Repair damaged barrel threads

[Archis]

So I'm a little embarrassed to post this as this was my own dumb mistake. I was attempting to remove the barrel on my Savage 12FV and I pretty thoroughly borked the threads on the factory barrel (.308 Win). I think I spun the barrel nut too far forward on the barrel and flattened a portion of the threads. On removing the nut, I noticed that the barrel threads were squared off. Let me add that this barrel was practically glued to the action. Once the barrel nut was loose it still took repeated blows with the hammer on the action vise to spin the action off. Nothing spun freely off the barrel so I didn't notice the damage till it was too late. The action is not damaged and is already wearing a nice shiny new 6.5x47 Lapua (with a new barrel nut of course).

I'd like to be able salvage the old barrel, if possible. It was an OK shooter. The OD on the damaged barrel threads is 1.038", and I know a factory barrel should be at 1.055". Assuming I run a 1-1/16-20 die down the damaged threads, I'm more than likely still stuck with threads that are .017" too small in OD. Am I playing with fire here? Is this a bad idea and I should just chuck it into the garden? In shame, I ask for your advice.

P.S.A. Don't do gun smithing in your garage at 11:30 at night. You do dumb things.

 

[jkohler]

You could give it a go with a thread file or take it to a machinist and let him do a light clean up.

 

[Riesel]

Wait for it

 

[Spook]

out of curiousity, had you removed the front scope base screw?

I have a die for Savage barrels somwhere if its 1.055 x 20

 

[shortgrass]

Major thread diameter .017" under size? Tomatoe stake!

 

[Archis]

Major thread diameter .017" under size? Tomatoe stake!

Pretty much what I figured. Lesson learned, at least it was a factory barrel.

 

[Archis]

out of curiousity, had you removed the front scope base screw?

I have a die for Savage barrels somwhere if its 1.055 x 20

I did pull the scope mounts to fit the action wrench. After inspecting the barrel nut it was clear that the first two threads (towards muzzle) were flattened from the unthreaded portion of the barrel shank. I only unscrewed the barrel nut two full turns, there must not have been much thread ahead of the barrel nut.

It is a small shank 1.055-20 barrel.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If you salvage the threads- is it really worth the time on that barrel? You replaced it for a reason

 

[Archis]

If you salvage the threads- is it really worth the time on that barrel? You replaced it for a reason

I know, I guess I'm just a hoarder when it comes to guns. I know it'll just sit in the safe for years. I just figured I'd see if it was safe to do or if I should just nail it to the wall as a reminder to not be an idiot.

 

[savagedasher]

Sounds like the bolt for the scope based was too long. And is hitting on the threads on the barrel . The barrel without seeing the the threads I wouldn't say if it was toast. Knowing what probably happen I would have a smith check it. I would bet the screw for the scope base was too long. Larry

 

[Riesel]

Buy a new take off on ebay. They are pretty cheap and you can pick a new caliber. That .308 headspace gauge fits a lot of stuff.

 

[Ggmac]

If the barrel was worthy of being reused ,I would suggest using it as a donor for learning how to thread and chamber in the future . It could be rethreaded for a Mossberg or rem 788 , both are 1"-20 tpi .

 

[Archis]

If the barrel was worthy of being reused ,I would suggest using it as a donor for learning how to thread and chamber in the future . It could be rethreaded for a Mossberg or rem 788 , both are 1"-20 tpi .

I'd love to, just wish I had access to a larger lathe. I've got a small bench lathe but nothing big enough (or rigid enough) to handle a bull barrel. I do like the idea of a Mossberg or 788 project, though.

Barrel is going to go to a local smith this week to have a look. Will let you know what I hear back.

 

[Preacher]

Pretty hard to loose .017 because of the barrel nut..
Was there a lot of material built up on the threads when you removed it ??
If it fit tight enough to need a hammer to loosen it up, I don't see the .017..
Did you use a thread mike, or thread wires to check it ??
Maybe the receiver threads are tight!!!

 

[savagedasher]

Pretty hard to loose .017 because of the barrel nut..
Was there a lot of material built up on the threads when you removed it ??
If it fit tight enough to need a hammer to loosen it up, I don't see the .017..
Did you use a thread mike, or thread wires to check it ??
Maybe the receiver threads are tight!!!

The problem I feel was caused by the the set screw being too long on the scope base.
About everyone scope base I have put on the large shank barrels the bolt hit on the thread of the barrel. Larry.

 

[Preacher]

The problem I feel was caused by the the set screw being too long on the scope base.
About everyone scope base I have put on the large shank barrels the bolt hit on the thread of the barrel. Larry.

He did mention that the screw was removed .....

 

[savagedasher]

He did mention that the screw was removed .....

As soon as the screw damage the thread he had a remove the damaged area all the way out . But I think he said the nut.
Larry

 

[jkohler]

The problem is your guessing with out it in your hand to measure it.

 

[savagedasher]

The problem is your guessing with out it in your hand to measure it.

The nut was turned away from the action the thread in the action were damaged or flattened the only thing that goes in the action is the base screw . Believe me on this it happens all the time. Larry
And it not only savage .

 

[jkohler]

I've seen that as well. I find it hard to believe that it took .017 off the O.D as well. That thing would of been galled all to hell. Still with out having it in hand it's hard to say if its salvageable or not.