Ruger Forum

BRL · October 5th, 2012, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brimic

...I've tried counterboring as well and did not get good results, but did sustain minor injuries.

I admire honesty.

Got a few scratches myself, but it sure is worth it, ain't it.

Fltrainer,
When I filed close to the scribe line, I started wrapping a file with various grits of wet/dry sandpaper, and would constantly rotate the barrel with one hand, while stroking back & fourth with the improvised sanding block in the other.

Of course I was keeping an eye on that scribe line, and kept the sanding block flat & square up against the barrel the whole time, and it turned out very well for me.

Fltrainer · October 5th, 2012, 05:29 PM

Guys, I did it. It's cut to 5.5". Two blades crapped out on me.... jigsaw blades that is. The diamond blade cut more then half way through and straight as an arrow. When it dulled out I had no choice than go to a 36TPI blade; it was a used blade. The next was also a 36 and it finished the job. At the very end I veered off a hair; a file will take care of that in short order.

Being that the diamond blade tracks straighter, the jigsaw may be a viable alternative for your next bbl job. I have too say it worked out very well. The blade isn't cheap; I believe it was $11.

BRL I have plenty of pics from start to finish.

I e-mailed Stroh today re: the sight height and the loads I'll be using, the only thing I forget was if he had a better way of lining up the F/S. I don't believe I'll have a problem there. When he answers I'll ask then.

Guys, thank you for posting you all have great ideas, I will be using them when I crown especially the carriage bolt. This thread will definitely go to file... ya never know I may do this again.

I will work on learning how to D/L the pics.

It looks so cool...... Carl

BRL · October 5th, 2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fltrainer

I will work on learning how to D/L the pics.
It looks so cool...... Carl

You sound like a kid in a candy store.

To recess the bore, I just placed pieces of sandpaper on the end of my thumb, and turned the barrel/cylinder frame assy. while applying pressure, until I had watched a couple of movies, my thumb was sore, and it looked right, then I crowned it.

Also rounded the outside circumference so it looked pretty much stock.

This may provide you with some ideas.

RugerForum.com • View topic - Future 3.75" SBH

Fltrainer · October 6th, 2012, 04:39 PM

BRL thats exactly how I feel. I'm thrilled at how it turned out except for the drifting at the end, but that no big deal. I wanted to work on it today but that didn't happen, after the kids soccer game it was off to Tractor Supply for blades for the mower then cut the grass..... I'm whipped. Tomorrow's another day. Do they have Tractor Supply stores in your area? I was very surprised at what they carried its another candy store.

I'm going to try brimic's carriage bolt once I get the ridge filed down and the brass screw to crown the bore. I can't do the emory clothe on the thumb thing because my hands a too delicate.....

The thread by tek4260 is great. I'll read that tomorrow.

BRL you and the rest of the gang have been extremely helpful; I believe we all picked up some valuable info from this thread...IMHO

I'll continue taking pics as I go along, and work on D/Ling them.

Goodnight guys...... Carl

BRL · October 6th, 2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fltrainer

...BRL you and the rest of the gang have been extremely helpful; I believe we all picked up some valuable info from this thread...IMHO

A fun and informitive thread all the way around.

Fltrainer · October 7th, 2012, 08:36 AM

Guys, its square at the muzzle, filed it down this morning, its looking gooood.
Now I'm going to try brimic's carriage bolt and dress the muzzle. Got plenty of pics.

Ok, let me get to work..... later

Fltrainer · October 7th, 2012, 01:12 PM

Well gents its done, I truly wish I had the wherewithal to DL the pics. They will be posted as soon as I get it together and an explanation will accompany them step-by-step.

Now, for the meat and potato's: Once the muzzle was filed square I started with 320 dry paper wrapped around a piece of flat stock, it took maybe 15 min to take the file marks out; then I used 400 wet/dry also wrapped around the flat stock to polish it up. It came out like the finish on your flash hider BRL, what a feeling.

Brimic's your carriage bolt worked out great and it was done in less than 5 min and I don't mean continuous drilling; I drilled for few seconds wipped the compound off to check how aggressive it was cutting, I followed this process 3 more times and it was done.... I couldn' t believe how fast.

ZommyG, you put a lot of thought and effort into your post and I appreciate it, but, let me put you at ease in using the jigsaw... it worked out great and it saved a lot of elbow grease. When you see the pics you'll all wonder how
I did it without the frame being locked down.

BRL I received Stroh's answer, here's his reply:

"It will probably work for both bullet weights, but if it doesn't, you can buy another blade, or return the .250 for a N/C exchange. I am now offering the blades in .025 height incriments instead of .050. If you do need a different blade, let me know the sight radius, distance you are shooting, and the error, all in inches."

He's an OK guy.

Guys that's all for now.... Update will follow.... Carl

BRL · October 8th, 2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carry_Up

...A correctly cut crown increases accuracy by insuring that the escaping gasses do not push the bullet one way or the other as the bullet exits the muzzle. For those who haven't already thought of it, using a ball bearing to make a crown is a waste of time unless you are concerned about cosmetic appearances only. The crown MUST be aligned concentric to the barrel bore axis, and this alignment can ONLY be done with a piloted tool. The bearing will eventually produce a smooth crown, but at some unknown incorrect axis relative to the bore. Smooth or not, the accuracy of that barrel will not be improved by this work.-CU

Don't know if it is proper to place someone else's quote from another forum on this one, but this person nailed it.

