Bad Shilen barrel ?

ninehorses

ninehorses

New member
I have a Shilen select match that was given to me that is .004th off on the outside taper. Shilen says that it's within their specks, and won't fix it. My smith didn't want to chamber and thread it for fear it would not shoot right. It's a stainless .25 cal. BDL taper with a twist for 75-90 grain bullets and is still full length.

My question is, can it be chucked in a lathe and trued up, or is that something that will screw it up. It's only .004 off, it would seem that a good gunsmith could true it up.

I've already put another barrel on the action I was working on so I'm up for sugestions.
 
I'd have a smith recomended by them chamber and mate it to the action, then they'll be on the hook for it. You know just knowing it is out .004" will probably drive you nuts, you'll probably not have much faith in it. Poor customer service IMO but maybe because your not the original buyer? they shrugg it off.
 
Originally Posted By: ninehorses is .004th off on the outside taper.

Could you explain that a little more? Not sure exactly what ya mean.
 
Sell it to someone on Craig's List and buy a new barrel from a company that will give you better service
 
Originally Posted By: ninehorses My smith didn't want to chamber and thread it for fear it would not shoot right. It's a stainless.

Your smith is an "idiot"! There is nothing wrong with the barrel.

If he is so bothered by 0.004" (which is 0.002" on each side) then tell him to put it between centers and clean it up.

Find another smith that knows how to fit a barrel.

Meow
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Originally Posted By: ghjacobsI agree with Cat Shooter get another smith that knows what he is doing. They one you have does not have a clue.

X2...
 
He's just a perfectionist(He shoots 1000 yard benchrest), he never saw a barrel this bad.

I guess I didn't make myself clear,(sorry) the outside taper of the barrel is round.

The taper is not in line with the bore. Which means one side is too thick while the opposite side is too thin. Turning it down to match the thin side will make it a buggy whip, but this may be my only option. He'd have to take some off the thick side.

He just didn't want me to spend a lot of money on a questionable blank. I had another .25 in 1-10 so we used it instead.

If he takes .004 or whatever it takes, off of one side, will this effect the way it will shoot later.
 
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one question comes to mind.


Did you actually talk to Shilen and they told you it was in spec ?


I own 5 Shilen barrels and swear by them. Not saying they don't make mistakes but I have my doubts.
 
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Originally Posted By: ninehorsesHe's just a perfectionist(He shoots 1000 yard benchrest), he never saw a barrel this bad.

I guess I didn't make myself clear,(sorry) the outside taper of the barrel is round.

The taper is not in line with the bore. Which means one side is too thick while the opposite side is too thin. Turning it down to match the thin side will make it a buggy whip, but this may be my only option. He'd have to take some off the thick side.

He just didn't want me to spend a lot of money on a questionable blank. I had another .25 in 1-10 so we used it instead.


Taking 4 thou off a barrel will NOT make it a buggy whip. Someone needs a large dose of reality here. This is the craziest thing I ever heard...
... and I've heard a lot of crazy stuff - I've shot Bench rest, "In the home land of the Anal Compulsive Retentive"!

I mean, what does your smith think is acceptable, if 4 thou is junk, is 3 thou OK?, 2 thou, 1 thou, 0.0001" before your smith says he will fit it?

Meow ???
 
Tell him to use the bore to indicate off of and not the external dimensions of the barrel and you will have no problem. As a matter of fact maybe he should be more concerned with the bore then the external anyways.
 
Originally Posted By: ninehorsesThanks guys!

I'm a little THAT way myself!
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Uh oh... I think that's more information than we needed to know...

Meow
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5 places? Sorry, but I'm doubting it. I've worked in precision machines shops for 30 years, if he's actually working to those tolerances with equipment and gages anyone this side of a large corporation could afford, he's one in a million. Some of the time we'll see such numbers, but the tools aren't accurate enough to tell the true story.
 
Originally Posted By: ole_2705 places? Sorry, but I'm doubting it. I've worked in precision machines shops for 30 years, if he's actually working to those tolerances with equipment and gages anyone this side of a large corporation could afford, he's one in a million. Some of the time we'll see such numbers, but the tools aren't accurate enough to tell the true story.

What you said. I ordered three .223 headspace gauges (minimum, maximum, and median) that had to be able to stand up in court.if we got sued - made to 4 places (the best they could do) and $105 each, from the top maker in the country.

NO ONE works to 5 places in the gun world. One thou is fine "bench rest" quality work, and 1/2 a thou in barrel bores is excellent.

Meow
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With normal good quality equipment +/- 2-3 tenths(of a thousandth) is about as close as possible. It is rarely worth while getting closer than +/- 5 tenths.

A bore being .004 off center is nothing. I have see lots .050 or more off center.

Jack
 
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