OzFclass

Hi Im thinking of buying a pre p model barnard but I cant find any info on them. does anyone know how good they are

Much the same as the "P" differences being the tenon thread is a little smaller 1.050 x 16, and the take down bolts are metric 6x1mm and some weren't drilled and tapped for a scope rail. Generally parts are not interchangeable with the P. They do tend to vary from action to action as they were made in small runs. They're a good solid action but not as refined as the P.
Matt P

Along with a few Ps I also have one of the first Barnards made - 1983 vintage. It is still in use on a 6mmBR. A nice action but their weakness is a very narrow extractor claw and some difficulty getting replacements if the claw breaks. My Ps obviously all have the more beefy full width "Sako" extractors. I have never had problems with mine but have seen less careful owners of those old actions break the claw thru not correctly sizing their brass and ending up with very tight extraction. I don't know when Barnard went to fuller sized extractors but something to check on your potential action.

If you have to drill for a rail, which I did, they are as hard as all hell.
The other thing is I am not sure how good the original triggers were. Mine has a later trigger fitted - plus I don't think a P trigger will fit my model. But again mine was his very first effort albeit a pretty bloody good.

Hopefully i will find out. I bought the thing over a month ago and it was ment to be sent just over 2 weeks ago but it still hasnt turned up yet