How can a gunsmith screw up a barrel install?

[thefitter]

I'm going to have a new barrel installed on a REM 700 Tactical and I have no idea how to spec the job or what to look for. I'm providing the barrel (Bartlian) and the reamer (PT&G).

I think I have found a competent gunsmith but because it's not my trade I'm a bit uncertain. What are some of the things I need to make sure of and watch out for?

Sorry for such a random rookie question.

Thanks

 

[Preacher]

First of all I would try to be sure he (or she) wasnt drunk and crosseyed... ;D

 

[Greg110]

Preacher,
Great reply !

 

[280man]

Just my opinion here but I would take it to a know gumsmith. Let us know where you live and we can probably recommend someone in your area. Or don't be afraid to ship it.

 

[kitsap]

Check out this link on this web site for a list of qualified gunsmiths:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/gunsmithing/gunsmiths/

Near the top of the page is a link to a Good Advice pdf file titled "Working With Gunsmiths" by Glen Zediker, mandatory reading.

It would help people help you if you would open your profile and give a state and general area where you are located.

DougF

 

[Nomo4me]

I've tried for convenience with a local guy. I've tried to save $$. I've tried unknown guys with short lead times.

The only sure route to success is to find someone offering the opposite of the above and be prepared with patience and $$. Start next Spring's shooter NOW.

 

[thefitter]

Just my opinion here but I would take it to a know gumsmith. Let us know where you live and we can probably recommend someone in your area. Or don't be afraid to ship it.

I'm in Northern California, Bay Area. I wanted to avoid shipping it because I wanted top be able to "follow up" if it went south. I also hope to find someone local that I can develop a relationship with for future work.

I was kinda hoping for some technical pointers. You know things to ask and look for. Seems like everyone applies a little faith and takes a calculated risk when dealing with someone new. Even someone who was recommended by word of mouth.

Thanks

 

[mattt]

Who did you bring it to? If it was Marc at spartan arms in concord you have nothing to worry about.

 

[thefitter]

Who did you bring it to? If it was Marc at spartan arms in concord you have nothing to worry about.

I have not taken it anywhere. I don't have the reamer or barrel yet.

 

[drybean]

contact Leroy Johnson
Johnsons Precision Gunsmithing
ph# 661 304 4165
leroy@ jprifles.com
a very great person to work with
located in bakersfield,ca.
drybean

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

First of all I would try to be sure he (or she) wasnt drunk and crosseyed... ;D

NOW THATS SOME GOOD ADVICE!!!!!

 

[280man]

Go out to SAC Valley on Sunday and talk to some of those guys. They are having a prone match over on the highpower range. Talk to Jerry Tienery if you can and he will know if theres anyone local to you thats any good.

 

[wooger]

+1 for talking to the shooters at this weekends match.+1 for talking to Jerry. I can vouch for Marc and Spartan Rifles, he built the rifle I currently shoot in F/O. Heck, why not come out on Sunday and shoot with us.

 

[thefitter]

...Heck, why not come out on Sunday and shoot with us.

Because I need a new barrel. ;D

I could bring a tricked out M1A but I just started to work up some hand loads for this weekend.

But I'd like to get a rain check.

 

[Killshot]

Sunday's match at Sacramento Valley is a 3x600, there'll be a class for your rifle and you can talk to a few guys about getting the new one barrelled.

Here's some details: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=411738

 

[fdshuster]

As an added response to the original question raised by "thefitter": I have always made it a practice to put everything in writing when I have work done by the gunsmith. When having an action re-barreld I will sit down with a blank sheet of paper and list everything to be done. Barrel finished length, type of finish (bead blast, polished stainless, etc.), type of crown (with a sketch/drawing), barrel ident engraving ( 6BR Krieger 1-8 .270 NK), etc. One copy will be given to the gunsmith & I'll keep a copy. This will go a long way to prevent any mis-understandings, and is for your protection as well as the gunsmith. One of my gunsmith's told me of a customer who orally requested a barrel finish length of 24". When the rifle was done & he came to pick it up, he claimed that he said he wanted it at 28". I've never had a 'smith tell me he does not need or want anything in writing, but several have commented, "What a great idea. I wish all my customers would do this."

 

[kjcpoint]

I go through a sheet we made up that lists everything from action,lug,barrel,twist,finish length,metal finish,crown and have the customer sign to eliminate any confusion.

Great point fdshuster!


Kyle

 

[boogershooter]

Thats an awful nice invitation Fitter, I think you should go shoot tomorrow!

 

[Jeff A]

To reply to the question in the thread title, I used a recommended gunsmith to chamber and install a Shilen barrel on a .22-250. Every thing was detailed in writing including a chamber cut for a specific bullet. When he cut the chamber the reamer left burrs which had to be removed by throating it deeper than I wanted. That is one way to get less than you planned for.

 

[sailhertoo]

First of all I would try to be sure he (or she) wasnt drunk and crosseyed... ;D

I thought they were the ones who did the best work! he he

There's many a slip 'betwix the cup and the lip.

One wrong twist of either hand and your barrel will be shorter than you wanted it to be. Ask me how I know.