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Gunsmith question

How many gunsmiths index your barrels to have the bore at the muzzle at the highest point in the curve at 12 o'clock (I have heard that all barrels are somewhat crooked)? Do you think that this is worth the effort? Is it very difficult to do? Thanks in advance.
 
It’s not hard to do, takes a few more minutes. There seems to be some data that suggests it being worthwhile.
 
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Mine does it every time. He wants to make sure every barrel acts the same. I don’t know that I really notice but I appreciate his extra effort.
 
I like it because of limiting the windage change on the scope.
...And elevation. I think optical performance is the biggest benefit of indexing. Scopes work best when you can look through the apex of all of the lenses and theoretically, poa should be more reliable as well.


There are several arguments for doing it but all are subjective, IMHO. I've done it both ways rather extensively and personally, can't tell you that one way will shoot any better or maintain tune any better than the other. I will index if a customer requests it but I believe it is mostly if not completely, a wastes of time. I do add a bit to the price of the work but am happy to do it either way...but I do not index my own. Another point is, there are some newer barrels that are phenominally straight compared to average.

But...if you think it matters, then it matters.
 
Mike, I read the older thread and I understand the need for the popcorn now. In competition I have been beat with barrels that were indexed and those not; by barrels chambered between centers and those through the headstock. I guess I need to look more closely at my Ezell flags. Good shooting...James
I honestly believe it would serve us all better to worry more about the flags and other things but again and as with so many things in this game...If you really think it matters, then it really does matter.
 
Why wouldn't index the barrel, to me it's part of doing the job correctly, I certainly dont want the bore 15 to 20 out in regards to windage. Whether it shoots better or worse is a judgment call based upon your level of precision, but the man who taught me and all the top level shooter I associate with who do there own work index the bore. To each his own, just my two cents worth.
 
If it matters, shouldn't the barrel be inspected before starting work, and be rejected back to the barrel maker if it looks like a dog leg? What is an acceptable straightness spec for barrels?
 
I have had the wonderful opportunity to talk in depth to several master craftsman in their select field in our hobby and the one thing all agreed on is no man can master it all in one lifetime.That being said to the point barrels are not straight, regardless of how you dial them in or what ever technique you use .So if a customer wants top notch craftsman more than likely he is going to have to farm out different jobs.Dialing in the barrel up makes it a lot easier on stock makers to do a good job.If this is not done there will be barrel channel issues down the road on a replacement barrel.
 

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