The Steyer Tactical HB in .308 Win that I own has a 20" heavy barrel and a 5 round magazine. If I wanted to up grade to the 26" heavy barrel and/or a 10 round magazine (and extension)? Where would I find the parts and is it do-able? Do I need a gun smith to swap out the barrels? More importantly, how much accuracy would I pick up with the additional 6 inches or vice versa how much do I lose by not making the change? Additionally, since they stopped making these rifles, should I just pick up a spare barrel and other parts?

Also, while the rifle itself is pretty clean. It has a springfield armory scope 4-14*56. Unfortunately, I have heard mixed reviews on them. I would like to hear about the scope from somebody that actually used/uses/or at least seen the scope in action.

Are you talking about a SBS Tactical HBC?

http://www.fototime.com/07B8D729AF3B63F/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/8544DA8ADE16799/standard.jpg

And if so, why in the world would you want to do anything to change it?...except maybe the ten round mag adapter?

Nice rifle. I think the 10 round magazine adapter is a great idea, check CDNN.

Can't say I think a 26" barrel is a good idea.

Springfield Armory scopes are junk; sell it and get some good glass.

Regarding the scope. While I haven't fired the rifle yet, I don't see the scope being as big of a problem as you do. In order to make that strong a statement, I am sure you have had problems in the past with springfield which may be similar to the way I feel about Beretta, I am not hear to olist my but that is another story. I would like to hear your coments/complaints so I know what to look for and expect. All things being equal I would have went with a nikon, leupold, zeiss or meopta tactical scope. Personally, I like Nikon scopes and went with it on my Blazer which BTW was not a cheap rifle.

While my eye can tell the difference between very cheap scopes and every different leupold grade; my eye can't tell the difference between my Nikon Monach X 4-14*50 SF (30mm tube) and most of the higher end/priced scopes. My eye just can't tell the difference at that level between Schmidt & Bender, Swarofski, Night Force, Leupold, Zeiss, Meopta,and my Nikon which costs siginificantly less than the above mentioned scopes. Yes, I know there is a difference and I do like the Night Force a bit more. However the Steyr rifle does not justify spending $1,500 to more than $2,000 of dollars on a scope. I am also not running out to put a Tasco, Simmons or other cheap scope on the Steyr either. As I said earlier, my blazer has a Nikon scope on it. I am not a sniper and my life does not depend on it. What scope(s) do you have on your rifle(s)?

As far as my springfield scope goes: the glass is clear, and unless I decide to kill bambi with this particular rifle, it is going to be a bench/range gun. With a 56mm front objective it should gather plenty of light, escpecially since the middle of the afternoon is generally sunny and bright. I think it has a 30mm diameter too. The "owner" of the "store", from which I bought the above mentioned used rifle and scope, said it was originally a $1,200 scope and that he hasn't had to send any springfield armory scopes back. That is also partially due to the fact he doesn't see many. In his defense, he mostly sells Leupold, Nikon and Zeiss scopes. Additionally, given the amount of time and money I have spent in his shop, I am sure he has confident in this scope. He knows that if I have a problem not only will come back screaming but will tell everyone I know to stay far away. His prices are more than competetive, the staff are pleasant and knowledgible, he is a dealer for a number of gun companys.

BTW, I still have to figure out the reticle so if you can e-mail me something that shows what the lines are for and where I should zero it in (100 or 200 yards) I would appreciate it. Also d oes the +4+ on the bottom part of the center line take into account the bullet drop at 400 yards. Also the reason for "thinking" of going to 26" was just a thought. The thought being an extra 6 inches of revolution would give the bullet 6 more inches of rotation in the rifle's lands and grooves. How far do you usually shoot. Also, assuming you would need parts, where do you get parts for your steyr rifle. Do you have the stats on it or can you put me in the

My experience with a Springfield scope was an examination of my Buddy's before we put it on his fifty to shoot. I was going to be the second in line to shoot, but the scope broke on the second shot--glass cracked, parts flew out. this was a brand new scope on a Barrett semi auto, which the scope was rated for.

I was suprised, as the scope felt very heavy and seemed well built. This one was made in China, and the glass did not seem all that great (when looking through it).

