So, I'm barreling a bunch of Kimber actions and figured I would use them as the subject for a barrel-fitting video. I would be contouring, fitting chambering and finishing, so it would cover a lot. I won't mention the struggles I have trying to deal with anything electronic, I expect to have some issues. The thing is the machine stuff is usually easy.
After I had finished the contouring, fitting and chambering, I was getting ready to set up to cut the extractor slot. Now, there are various ways to do this, but I decided I would use the Palmgren milling attachment on the lathe. It actually works very well and it is a set-up a hobbyist is likely to be able to buy.
Now, if I'm honest, I generally just mark where the cut goes, eyeball it level, and cut. I figure guys don't want to see that kind of seat-of-your-pants set-up though, so I marked the bottom of the cut, then I figured to level it using a fixture I have which I could align with the bottom of the recoil lug. Anyone familiar with the Kimber will know how the Remington-style lug is aligned by the recess at the front of the receiver. I have always thought this was a pretty clever system and said so on the video. I still think so except for one thing; the damn thing is crooked! When I went to line up my fixture, I saw that the lug was visibly tipped. I checked four other Kimbers I have in the line-up and every one of them was crooked. Still a clever system, but it would be nice if they were straight.
Anyway, I was able to use the locking lug raceway as my reference; that worked out fine. Still bugs me though. When I barrel my own (I'm making a 256 Newton on it), I'll make a new lug and set it in straight. I don't think I could enjoy the hunt if I'm carrying a rifle with a crooked lug! WH
After I had finished the contouring, fitting and chambering, I was getting ready to set up to cut the extractor slot. Now, there are various ways to do this, but I decided I would use the Palmgren milling attachment on the lathe. It actually works very well and it is a set-up a hobbyist is likely to be able to buy.
Now, if I'm honest, I generally just mark where the cut goes, eyeball it level, and cut. I figure guys don't want to see that kind of seat-of-your-pants set-up though, so I marked the bottom of the cut, then I figured to level it using a fixture I have which I could align with the bottom of the recoil lug. Anyone familiar with the Kimber will know how the Remington-style lug is aligned by the recess at the front of the receiver. I have always thought this was a pretty clever system and said so on the video. I still think so except for one thing; the damn thing is crooked! When I went to line up my fixture, I saw that the lug was visibly tipped. I checked four other Kimbers I have in the line-up and every one of them was crooked. Still a clever system, but it would be nice if they were straight.
Anyway, I was able to use the locking lug raceway as my reference; that worked out fine. Still bugs me though. When I barrel my own (I'm making a 256 Newton on it), I'll make a new lug and set it in straight. I don't think I could enjoy the hunt if I'm carrying a rifle with a crooked lug! WH