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Gunsmithing Barrel recontouring

woodrow

Trying to figure it out
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 6, 2010
18
0
Ca
Hey guys,
Anyone know of any smiths in the Los Angeles area, or in general that will do barrel recontouring? Is it even a good idea to do that? I've had AR barrels turned down but I don't know if it's a good idea for a bolt gun. A friend and a smith have told me to just sell it and get a new barrel, but I want to see if I can make what I have work. Thanks guys!
 
Ive been told by a very reputable barrele maker that you do not contour a barrel after it is rifled. Yes it can be done. But you run the risk of loosing accuracy. By the time you have it done, you could prob get a new barrel in the contour you desire.
 
Most barrels are contoured after rifling and stress relieving. I order straight 1.25 diameter blanks and taper/contour them. They shoot good.
 
I think Krieger and Hawk Hill contour before rifling, but most others contour after rifling.

Regardless, it is very time consuming to recontour a barrel on a manual lathe. I have done it. If someone asked me to quote them a price I'd probably want $200. This is why they told you to sell it and buy a new one.
 
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