Thread: Barnard S and SM owners

Still looking at getting either one of these, I would like to hear from people that have mounted one into a chassis
( especially a Dolphin Chassis) and what if any dramas you have encountered.

I am using a Rem 700 action in the Dolphin chassis at present and its working fine, not sure to stay with the
'if it aint broke, dont fix it'" or change

It feeds from the Asics type mag sweet as, and I have been told this may be a trouble with the SMS action. This isnt a biggie as it will be single feed for FTR classic, but I would like it to be an operating unit.

SMS in a Remington DPT hunter chassis. The chassis needed a couple of tiny bits milled off so that it would fit and so that the bolt could retract. The action is also a bit beefier than a Remington and metal AICS mags (not running shoe mags) couldn't lift up high enough to click into place, because the mag feed lips ran into the action a bit prematurely. I use the mags in another rifle and didn't want to modify them, so the fix was to mill a short amount off of the DPT's mag latch. Polymer mags have thicker feed lips and hence don't work.

@Pommy Awesome, just the sort of thing I want to know. Did it come with action screws and how did the trigger attach?
The Dolphin stock has a shorter latch kit for the SMS version. So that might help.

How much are these Barnard actions?

Are they still made?

Yes they are still being made. Good as ever. Contact Tony/TenpointOne at Trentham. He just became an official distributor.

Quoted $1350 + GST for SMS

I fitted an SM to a Laminated stock. Was a rem 700 SA laminated thumbhole. Had to take an extra 4-5mm out at the front as the action is a little longer.
Also had to carve a little out to let the Timmy trigger group fit in properly.
Purchased AI bottom metal and 2x 5 round mags. 1 works find the other can be a little tight to get it to engage the rear locking latch when inserted. Think I did have to inlet the bottom metal an extra 1mm or so into the stock.
Never had any functionality issues re feeding or bolt functioning. Only real issue is the trigger group came without a safety. Kind of getting used to the new style 3 position safeties you get now. Action was milled to allow for one.
Only ever been a problem once on a guided cull hunt where the guide wanted everyone to be loaded and on safety. Carried with bolt up and hand around it. (I know not Ideal) 1 other guy and myself where real uncomfortable with the whole deal and stayed well to the back of the group. Only loaded when we had a clear shot.
Z

Originally Posted by johnd

@Pommy Awesome, just the sort of thing I want to know. Did it come with action screws and how did the trigger attach?
The Dolphin stock has a shorter latch kit for the SMS version. So that might help.

The chassis came with screws - not the action. The action uses a trigger hanger - basically a modular bit that can be swapped for different triggers (Google image search will show you).

Sounds like the Dolphin caters for the SMS already if they make specific latches for it. So all the machining I mentioned wouldn't be necessary. You should probably check with the manufacturer.