Sig Str970

[dfletcher]

I guess this is the sort of thing to ask before buying a gun, but having already made an impulse buy I'm having a hard time finding info on the SIG STR970. I bought a used one in 300 Win Mag, it has an integral muzzle brake. I've read that the rifle has interchangeable barrels? I didn't buy it for that reason but if that's the case can anyone tell me how easy or difficult this is to do.

Any info is helpful.

And by the way, those guys behind the counter, when they hand you the rifle for just a second - they know exactly what they're doing. I was hooked even though I handed it back.

[remsenlab]

I have an SHR 970, which is similar to the STR (I think the primary difference is the stock and the barrel, which does not have a brake on the SHR). With the SHR, you can switch the magnum calibers (7mm and 300 wm) simply by changing the barrel, which is easy to do (I can't describe it adequately here, but it's basically loosening the attachments and sliding the new barrel in). The SHR is an amazing rifle-incredible accuracy and feel, but it was never commercially successful in the US and thus there is a serious shortage of any parts, including replacement barrels. I was able to buy a spare 7 mag barrel and a 300 wm barrel for mine a year ago from nummerich (sp?), which was the only source for spare parts. Even the sig people said that there were no parts available oustide of nummerich (as they bought all of sig's spares when sig stopped importing the SHR).

I suspect the STR story is the same as the SHR story, though because the SHR was the standard version and the STR the specialized version, STR parts will be even harder to find.

[dfletcher]

Thanks for the info. I was looking for a 7 Rem Mag - I just got rid of my Ruger #1 in that caliber & was looking for a target bolt gun in the same cal to replace it. Wasn't having much luck and when I dropped into City Arms they had the Sig up there so I took a look, liked it.

Good to know that in theory I could come across a 7 Rem Mag bbl & make use of it. Otherwise I've got alot of 7mm bullets to pull.

[Fjold]

Spare SHR barrels in 270 Win and 300 Win Mag are available from Numrich, here:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=1970zSHR970&MC=

[remsenlab]

Note that you can't go from a magnum caliber to a non-magnum caliber (i.e., 300 WM to .270 Win) without changing a number of other parts on the SHR (the bolt and I believe the magazine), in addition to the barrel. Only magnum to magnum or non-magnum to non-magnum can be accomplished with just a barrel change.

I also believe that there are no headspacing issues when changing the barrels per the above, as the design of the SHR accomodates the caliber switch with no further adjustments needed.

A real shame that this rifle didn't meet with greater acceptance here, as it's a rifle that is among the best.

[dfletcher]

From what I've read, the barrel locks into the receiver & the bolt locks into the rear end of the barrel. I figured the barrel change would be non - mag to non - mag only, mag to mag only.

I had no intention of buying the thing, but when I worked the bolt it was smooth as heck - reminded me of the old 30.40 Krag.

[remsenlab]

That's the way it works (the barrel change).

I didn't intend to buy my SHR 970 when I bought it in 2000 (when they were still being marketed by Sig), but the price caught my eye and I figured it was worth a risk, given the Sig reputation.

This is a factory rifle that is about as accurate as you're ever going to see in a mass produced factory rifle. The action is typically swiss smooth and it's a joy to shoot (though the 7 mag does pound the shoulder a bit). I can shoot this rifle 3/4-1/2 moa consistently and I've done nothing to the rifle (other than load my own ammo) and put a scope on it).

I was so impressed that when I heard Sig was going to stop importing it I went out and bought a spare 7 mag barrel as well as the 300 WM barrel. I figure that the three barrels should last plenty of years, to the point that when the last one wears out I won't feel bad about having to send the rifle to the glue factory.

[JiminCA]

I bought an SHR in 30-06 back when they were introduced. Just operating the bolt and seeing the workmanship convinced me. It was one of those "everything you need, nothing you don't" circumstances. Really smooth operating bolt, excellent trigger, just solid all around. Maybe a touch heavier than I'd like for a hunting gun but nothing too bad - especially at that price point. I couldn't resist it at $469 or something like that.

Here's a 100 yd 3 shot group from the gun. It is scary accurate. The only centerfire gun I own that is more accurate is a Cooper.

I also bought one in 270. Haven't wrung the same accuracy out of it but it is definitely sub MOA. Also haven't devoted the load development time to it either. I believe with the right ammo I'll get 1/2 MOA from the .270.

CDNN still has magazines reasonably priced. Don't know if they have the magnum sized ones anymore though.

I'd love to find one in 308.......

[dfletcher]

Well I'm feeling alot better about my purchase. I already ordered dies & brass & such - definitely something to look forward to.