Subject says it all... Anyone done it that isn't a smith? Tips, tricks, horror or success stories?
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Gunsmithing Chambering your own...
- Thread starter dbowhunter
- Start date
I guess that one is over my head.
[video=youtube;Dlr90NLDp-0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlr90NLDp-0&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]
funny I could have swore the title to this thread was chanting your own.
As far as chambering your own I have helped(watched and got in the way). I will be doing it again in the near future too. Hopefully some of the techniques will sink in if I do it enough times.
As far as chambering your own I have helped(watched and got in the way). I will be doing it again in the near future too. Hopefully some of the techniques will sink in if I do it enough times.
About 6 years ago I ordered a lefty custom build from GAP with my own receiver. After a year I received it. So I decided I would get my own lathe and shorten that turn around time. I've always been interested in machining, took a couple classes in college{40 yrs ago}. Anyway have been somewhat successful. Have built about 8 or 9 rifles since then. They shoot 1/2 min or better except for my 338 Lapua. Couldn't get that under 3/4's for some reason.
I think if you have the basics down, pay attention to details you should do OK. I do think you need a good basic knowledge of machining operations. You also get a great sense of acomplishment in doing the work yourself. And besides then you have nobody to blame but yourself!!
I think if you have the basics down, pay attention to details you should do OK. I do think you need a good basic knowledge of machining operations. You also get a great sense of acomplishment in doing the work yourself. And besides then you have nobody to blame but yourself!!
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With some practice you can do it. When I first bought my lathe and got all my tooling, I put together a rifle in a couple days. Shot little under MOA @ 600. Its a very rewarding feeling when you get done, but all the tools add up in a hurry.
Kc
Kc
You can chamber by hand correct? I was looking at this post from brownells and it really got me thinking...
How To Build Your Own Remington 700 - Part I | World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS
I consider myself very technically and mechanically adept and it is oh so tempting to try...and that feeling is quickly offset my the 'what if i f___ up my $300+ barrel?!?!'
I guess you could always have it cut back, rethreaded and pay someone to rechamber it if that does happen
I wish someone responded to this with a South Texas Location... Then t would be on... It would be nice to have someone with you who's cut at least one on their own before by your side.
I do, but I had a few very experienced and well known builders to teach me and answer any questions I had. If you don't have someone experienced to help you or a solid background in running a lathe I could see it being very difficult to learn.
I'm a hobbyist. I did some research, asked some questions and tested skills at a friend's shop on a few cheap factory take-off barrels. They shot alright, upgraded to nice SS match barrels and do just fine in the local comps.
No expert here, but I've a firm grasp of the methodology. Just measure twice and cut once.
No expert here, but I've a firm grasp of the methodology. Just measure twice and cut once.
It's all down to details. You have or will get the know how. You WILL goof a few things and learn. It's not rocket science, just attention to details. Keep us informed.
I'd try to beg some cut ends from a few blanks of the caliber you're hoping to chamber as practice pieces. While reading and talking will lay down basic procedures, working with a tool requires technique, and that means jacking some stuff up. We do as we practice, and barrels are expensive practice.
If you plan on doing several barrels and have a lathe already go for it. If you will only do one every couple years just take it to a smith. Unless it is just for the expirence of doing it yourself. Once you buy a reamer, rods, dial indicators, and a setup to hold the barrel in the headstock you will be money ahead to pay someone. Nothing wrong with doing it yourself but in most cases it does not pay unless you will be doing it multiple times.
