Who has a large lathe for large dia. barrel

[Switchbarrel]

Let me start off by saying, I don't know anything about machining or chambering barrels, so if my terms are off...bear with me.


I've got a 1.750" barrel blank that needs to be installed on my barrel-blocked heavy gun. It is my understanding that chambering a barrel in/through the headstock is superior to doing it using a steadyrest. I've spoken to a couple of local gunsmith's and it seems they all can only do up to 1.350" barrels this way.

Do anybody know if any of the prominent benchrest gunsmith's have lathe's large enough to do a barrel of this size in the headstock? Or, are most all of the larger barrels done using a steadyrest?

The current barrel must have been done in a steady rest and it shoot's fine, I'm just looking at other options right now.

Thank you.

-Rick

 

[GerryM]

I see your not getting a reply right away7.
Here's my nickells worth. The big Grizzly or a big oldie will do.
You will need one with the 2 inch spindle hole , to do it in the headstock,
That said Quality work is done quite often on the steady rest, when set up is done properly. The smith is the main thing to be concerned about.
Answer your question? Gerry

 

[Switchbarrel]

Hi Gerry-

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I guess the question in my convoluted post is...does anybody know which gunsmith's have a 2" lathe? I'm not looking to do it myself.

I've started calling around, but some don't answer during certain times of the day. I'm in California and with the time differences and my work schedule, getting ahold of some is difficult. Cell phones get no reception and I can't make long distance calls from the operating room where I work.

-Rick

 

[WayneShaw]

Call Clay Spencer. I'm sure he can do what you need.

 

[GerryM]

Yes CLAY SPENCER TOP notch Smith.
Wayne is correct' Gerry

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

Another one you may want to inquire to is Mr. Gordy Gritters
http://www.gordysgunsmithshop.com/home.html
mailto:gordy@wildbluepella.org

He just turned out 3 barrels for me - 38 inches in length - one was 2.0625 in dia. (the other 2 had a slight taper from 2.0625 down to 1.875 where the brake threads on). These are for a FCSA .50 BMG Imp. Match switch barrel Unlimited class rifle - He will be doing 3 more barrels again soon for another gun.
He has the tooling set up to turn large barrels & long length.
His work is "second to none" in my opinion. He's smithed many record holders and championship level barrels in 1000 yd.

 

[Switchbarrel]

Hi Guys-

Clay S. is one that I'm considering for sure.

Gordy was on the list. He just sent a nice reply but, stated he has a six month backlog right now. I'm hoping for sooner than that.

Any input on Leonard Baity, Sid Goodling or Mark King? Good or bad (if bad, please PM instead).

Thank you.

-Rick

 

[butchlambert]

The 3 you just mentioned are very good.
Butch

 

[GerryM]

Sid Goodling = excellent work. His work also wins matches''
Nice guy too. gerry