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When things are not as expected

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
 
My limited ownership of Kimbers indicates that they fall short of the mark in quality, but they look really pretty. And for me at least, it involves esthetics like a plastic mainspring housing in a 1911, and a component quality flaw with a 22 Hornet that used rimfire quality steel in the barrel (I shot 2 barrels out in short order, but at least they warrantied them). And my gunsmith at the time had the steel tested by a metallurgist, so it was fact, not opinion.
 
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
where can I see the videos
 
My limited ownership of Kimbers indicates that they fall short of the mark in quality, but they look really pretty. And for me at least, it involves esthetics like a plastic mainspring housing in a 1911, and a component quality flaw with a 22 Hornet that used rimfire quality steel in the barrel (I shot 2 barrels out in short order, but at least they warrantied them). And my gunsmith at the time had the steel tested by a metallurgist, so it was fact, not opinion.
Especially early on, they have had some QC issues. Bad barrels, rough chambers, and feeding issues were some of them. Nonetheless, I quite like the Montanas. They are light, fit in the hand, and carry very well. I backpack hunt, in grizzly country, quite a bit and I really like a rifle which is comfortable to carry in my hand. Ill also admit, as I see middle age receding further and further into the rearview mirror, the old Model 70 and Mausers seem to have gained some weight! I don't like the Mountain Ascent models as well; I think they carried the concept too far.
Still, I have to say, the whole recoil lug thing is mildly annoying.
By the way, the videos are on YouTube. Will Henry's Workshop. I'm aiming for the hobbyist interested in general gunsmithing with the occasional foray into more advanced stuff. I may be too old to ever get production quality to where it should be, but I'm trying! WH
 
My experience with them is certainly dated and they may have corrected some things. But Kimber's practices created a memory for me that lives on. That little Hornet cost me a pretty penny even back then and as soon as they put the second warranty barrel on, I sold it to someone who appreciated it's beauty more than it's quality.
 

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