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Machine shop for barrel cut/ thread in Georgia

Slambert008

OSOK
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Apr 2, 2020
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Columbus, GA
Who do you guys recommend in GA? Wanting to cut a 26” Proof stainless barrel 6”, re-crown and thread it. I’m in Columbus. I know AAFT is here just don’t have any experience or references with them

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A. Don't seek out "a machine shop".

B. Seek out a competent gunsmith.

Machine shops are fine, for what they do. Special care needs to be taken when crowning and finishing a muzzle. Find a well regarded gunsmith. Probably more money, but pay it (Once).
It had dual meaning. I meant gunsmith that is also a machinist. I unfortunately run across a lot of “Master gun smiths” that can install a set of iron sights on a Glock but I’d never trust to cut or thread anything. It’s hard to know who’s competent unless I know people that have personally dealt with people also. That’s why I reached out here, for references.
 
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"Competent" gunsmith are few.... I never met one in my neck of the woods.

The last remaining "gunsmith" farms "the metal work" out to a local machinist.

Probably illegally...

I'm a retired machinist and do all my own gunsmithing.

Gunsmithing is not super precision...like much of todays manufacturing.
Cutting the barrel off, re crowning, and threading for a muzzle device, is a basic machining job.

But a machinist needs a special firearms manufacturing license from the government to do gun work...the last I heard it was a $2300.
Plus you have to have records of all customers, and amounts charged, on any serialized weapon in your possession.

Then the ATF does not need a warrant to enter your property to try to find a violation cause now you are a manufacturer.

Who wants to deal with that.
 
"Competent" gunsmith are few.... I never met one in my neck of the woods.

The last remaining "gunsmith" farms "the metal work" out to a local machinist.

Probably illegally...

I'm a retired machinist and do all my own gunsmithing.

Gunsmithing is not super precision...like much of todays manufacturing.
Cutting the barrel off, re crowning, and threading for a muzzle device, is a basic machining job.

But a machinist needs a special firearms manufacturing license from the government to do gun work...the last I heard it was a $2300.
Plus you have to have records of all customers, and amounts charged, on any serialized weapon in your possession.

Then the ATF does not need a warrant to enter your property to try to find a violation cause now you are a manufacturer.

Who wants to deal with that.
Yep, I definitely understand the argument and have heard it plenty of times. I always have a hard time trusting people to work on my stuff also. I have been lucky with the few times I’ve needed a gunsmith. But I was in NC then, and since then I've only used prefits and done it at home myself. I sent an email to Hammer rifles about my barrel. Might be the best option to ship it over to them after pulling it from my action, so I don’t have to deal with FFL
 
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A. Don't seek out "a machine shop".

B. Seek out a competent gunsmith.

Machine shops are fine, for what they do. Special care needs to be taken when crowning and finishing a muzzle. Find a well regarded gunsmith. Probably more money, but pay it (Once).
Don’t seek out a gunsmith, seek out a precision rifle builder…
 
Who do you guys recommend in GA? Wanting to cut a 26” Proof stainless barrel 6”, re-crown and thread it. I’m in Columbus. I know AAFT is here just don’t have any experience or references with them

View attachment 8744735

Why you cutting that big fat barrel to 20”?

And I agree that pulling it off and shipping it for the work is the best move.
 
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Yep, I definitely understand the argument and have heard it plenty of times. I always have a hard time trusting people to work on my stuff also. I have been lucky with the few times I’ve needed a gunsmith. But I was in NC then, and since then I've only used prefits and done it at home myself. I sent an email to Hammer rifles about my barrel. Might be the best option to ship it over to them after pulling it from my action, so I don’t have to deal with FFL
Too bad ya don't live next door to a machinist with all the tools.

You'd have it done for free in about 45 minutes, from the time you arrive...but you'd have to be present during all the machining and simulating doing all the work yourself, as your machinist friend "never" takes possession of your firearm, and "only instructs" you...as you just came by to barrow his lathe.
Then absolutely NO money can be exchanged...but you might remember him come Christmas.
 
I am going to have a chassis on the way from Altus soon. Not a bad idea to ask them about that.


I am also in Georgia about 1 1/2 hrs north of you.

I had some work done by a guy in Macon once, all my other stuff to date has been local.

I’d suggest calling the following & make a decision from there:
1. Whidden

2. Shooters of Columbus- ask for recommendations. https://www.shootersofcolumbus.net/contact-us/?current_url=https://www.shootersofcolumbus.net/

3. The Outdoors Trader is a Georgia based forum & I’m almost certain there you will get recommendations on a competent Smith in that area. I’ve the same screen name there. I’ll look for your post & comment if you do.
 
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I am also in Georgia about 1 1/2 hrs north of you.

I had some work done by a guy in Macon once, all my other stuff to date has been local.

I’d suggest calling the following & make a decision from there:
1. Whidden

2. Shooters of Columbus- ask for recommendations. https://www.shootersofcolumbus.net/contact-us/?current_url=https://www.shootersofcolumbus.net/

3. TheOutdoorsTrader.com is a Georgia based forum & im almost certain there are you will get recommendations on a competent Smith in that area. I’ve the same screen name there. I’ll look for your post & comment if you do.

 

I am also in Georgia about 1 1/2 hrs north of you.

I had some work done by a guy in Macon once, all my other stuff to date has been local.

I’d suggest calling the following & make a decision from there:
1. Whidden

2. Shooters of Columbus- ask for recommendations. https://www.shootersofcolumbus.net/contact-us/?current_url=https://www.shootersofcolumbus.net/

3. TheOutdoorsTrader.com is a Georgia based forum & im almost certain there are you will get recommendations on a competent Smith in that area. I’ve the same screen name there. I’ll look for your post & comment if you do.
I’m all over ODT. Been there since 2013 I believe. Not a ton of precision guys on there, so I opted to ask here. I’ll see what folks say on your post! I don’t see eye to eye with some folks from Shooters. They’re the last place I’d call :D
 
I’m all over ODT. Been there since 2013 I believe. Not a ton of precision guys on there, so I opted to ask here. I’ll see what folks say on your post! I don’t see eye to eye with some folks from Shooters. They’re the last place I’d call :D
Understood.

There’s more precision guys on there than is seen.

Lots of banter & egos like other sites but there’s a lot of good eggs too.
 
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Understood.

There’s more precision guys on there than is seen.

Lots of banter & egos like other sites but there’s a lot of good eggs too.
I’m sure of it. They just stay real quiet (I mean, I do too on there!). So I jump back and forth between the two sites! Depending on my needs. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to sell much of my bolt rifle stuff there honestly. Usually come here for that.
 
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I’m all over ODT. Been there since 2013 I believe. Not a ton of precision guys on there, so I opted to ask here. I’ll see what folks say on your post! I don’t see eye to eye with some folks from Shooters. They’re the last place I’d call :D
I should have checked your name.

I have been working out of town & am in similar situation now myself.