JES reboring experience

[poor_choices]

I've seen JES mentioned quite a bit on here for reboring rifle barrels. For those of you who've used that service, would you mind sharing some details? Things like when the work was done, turnaround time, total cost, the process, and anything you would have done differently.

I could call JES and ask the same questions, but I hate to waste a shop's time kicking tires when that time could be spent getting work done.

[EnglishSetter]

Several months ago I sent in my inherited pre-64 mod 70 .264 mag with significant throat erosion to be opened up to .338 mag.  In theory (SAAMI dimensions), this required no chamber mods other than neck clearance.

Sent in barreled action.

Turn around was about 3 weeks back to my doorstep.

Cost was $300 + my shipping the action to him.  He XXX the .264 and added .338.  He did check headspace and test fire. 

I did take it out for a test drive but haven't shot it since (life getting in the way).  I only shot 8 rounds as I'd forgotten my cleaning kit.  With factory Hornady 225 gr SST, best I could tell was about 1.5" at 100 yards (I was adjusting scope so this is approximate).  It was about 2" high at 100 after the 8 rounds, so I left it there awaiting proper break-in.  Stock was previously (wayyy back) glass bedded, but not free floated.  I did note the stock contacts the barrel on one side toward end of stock.

This has his standard 3 groove.  I did discuss briefly via the phone prior (he returned my voicemail within a day or two).  He indicated no real benefit of more grooves, but he does offer it at increased cost.  My mechanical intuition prefers an odd number (like a 3 legged stool will always rest on all three legs).

I'm satisfied.  I turned it back into a viable shooter for much less than a re-barrel and the action fit the stock with no mods.

[poor_choices]

That’s great feedback, thanks. It amazes me that it’s only in the $300 range. That seems like a great deal given the current cost to rebarrel a rifle.

[kselkhunter]

Jesse (JES) is a good guy.  Am surprised he's still in business, as he's getting up there in years.  I had him re-bore two rifles for me years ago.  Since I had a house in Oregon at the time (and now live there full time), I dropped them off in person and chatted with him at his shop there in Cottage Grove each time I dropped off and picked up.  Great guy.  No nonsense, just get er dun kind of guy.   


My first re-bore was my old Mauser 98 in 30-06 that was over 50 years old, and was time for some reconditioning of that rifle.  I was concerned about accuracy of a re-bore, but that thing is more accurate now as a 35 Whelen with the re-bore than it was before (I also did some stock work on it that helped improve accuracy).  It's my favorite rifle.  It's very accurate with 250gr Speer and Nosler bullets.  I bought up some North Fork and Hammer bullets for it also that it shoots well.  I mostly hunt with the 250s.   I since had my local gunsmith thread the barrel, and shoot it suppressed now.


My other re-bore was a Marlin 336 in 30-30.  Jesse bored and rechambered it up to a 356 Winchester for me.  I love the extra power and mid-bore bullet, and I swapped a lighter stock on it and put on a red dot sight.  That is my thick forest elk hunting carry (although now I have a 450 Marlin that I carry more frequently).  It's very accurate with the Speer 220gr bullets.  I haven't tried the North Fork or Hammer bullets in that yet....on my to-do list still.

Having spoken with Jesse in person multiple times, and been happy with his work I would definitely recommend him.  And do it before he retires.  Depending on how backlogged he is, 2-3 weeks is normal turn around time.

[BigGoonTuna]

I had a Savage 99 in .300 Sav rebored to .358 Win back in 2020.  The rifle had been refinished at some point but the bore was pitted significantly.  He did the rebore and modified the magazine for the larger diameter necks for I think $250 (I know the price has gone up a bit since then).  Had the rifle back about 10 days after I sent it to him.

He's old school, I don't think he does email.  Call his shop and leave a message, he'll get back to you quickly though.

[poor_choices]

I'll need to JES a call and talk to him. I have some 6.5 and .270 barrels sitting in the dead barrel pile that are torched, but might be salvageable with a rebore to something like a .338-.366.