Proper chambering of a "glued" action?

[jamesdmock]

What is the proper method for getting all of the dimensions (headspace, etc.) from a glued action without removing it from the stock? Thanks, James Mock

 

[Stan Taylor]

What action are you working on lots of questions on that.I think first an foremost I would have made good notes of when it was originally fit before it was glued in an kept good numbers to work with.

 

[jamesdmock]

Thanks Stan. The action is an old BAT that was made before they used CNC equipment. Many gunsmiths are a little uncomfortable when chambering a barrel in the headstock without being able to screw the action onto the barrel to check the threads and the correct chamber depth. I am not a gunsmith, but don't want to unglue the action from the stock to free the action. James

 

[WayneShaw]

I would check the headspace with an old barrel in the action, and if it checks OK, duplicate it. Most can do that easily. You can check the headspace yourself if you have a go gauge.

 

[PatMiles]

I can see why a smith would be nervous about not having the action available to screw on a barrel for fitting. Once a barrel is in the lathe and dialed in the smith would want to be able to check headspacing, etc. without removing the barrel from the headstock.
No I'm not a riflesmith but I used to be a gun plumber of 1911/2011's when I was younger and shot USPSA.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I would check the headspace with an old barrel in the action, and if it checks OK, duplicate it. Most can do that easily. You can check the headspace yourself if you have a go gauge.

Yessir...I chamber lots of barrels with a PROPERLY FITTED old barrel to duplicate, rather than having the receiver.

Granted, I'm duplicating what I have in my hand...for good or for bad. I also have test fixtures for the more common br actions to test fit and headspace is the easy part. Cone angles are where I see the most variations between previously chambered barrels. Clearance here should be proper for both safety and to prevent the bolt contacting the barrel tenon.

 

[WayneShaw]

I think James has shot many rounds in this gun, I wouldn’t hesitate to duplicate that barrel. If there is any doubt, someone could send him a go gauge and instructions on what to do to check and verify.

 

[ridgeway]

Some basic math and depth mic will get the dimensions you need.

 

[DaveTooley]

I've chambered well over 7000 barrels for God knows how many different actions with no action in hand. A cheap thread mic off of EBay and you can easily duplicate any tenon. BAT, Kelbly and everyone else work to a thread spec. 1 1/16-18 2A means the same everywhere. Henry Ford figured that out. I've never seen any variation between the original actions and the newer ones. I don't understand this fobia dealing with threads. No different that turning the tenon just a different tool but measured the same way with a mic.YMMV

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I think James has shot many rounds in this gun, I wouldn’t hesitate to duplicate that barrel. If there is any doubt, someone could send him a go gauge and instructions on what to do to check and verify.

I agree Wayne. I didn't mean to imply otherwise.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I have some old old bats and theyre no different unless its been bastardized over the years. a barrel in hand that was properly fit is all you need if youre in doubt. or the best way- pop the action out and consider it preventative maintenance to reglue it.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I have maximum pitch diameters for every action I work with on a regular basis. To say they are all the same... sorry, I can't agree with that, not at all. I have measured .006" difference in pitch diameter from largest to smallest with one popular action. But I have numbers for each make that should work with almost every action out there, they will be looser in some than in others. Tight threads don't help accuracy, if anything they can only hurt so a little variation in action PD doesn't bother me.

 

[liljoe]

And it is easy to check the cone clearance with a piece of plasti gauge or a piece of lead.

 

[richard]

James,

Come up to my place with Murry and I will show you all of my fixtures.
You can measure everything you need and the bbl will be exactly on the money.
No need to guess on anything.

Richard Brensing

 

[ridgeway]

And it is easy to check the cone clearance with a piece of plasti gauge or a piece of lead.

Exaflex works good too. Very useful for other things too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FOGZFVE/?tag=accuratescom-20

 

[jamesdmock]

James,

Come up to my place with Murry and I will show you all of my fixtures.
You can measure everything you need and the bbl will be exactly on the money.
No need to guess on anything.

Richard Brensing

Thanks Richard. You seem to be dedicated to excellence in all that you do and I am sure that your methods are fool proof. However, I doubt that I will be able to travel to Kansas, but I can send my "stuff" by Murry if he is going your way any time soon. James