barrel threads on savage wsm

[rjhans53]

I'm sure there is someone around here that knows this. Are all the WSM's the large shank or did they go to the large shank after they started chambering for the wsm's. Thanks in advance
Ron

[rossman40]

A few small shank WSMs and RUMs were made in 2002 IIRC (if it has a Accutrigger I think your pretty much 99% large shank, it happened right about at the time of the Accutrigger). Basiclly the first year they were introduced they were small shank. If it has a factory barrel look for a small step in the barrel contour just in front of the barrel nut. If it has the step then it is a large shank barrel. Supposedly no barrel failures but split barrel nuts were happening so they stepped up to the large shank barrel which was used on the 210 and the 10ML-I. I have heard that if you load a 300 RUM extra hot it will still split the barrel nut even with the large shank.

Also if you are out shopping and run across a single shot model 10, usually in .223, flat top receiver, usually in a synthetic stock with a serial number starting with a "M" it is from a batch that was made with the left over 10ML-I receivers. That was in 2000-01. They will also have a large shank barrel.

[rjhans53]

thank you, I do appreciate it. I'm thinking of building a 358 bfg on a savage action and he'll only do the large shank so I guess just any old wsm won't work. Just more to pay attention to.

[rossman40]

If you want a single shot look for a 10ML-I cheap. Swap the barrel (which is large shank) and swap out the bolt head (you would need a .532-.535" bolt head, $50-70 complete) and you would be ready to rock. If you want a repeater you can look for a Stevens. Pull the old barrel, have a machine shop re-cut the receiver threads to large shank (TPI is the same so it is a piece of cake), you will still need the barrel and a recoil lug and depending on what caliber you started with maybe a bolt head (Stevens do not come in magnum calibers so no .532" boltheads). Of course you will not have Accutrigger but you can get a SSS competition trigger for less then $100 (IMO the SSS trigger has a much better pull then the Accutrigger).

If you buy a bolthead talk with Fred at SSS. Some of the newer "Magnum" boltheads (a .532-.535" bolthead is a magnum bolthead) have thicker lugs, like 1/8" and require a longer firing pin and also a different front baffle. He might be able to fix you up with a older style bolthead to avoid swapping out more parts. There was also a firing pin diameter change a few years ago so Fred would know the exact part number for the bolthead that would work.

Now Jim Briggs at Northland Shooters Supply will sell new stripped actions, stripped actions include - receiver, complete bolt assembly, factory trigger, magazine and follower, factory recoil lug and barrel nut. He did have a few WSMs, blued about $325 and SS about $375. He did have some SA Stevens actions for like $230.

Personally you would be better off starting off with a used or NIB WSM chambered rifle. If you buy a newer or even a stripped WSM action you more then likely will get a centerfeed magazine which takes a different action screw spacing and finding a stock for it may be tough.

You might, if your one lucky SOB, be able to find someone wanting to sell a used WSM. Or,, wait till one of the big chains has Savages on sale and buy you a cheap as possible NIB model chambered in WSM. If they say WSMs are not on sale throw a temper-tantrum like a 3 year old right in front of the gun counter till they match the price or they order you one in at the sale price.

[rjhans53]

Thanks rossman. I found a 7mm wsm on gunbroker for 380. It headed to my ffl holder on Fri there was one on there for a hair cheaper but it wasn't an accutrigger so i went with the one I got to try to be sure. Barrel was suppose to head this way end of last week 1st of this week.

[mike3132]

I used the model 16 weather warrior for the swap. My barrel came about a month ago and had to send it back because the threads were to large, got it back in two weeks and the CNC wasn't set up right and there was about .100 or barrel threads showing after I set the head space, so i sent it back and McGowen made me a new barrel. I got it about 1 1/2 weeks ago and its OK. I shot it this AM using R7 and 180 Horn SP, speed was 2800 fps with 1" groups @100 yards.

DanS gun is built on the new center feed action and mine is on the older stack action. His gun feeds the longer bullets OK but 180's hang up. I'm putting in a 1/2" piece of plastic to ramp up the bullets. My stack feed doesn't hang up when cycling. His action is a lot smoother when cycling the bolt, my bolt hits the mag box which makes it harder to cycle. I'm going to put on a tactical bolt which is longer and that should help mine.

I also set the head space a little tight and that seems to help the brass to last longer. Right now I'm at 18 reloads on the same brass. Good luck with yours and if you have any questions just ask. Mike

[dans]

Bud's Gunshop has new model 11s WSMs for 366 plus $5 shipping to your ffl. Of course these are blue. Gunbroker has one for auction started at 899. Coupla days left.

[rjhans53]

Mike, please educate me CNC?? Dan, you just made my day, I spent 380 + 30 shipping last Fri, and NOW you tell me I could of done it for 40 bucks less. Oh well story of my life

[mike3132]

computed numerically controlled (CNC) machine is what they use to cut threads and barrel taper.

[rjhans53]

thanks mike appreciate it I did a search and really didn't come up with the answer but you did, a computerized lathe (in my simple terms)

[dans]

rjhans53, That 40 bucks could have been wasted on on other stuff and gone in a flash but your new rifle has the potential to out live you. Heck its only money.

[mike3132]

I tested both guns today @ 200 yards and they are good to go. Mine shot 1" and DanS shot just under 2". Sad thing is now I dont have any guns to work on........lol. Mike

[rjhans53]

Mike, sounds like you need to start another project, I keep saying I'm done but there is always something else I want to mess with. Prime example is this 358 bfg. My 35 short, has been tested, loads developed, making the brass is a breeze and probably is as good as a deer rifle that exsist on the planet for 200 yards in. I'm getting under an inch and a 200 horn coming out the tube at 2400 (4 shots 9fps spread Sat). But I just got to try something else. Rifle got here today, barrel was suppose to get out either Fri last week or 1st of this week, here we go again ;D ;D

[dans]

Don't worry Mike I have several that need to be shot and a couple new ones that need scoped up and load developed etc.