Chambering Barrels, Need Help!

[mike22250]

I have been wanting to build myself a custom gun, (Start with a barrel), but I have not found any gunsmiths around my area that are willing to help out. I have a machinist background as well as a Engineering background. I am located in the Ogden, Utah area and would like to find someone to help... I am willing to pay them for their time, as well as any tools needed. I was getting to know a gentlemen, but he passed away from a massive heart attack. Thanks for looking and if possible I am open to discussion?

 

[jscandale]

I am curious, what is so unique about your build that a gunsmith is not interested in? Are you just looking for instruction?

JS

 

[rayjay]

If you can turn threads, turn to a shoulder, bore to an accurate diameter then you can chamber a bbl. Books I have on the shelf are "Riflesmithing" by Jack Mitchell; "The Gunsmith Machinist" by Steve Acker among others. I also have the Grizzly dvd. I have some basic machining text books. I use techniques from all the sources .

 

[mike22250]

I have the book you mentioned, as well as other books. My problem is I don't have access to a lathe where I can take gun parts without getting fired from my job! I can do all the above mentioned as turning, threading drilling and boring, but not quite sure how to do it with a barrel, or I should say I have never had the chance to try. I know there are machinist and there are gunsmiths, Machinist have a print with the tolerances set for them, but a gunsmith when truing an action you have to figure out what and where it is and then make the correct call and the next step! Which I think would be a good feeling that you can true the action and then chamber the barrel, work a load up for it and then watch it produce tiny groups! My problem is I need someone to give me access to a lathe, and then basically watch over my shoulder and stand there and answer questions as I go throughout the procedure.

 

[jscandale]

Oh, I see. That's kinda like asking to sleep with someone's wife while they look over your shoulder and give you pointers. That's a tough one.

JS

 

[butchlambert]

Just hope you can separate the chaff from the truth. You will get both on this and other forums.

 

[STS]

You're looking for a mentor with the possibility of learning on his lathe. In my experience the best way to make that kind of connection is to do so at a range where competitive shooters hang out. Some of those guys will be chambering their own barrels and my be willing to help you learn the ropes if you get to know them.

 

[rayjay]

Work some overtime or do some part time work or get a loan and buy a lathe.

 

[Rustystud]

I suggest you check the NRA Short Course Schedule. All of the better Gunsmith schools have a classes on chambering rifles. There is a school in California, Colorado, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania that I know of that offer NRA short courses. Plan on taking a week long vacation from work and take a road trip. It will be the best money you ever spent. In all of these classes you will need a donor action, barrel and any other parts you want to use. Many students bring their own tooling but the schools or instructor will have everything you need.

If you don't have a lathe or access to one your not going to be able to do the job. There are many great reads and you tube videos out there.

Nat Lambeth

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

Oh, I see. That's kinda like asking to sleep with someone's wife while they look over your shoulder and give you pointers. That's a tough one.

JS

That summed it up

 

[mike22250]

Thanks for the responses.... I will keep looking for someone to help me.

 

[turbo54]

Oh, I see. That's kinda like asking to sleep with someone's wife while they look over your shoulder and give you pointers. That's a tough one.

JS

That summed it up

Craigslist can help you make this happen for you by midnight tonight.

 

[boltman223]

Turbo, how do you know

 

[Utah338]

send me a PM. I dont know what kind of tools you have access to but Ill bet I can help.

 

[GNERGY]

If you lived here in AZ I would help you. Before I got my lathe a friend let me use his lathe to do my first barrel a 6.5-300 WSM. He saw nothing wrong with that.
I had a good friend that just bought a lathe and had never threaded or chambered a barrel before. So I brought over my tooling and a friends barrel that I had to chamber in 338 Ultra mag. We spent the day doing it and it was better than him just watching a video.
Tarey

 

[Dinc]

As Mr. Lambeth suggested the NRA Summer Gunsmith classes are great. I can personally recommend the one at Lassen Community College in Susanville CA. It's about a nine hour trip from Ogden but worth it. Google it and you can look at last years schedule and class description.

 

[butchlambert]

Who is the guy in Washington State or Oregon? He gives classes and demonstrates Grizzly lathes.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I'd like to know that too. Washington or Oregon...

 

[Erik Cortina]

Who is the guy in Washington State or Oregon? He gives classes and demonstrates Grizzly lathes.

I think that would be Gordy Gritters.

 

[NateHaler]

Who is the guy in Washington State or Oregon? He gives classes and demonstrates Grizzly lathes.

I think that would be Gordy Gritters.

I thought Gordy was in Kansas City, MO now, formerly in Iowa?