That is why I suggest getting a cutter with a "pilot" for a truly concentric crown.

...hmmmm...

Fltrainer · October 8th, 2012, 05:49 PM

I understand what Carry_Up is saying and I'm sure he's 100% right as you are, you can't hold steady enough to grind a hole thats concentric freehand a pilot is necessary too do that. What I've done with my SBH I wouldn't have done years ago, but since I've built other rifles I'm to a point... why not experiment, BRL whats the worst that can happen; I screw it up? I'll do my best not to let that happen.

If my crown job doesn't workout on paper I'll buy the tools and fix it.... if there is a problem. You could say I'm testing myself. I want too see if I have what it takes to do the job with ordinary tools, and I'll find that out.

I'll do my best to D/L the pics real soon. The pics look good, but will they be good enough to see detail as if actually looking at it in your hand... I don't know. When I get them in you look at them and let me know what you think good or bad.

BRL is that BH yours, if it is its beautiful!

Later guys...

BRL · October 8th, 2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fltrainer

...If my crown job doesn't workout on paper I'll buy the tools and fix it.... if there is a problem. You could say I'm testing myself. I want too see if I have what it takes to do the job with ordinary tools, and I'll find that out...

I'm pretty sure the bullets won't tumble or keyhole, but the crown is the last thing that a bullet "sees" when it leaves that gun.

People go to great legnths to throat chambers, recut forcing cones, lap bores, etc. in a quest for greater accuracy...

I would like to get that tool, and then run it over a prussian blued muzzle that has my homemade crown on it, just to see how close I really was, but I just wouldn't have peace of mind these days until I knew for sure that it was crowned concentrically.

Thank you yes, that's my 1958 OM .44 Flattop...the blade may be even older.

Oh, the temptation...your a bad influence!

Fltrainer · October 9th, 2012, 07:00 AM

BRL, I'm a bad influence! You put that work of art in my face and don't think for one moment that my mind isn't wondering "how the two-tone would look on my SBH" wow...

[QUOTE] I would like to get that tool, and then run it over a prussian blued muzzle that has my homemade crown on it, just to see how close I really was, but I just wouldn't have peace of mind these days until I knew for sure that it was crowned concentrically.

Talk about concentricity; the .429" ring from the valve grinding compound on the carriage bolt head is symmetrical as you'll see in the pic.

BRL I'm going to buy the tool and do the right job after I shoot it with my crown "just to see how close I am".... and I'm the bad influence.... right!

The gun feels so much better minus the 2 1/2".

I can't wait to shoot it..... not that I need sights...... later guys

brimic · October 9th, 2012, 03:29 PM

Erm, a carriage bolt or anything with a arc that has a larger diameter than the muzzle face is going to be self-centering. So long as the muzzle was cut square, there will be no problems.

Quote:

...A correctly cut crown increases accuracy by insuring that the escaping gasses do not push the bullet one way or the other as the bullet exits the muzzle. For those who haven't already thought of it, using a ball bearing to make a crown is a waste of time unless you are concerned about cosmetic appearances only. The crown MUST be aligned concentric to the barrel bore axis, and this alignment can ONLY be done with a piloted tool. The bearing will eventually produce a smooth crown, but at some unknown incorrect axis relative to the bore. Smooth or not, the accuracy of that barrel will not be improved by this work.-CU

Probably words from a gunsmith whose business it is to charge $50 to recrown a barrel.

Using a pilot means there is still going to be some 'slop,' albeit a very small amount, the only way you are going to cut a very precise and square crown is on a lathe.
Carriage bolt is good enough, as is using a piloted cutter.

BRL · October 9th, 2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brimic

Erm, a carriage bolt or anything with a arc that has a larger diameter than the muzzle face is going to be self-centering. So long as the muzzle was cut square, there will be no problems...

Good thing you held off on that tool Fltrainer.

Heck what do I know anyway, it just sounds right to use a pilot rather than have that bolt wandering all over the countryside...(possible exaggeration)

See what happens...just like you said, and if you decide to get the tool, let me know how close you were.

But if your satisfied with the accuracy...

Sights?

What for?

With that crown you ain't gonna hit anything anyway.

He called my gun a work of art...I like him.

Fltrainer · October 9th, 2012, 05:27 PM

brimic, you said the key words "self-centering" I took another look (just too make sure I wasn't having a senior moment) at the carriage bolt and darn if it isn't dead square in the middle with a perfect circle.

BRL I still might buy the crown tool just for the hell of it too see the difference; it isn't that much money.

I'm thinking... I could save myself some money if I can use my sight, the red insert will melt but I could always fill it in with some JB weld or something.
I'll measure the total height, if it comes to .500" I just may use it for the time being.

BRL you sure know how to hurt a guy, making fun of my crown. Flattery will get you everywhere....

OK, how does masterpiece sound....

That makes two of us on the "what do I know anyway"

Ok, I'm going to do somemore thinking..... later