New or Used Savage Barrel?

[Loki_762]

I have got a Savage model 111 .223 with a standard weight barrel that I used to use for coyotes. Well, I don't get out to do much coyote shooting any more, so I have been thinking of putting on a heavy barrel in .223 AI or just plain old .223 instead for shooting at some ground squirrels at longer distances than my .17HMR will cleanly kill at. Now, as accurate as Savage barrels tend to be, is it worth it to buy an aftermarket barrel for my gun, or would it be a better move to just get a used one? I love how my gun shoots now with the factory barrel (.5 inch at 100yds w/ 50 gr. V-max), but I want something that will not heat up as fast with lots of shooting. I am basing my choice not only on the quality of the barrel, but also on how economical it is for me to purchase one - say $125 or less. If it is more than that, it is almost worth it for me to just buy an NEF for $170. So, what do you guys recommend? I am leaning away from the Adams and Bennett barrels, as I have heard hit and miss things about them. You got any suggestions about products, or maybe places I could look to find new or used barrels?
Thanks in advance,
Loki

[Harry Snippe]

If it is not broke do not fix it.
When it is broke, buy a new bull barrel for it.
Trade it for a "New " savage.

With it shootin' the way it is you might be worst off sticking another barrel on it specially if it was used.
I would use it as it is  'till the barrel showed wear then trade on a target rifle or rebarrel then .
my .02cts.

[longwalker]

I agree with the last, if it really shoots like you said keep on shooting it.  Or you could buy and other used Savage and rebarrel it.

I purchased a used Savage in 270 and rebarreled with an Adams & Bennet in 338-06. It does very well not quite .5 at 100 yards, but close.  225 grn spbt .700 at 100 yards.

As far as heat goes, I have let to have this problem even shooting praire dogs in South Dakota. Maybe I just don't shoot fast enough.

Longwalker