I also like my Nikon betetr than any of my Leupolds, but I have only owned up to a Vari-x three. My Zeiss conquest is slightly better than my Nikon pro staff 3-9x40 I paid $150 for. even the adjustments on the Nikon are positive and it moves as many clicks as you click. Because of this positive experience, I bought a Nikon Monarch for my next precision rifle. If I had more money and was a bench rest shooter, I would definitely look at those high end scopes you mention. I like good glass.

I have not had your model Steyr, I HAVE had a Steyr Scout. It had a light weight 18" barrel and shot well out to 250 yards. (That is how far I am up to shooting). I also put the ten round adapter on. It was not as easy to fire from field positions, but I liked the extra ammo.

So, if you are a bench rest shooter, or shooting for groups, the longer barrel may be better. But when so many rifles shoot great with short tubes, it just does not appeal to me.

I shoot mainly at sihouettes and reactive targets. I will move out to longer range next year, as 250 yards is getting relatively easy for me , even with iron sights.

All of the scopes I bought are Nikon Monarchs. The Nikon Monarch X is a very nice scope that is about 1/2 the price of a Night Force. While the NF out performs the Nikon Monarch X at very long ranges the reality is that I am never going to be shooting 1000 yards. At ranges of 500 yards and under they are pretty equal.

Also most scopes don't hold up well on a 50 BMG. Fortunately I am only shooting a .308. Also, I think the only scope rated for the 50 BMG is a Night Force scope and some other military scopes.

I use the Super Sniper on my 50, and it has held up so far, but the glass is actually not as good as was on my buddy's Springfield, to give credit where credit is due.

quote:

Originally posted by alcpa7:
The Steyer Tactical HB in .308 Win that I own has a 20" heavy barrel and a 5 round magazine. If I wanted to up grade to the 26" heavy barrel and/or a 10 round magazine (and extension)? Where would I find the parts and is it do-able? Do I need a gun smith to swap out the barrels? More importantly, how much accuracy would I pick up with the additional 6 inches or vice versa how much do I lose by not making the change? Additionally, since they stopped making these rifles, should I just pick up a spare barrel and other parts?

Also, while the rifle itself is pretty clean. It has a springfield armory scope 4-14*56. Unfortunately, I have heard mixed reviews on them. I would like to hear about the scope from somebody that actually used/uses/or at least seen the scope in action.

First of all you aren't going to want to change out your barrel, it's not worth the cost or effort. You maybe loose 100-150fps going from a 26" barrel to a 20" so ballistically it's not as big a difference as you'd think. Plus the 20" barreled guns are a good bit handier. If you just have to own a 26" 308 buy one of the heavy barreled Ruger Mk II's - they shoot very well and the whole gun will cost less than rebarreling your Steyr.
I have an Steyr HB McMillan and bought a 10rd adaptor from FranconiaJagd in Germany. They have a website and some English speakers but with the Euro as high as it is now it's probably not a cheap way to go even if Franconia could still get you one.
Anyway if you can find a 10rd adaptor and mag it would be a nice upgrade but you're going to find out that changing out barrels on that action isn't going to be cheap and probably not what you want to do. The 20" barrel likely shoots great so why change it anyway? Save money on the barrel change and buy a better scope.

I had one of the Springfield Armory scopes. It was VERY bright, had some neat feature but it wouldn't focus well at all and didn't have very good resolution. There are better scopes in the same price range and much better ones if you can spend a little more....................................DJ

you are probably right about the lenght. I'll check gun broker and see if I can find anyone with the mag adapter and/or 10 rd mag.

As for the scope, I am going to give it a try. If I don't like it, I can always get another one. This rifle is pretty much meant to keep me busy while my Blaser cools down. I wanted a heavy barrel so it takes longer to get hot.

My SHR 970's are flawless until they get hot. Unfortunately they have a regular barrel and not a heavy barrel. Accordingly they get hot after a number of rounds. Additionally, because I am limited by the ranges around here, the most I can shoot at a range is 300 yards. I practice enough that I can hit a quarter at 300 yards with my SHR 970 300 Win Mag. Now I am getting into shooting at those tennis ball size metal plink targets. At 300 yards you can't see the target without a scope but you can certainly hear the plink right after I pull the trigger.

If you find anyone with mags or extenders please keep me in mind