Gunsmithing Identifying a barrel's contour

[SquarePizza]

Looking to get on the waiting list for a new barrel, and I want to get as close to the profile of my current barrel as I can. The only problem is my rifle is a 1970s Winchester m70 with a heavy barrel and I do not know which model or contour. I am assuming varmint but I am not certain, it looks like it does not have the rounded 'shoulder' that sporters have when they start to taper.

Besides the end barrel thickness, where should I be taking the measurements on the barrel, and should that distance be from the end of the receiver, or the beginning of the barrel?

 

[Sonic Crack]

Go to about any barrel makers web site and look at the contour page. There should be lengths and diameters that you can compare your barrel to

 

[thrusty]

Direct link that may help: Bartlein Barrels, Inc. - Contours
Like Sonic Crack said...you'll find a page like this at just about every barrel maker's website.

 

[SquarePizza]

I have looked at those many times, but measurements like the B and C confuse me. Is that from where the barrel exits the front of the action, or is that from the start of the barrel threads.

 

[Sonic Crack]

B & C are measured from the barrel face, as a blank. You can measure from your chamber end and be very close. Talk to whomever your gona get a barrel from, They can do custom contours if needed.

 

[SquarePizza]

Not too worried about an exact contour. Just trying to get close. The stock is wood with plenty of room to widen the barrel channel.

 

[Frank Green]

Measure the breech diameter right in front of the receiver and measure the muzzle diameter. If it's a straight taper barrel I'll know pretty close to what it is.

A standard pre64 Model 70 target contour went something like this......1.140" x 2.000" str. taper to .780" @ 24" finish.

The 2" breech length includes the threads of the barrel as well. This gives you enough room to thread and keep the taper correct/pretty close.

Also keep in mind that a lot of the older rifles and even guns made at the factories now a days the barrels were made or can be made on tracer lathes. The diameter can vary quite a bit. I've seen Rem. Varmint barrels for example have the muzzles vary from .820-.845. That's why we do a .830" standard.

No that Model 70 contour is not listed on our website. If you don't see something listed take the dimensions off of the barrel and call us. Worse case scenario send us the barrel so we can look at it and take the dimensions off of it so we can duplicate it as close as we can.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[thrusty]

^^^ That type of service makes it so easy for me to decide where to send my money when I have too much.

Frank and Bartlein Barrels are good people!

 

[SquarePizza]

Thank you for the reply Frank. =)

The customer service at Bartlein barrels is definitely why I will be placing my order with you.