy barrels are designed with thicker profiles, leading to increased rigidity. This rigidity minimizes barrel vibration during firing, translating to tighter groupings and improved shot placement.
Caliber Versatility
A barrel swap allows you to change the caliber of your rifle. Want to switch from .308 Winchester to 6.5 Creedmoor? This is the path. However, ensure you’re replacing the barrel with a proper matching bolt head size.
Barrel Life
Heavy barrels are built to withstand more heat and pressure, leading to a longer lifespan compared to lighter factory barrels.
Addressing Damage
A damaged or worn barrel can seriously impact accuracy and safety. A replacement restores your rifle’s performance and ensures safe operation.
Increased Recoil Mitigation
The added weight of a heavy barrel can help reduce felt recoil, making the rifle more comfortable to shoot, especially during extended range sessions.
Planning and Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Before diving into the barrel replacement process, meticulous planning and preparation are essential for a successful outcome. This stage ensures you have the correct tools, understand the steps involved, and prioritize safety.
Choosing the Right Heavy Barrel
Selecting the appropriate barrel is crucial. Consider these factors:
Caliber Selection
Match the caliber to your intended use (hunting, target shooting). Consider the availability and cost of ammunition for different calibers. Carefully verify the bolt face compatibility. Ensure you obtain the correct bolt face size, if needed.
Twist Rate
The twist rate is the number of times the rifling grooves spin inside the barrel per unit of length, typically measured in inches. It’s crucial for stabilizing the bullet. Match the twist rate to the weight and design of the bullets you plan to use. Heavier bullets require faster twist rates. Research the appropriate twist rate for the caliber and bullet weight you intend to use.
Barrel Profile
Heavy barrels come in various profiles, such as bull barrels, varmint contours, and others. Choose a profile that suits your shooting style and aesthetic preference. Bull barrels offer maximum rigidity, making them ideal for precision shooting.
Material Matters
Stainless steel and carbon steel are common barrel materials. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, making it a good choice for humid or wet environments. Carbon steel is generally more affordable.
Chambering
Consider whether to use a pre-chambered barrel or a barrel that requires custom chambering by a gunsmith. Pre-chambered barrels are easier to install.
Manufacturer Reputation
Choose a reputable manufacturer known for quality and precision. Research reviews and recommendations from experienced shooters.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
A well-equipped workspace is critical. Here’s a list of tools and supplies:
Barrel Wrench
Specifically designed for Savage Axis rifles.
Action Wrench
To securely hold the rifle’s action during the barrel removal and installation.
Headspace Gauges
A set of GO, NO-GO, and Field headspace gauges for your chosen caliber. This is *essential* for safety.
Vise
A sturdy vise with protective jaw liners to hold the action securely without damaging it.
Torque Wrench
To tighten the barrel nut to the correct specifications.
Soft-faced Hammer
Useful for gentle tapping during disassembly and assembly.
Gunsmith Screwdrivers
Quality screwdrivers with properly sized bits to prevent damage to your rifle’s screws.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning rod, bore brushes, solvent, and patches.
Protective Gear
Eye protection and gloves are mandatory.
Anti-seize Compound
This is optional, but highly recommended, to prevent the barrel nut from seizing to the action threads.
Rifle Cleaning Supplies
Includes patches, a cleaning rod, bore brushes, and solvent.
Optional Upgrades
Consider replacing the recoil lug or scope mounts if you’re already disassembling the rifle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Barrel Replacement
Now, let’s get into the hands-on part. Follow these steps with utmost care.
Prioritize Safety
Before any work, *absolutely* verify your rifle is unloaded. Physically inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm there are no rounds. Work in a well-lit, clutter-free area. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Wear eye protection and gloves throughout the entire process. Double-check your work at each stage. Read all of the manufacturers’ instructions included with the components. If at any point you feel unsure, stop and seek advice from a qualified gunsmith.
Disassembly
Remove the Stock: Remove the screws securing the stock to the action. Carefully separate the stock from the barreled action.
Remove the Bolt: Open the bolt and remove it from the rifle. This ensures that the chamber is fully accessible and safe during the barrel removal process.
Remove the Scope and Mounts (Optional): If you have a scope mounted, remove it and the scope base to give you more room to work.
Removing the Old Barrel
Secure the Action in the Vise: Place the action in the vise, using the action wrench to prevent damage. Ensure the action is held firmly.
Loosen the Barrel Nut: Using the barrel wrench, carefully loosen the barrel nut. Apply even pressure and avoid using excessive force, which could damage the action.
