Gunsmithing Opening up barrel channel ?

[bmarc69]

I have a Manners T5A with the mini-chassis. It's inletted for sendero contour. I have a barreled action with a Shilen #5 contour I'm wanting to run in the Manners.

What's the easiest way to open a barrel channel at home without a mill?

Has anyone done this themselves with the mini-chassis and is there anything I need to watch out for?

Thanks for your help, Brian

 

[LR-WSM]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

Go to Home Depot and buy the longest 3" sanding belt you can get in your desired grit. Cut it at the seam and screw a 4" piece of 1x2 to either end. You will have to remove the scope so that you can apply pressure to the action with your foot. With your barreled action sitting loosely in the stock, slide the belt between the barrel and stock rough side down to the stock and work the sand paper in a shoe-shine motion along the length of the forearm. Remember to keep your hands close and directly over the barrel as you apply pressure and you won't screw up the finish on the top edge.

Since you have the minni chassy you can use the action bolts to apply the pressure a little at a time.

 

[djskit]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

I use several appropriate sized dowels, sand paper and a lot of elbow grease.

I may not be the most efficient way, but it will get you there eventually.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

If you do as LR-LSM says...you may, and probably will, have to refinish the barrel because of the scratches the debris will transfer to the barrel side of the "paper". The dowel method will NOT scar the barrel. Get some "60" grit floor sanding belt, wrap it half around a dowel and go to work. Won't take long at all. JMHO

 

[turbo54]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

+1 on a dowel wrapped with 60 grit. Ive done 3 or 4 this way and it work great. Only "trouble" is if you want a small gap, in which case available dowel diameter becomes a hindrance.

 

[athhud]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

I've used pvc, dowel, conduit, and deep well sockets wrapped in sand paper. The sockets allow for a wide range of sizes and are good for working in tight areas.

 

[LR-WSM]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you do as LR-LSM says...you may, and probably will, have to refinish the barrel because of the scratches the debris will transfer to the barrel side of the "paper". The dowel method will NOT scar the barrel. Get some "60" grit floor sanding belt, wrap it half around a dowel and go to work. Won't take long at all. JMHO </div></div>

OK, add a light wrap of painters tape and all is good. This method works much easier than a dowel and leaves a evenly gapped and floated barrel. 60 grit is a little overkill, 80 - 120 will get the job done very nicely

 

[customshooter]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

browells barrel channel stock scraper.... easy, cheap and about 15 bucks...

 

[MTETM]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

Have you tried the action to stock yet. The last I checked, my 5 weight Shilen is smaller in diameter than the Varmint taper...

 

[STR]

Re: Opening up barrel channel ?

Checking the fit is first. With the barreled action mocked in place, use a pencil to scribe lines on the stock on both sides. Use the barrel as your guide for the pencil. .015 or so on the side is enough clearance. More does not hurt, just how big do you want the gaps. Under the barrel I like more. Now use the scraper mentioned above to get close, and finish with sand paper sealed around the correct size dowel. Check often. It's much easier to check a lot, than replace material. Good luck.