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Rebarrel or New rifle?

05 Aug 2026
@ 09:04 am (GMT)

Dusty

I'm looking for some advice. As you might have seen in one of Nathan's recent videos named Corrosion in stainless barrel caused by suppressor.

https://youtu.be/iQI0ayX2jI8?si=FrKiSOZKBeJR6C5P

It was my rifle and unfortunately it needs a new barrel. I spoke with True flite and for a new barrel I'm looking at $1750. I was a bit surprised by the price and since that is the price of a new rifle. Another gunsmith has quoted me $1450 for a fitted Shilen barrel or a True flite.

So this is the question I have for you. What would you do?

Option 1-Rebarrel the rifle with True flite.
I like everything about the rifle as it is right now (except the accuracy). I would be getting exactly what I want if I reballel and have a bit of 'insurance' if it's a dud bore due to being able to send it back to True flite. No so much with the other gunsmith.

Option 2- Sell the rifle 'as is' in full disclosure and start from scratch again. Risking a dud from new rifle.

Regardless of what decision I do, it will be about the same amount of money. I still haven't decided if I'm going to run a suppressor or not, I'm leaning on no suppressor at this point.

Thanks
Dusty

Replies

05 Aug 2026
@ 10:05 am (GMT)

Quote this

Nathan Foster

Re: Rebarrel or New rifle?

Hi Dusty, yes that's very steep and likely untenable for most. The price of high spec steels went up first during the lockdowns as a result of supply chain issues, then went up again dramatically as a result of the various wars. In addition to this, we now have the fuel crisis.

If you think the smith is OK, then perhaps you can save $250 by going this route. Sorry - if I were not so busy with current projects, I would do the job myself.

A new T3 is $2000 at the moment. So as you say, its only a small difference. The main problem is that in NZ, we are isolated (fuel) and at the end of the supply chain (steel) and under major economic hardships. It simply costs less to make kit overseas at the moment. So really, its not exactly cheaper to rebarrel. With courier costs, it will end up about the same.

Keep in mind, your rifle is a good platform. It has a fixed lug (easy to bed etc), a steel shroud and an ali trigger guard. It is a simple turn bolt with excellent camming power from a 90 degree lift, including a decent bolt handle design to aid cycling. You have a good trigger fitted and the entire system works with Rem aftermarket stocks etc. So its a good place to be.

I think what it comes down to, is simply whether you like the rifle. That is the factor that needs to guide you. The choice of smith will depend on work standards (please don't relay here / don't want to cast dispersion on anyone).

Hope that helps to clear your thinking a bit. All the best.