Unscrew the Barrel: Once the barrel nut is loose, unscrew the barrel from the action. It may require some effort, but proceed carefully.
Preparing the New Barrel
Thorough Cleaning: Clean the new barrel with a bore cleaner to remove any manufacturing residues or protective coatings.
Apply Anti-Seize Compound (Optional): Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of the barrel shank and the barrel nut. This will prevent the barrel nut from seizing to the action.
Installing the New Barrel
Thread the Barrel into the Action: Carefully thread the new barrel into the action until it lightly seats against the receiver.
Install and Tighten the Barrel Nut: Slide the barrel nut over the barrel and thread it onto the action. Tighten the nut using the barrel wrench, aiming for the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
Checking for Proper Barrel Alignment (Critical): Make sure the barrel is correctly aligned. Double-check that the barrel is properly aligned with the action.
Headspace Assessment
Headspace must be tested to determine the precise distance between the bolt face and the base of the cartridge case.
Final Assembly
Re-install the Bolt: Carefully re-insert the bolt into the action.
Re-install the Stock: Place the barreled action back into the stock and tighten the screws. If you have a torque wrench, ensure you are following the manufacturer’s specifications.
Re-mount the Scope (Optional): Re-mount your scope and rings, if you removed them earlier.
Headspace Considerations and Adjustment: The Key to Safe Function
Headspace is the critical dimension that directly impacts both safety and accuracy. Correct headspace ensures proper chambering and firing.
Importance of Headspace
Headspace is the distance between the bolt face and a specific point on the chamber. Incorrect headspace can lead to catastrophic failures.
Checking Headspace
Use headspace gauges designed for your chosen caliber to ensure your barrel is safe and functional.
Place the “GO” gauge into the chamber. The bolt should close completely with the “GO” gauge in place.
Next, try to chamber the “NO-GO” gauge. The bolt *should not* close completely. If it does, you have excessive headspace, and it’s unsafe to fire.
If the bolt closes on the “NO-GO” gauge, *do not* fire the rifle.
Adjusting Headspace
Adjusting headspace on a Savage Axis typically involves adjusting the barrel’s seating depth. Since Savage Axis rifles don’t offer a way to adjust the bolt head, the barrel is the determining factor.
If the headspace is incorrect, return the barrel to the manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith for professional assistance. They can accurately adjust the headspace.
Post-Installation and Testing: Fine-Tuning Performance
After the barrel replacement, the work isn’t quite over. Thorough testing and adjustment are key to maximizing the potential of your new heavy barrel.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean the New Barrel: Clean the new barrel thoroughly before and after the first shooting session. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedure.
Proper Lubrication: Lightly lubricate the bolt and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
Initial Shooting and Break-in
Break-in Procedures: Many new barrels require a break-in period. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for barrel break-in. This typically involves shooting a series of rounds and cleaning the barrel between shots to remove any imperfections.
Test Firing: Fire a few rounds to ensure the rifle functions properly.
Assessing Accuracy and Performance
Target Analysis: Shoot groups at a known distance and analyze the results.
Adjusting Scope: If needed, make adjustments to your scope to zero the rifle at the desired range.
Troubleshooting: If accuracy is not satisfactory, troubleshoot the issues.
Ammunition Testing: Explore various loads to discover what your rifle shoots best.
Common Problems and Solutions: Navigating Potential Challenges
During the process, you may encounter some difficulties. Here’s how to address them:
Difficulty Removing the Old Barrel
The old barrel can be stubborn.
Dealing with Stubborn Barrel Nuts: Use penetrating oil and apply heat, using a heat gun, to the barrel nut.
Seek Professional Help: If the nut is too tight, seek assistance from a gunsmith to remove it safely.
Headspace Issues
Seeking Professional Help: If you encounter headspace problems, *do not* attempt to force a solution. Seek help from a qualified gunsmith.
Accuracy Problems After Replacement
Potential Causes: Check your scope, mounts, and the bedding. If the problems persist, the ammunition might be the problem, so look at different loads and bullet weights.
Troubleshooting Steps: Try different loads.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Rifle’s Performance
Replacing the barrel on your Savage Axis with a heavy barrel is a rewarding upgrade that can significantly improve accuracy, extend barrel life, and allow you to change calibers.
Summary of the Process: We’ve covered the entire process, from planning to final testing.
Benefits: You should now have a rifle that is more accurate.
Disclaimer: Safety is paramount. If you are unsure about any steps, consult a professional gunsmith.
Call to Action: Now it’s time to enjoy your rifle.
By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can successfully replace your Savage Axis barrel and experience the benefits of a high-performance rifle.
