Barney86 Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Hello, I've just got back from the CLA and looked quite closely at some of the gunmakers stands. I know about rifle barrels (late, long drillbit and lots of coolant), but shotguns (I'm thinking 12g) have a considerably larger hole down the middle. Is it still practical to drill? The thing that cast doubt in my mind is that on one of the stands there was a section of shiny new barrel in a clear case. At the back edge, I could see a feint brown line running along the inside, I completely forgot to ask them why it was there! It was as though it had been rolled or forged - which seemed unlikely. Anyone know where I could get more info about whats involved? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 There is a documentry online (a couple actually) on how shotguns are made is one, most are now made in the chopper lump fashion http://www.hallowellco.com/lumps.htm i think the tubes are extruded rather than drilled out tho? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney86 Posted July 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2011 (edited) Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't have guessed they would be extruded. Any idea where I could look to confirm this? Edited July 30, 2011 by Barney86 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJsDad Posted July 31, 2011 Report Share Posted July 31, 2011 Most start off as drilled blanks made from forged bar, which are then either spill bored on a lathe or cold hammer forged by a machine onto a mandrel. The better ones are then polished using a lap and oil/emery powder.I think this is what the previous reply meant when he said extruded. Rifle blanks for example start off as a drilled tube approx 18in long; in the hammering process they elongate to around 24 - 25in, hence the reference to extrusion. On many of the popular imports (Berreta / Browning 425) the exterior of the barrel is then machined to remove the small marks left by the hammering process and the tube is then sleeved and silver soldered into the seperate breech piece. The joint is often partially disguised by simple engraving or a series of tiny stamped rings. Dont know what you saw at the Game Fair, but you certainly didnt see a seam running longitudinally down the barrel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJsDad Posted July 31, 2011 Report Share Posted July 31, 2011 PS to previous reply: Have a browse on the web for "Bill Blacker Barrel Maker" who is one of the better known barrel men in the UK. However, please be aware that this guy is hand making double and even triple barrels for top of the range shotguns & rifles usually from chopper lump forgings. However, I am pretty sure he buys these in already rough drilled. Your average shotgun barrel is machine made throughout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted July 31, 2011 Report Share Posted July 31, 2011 (edited) Extruded is probably the wrong term, i thought they were stretched out from a blank/forging if you compare the internal diameter to the wall thickness you would waste a lot material drilling them out. However it seems early barrels were made by folding iron over a mandrel which would leave a seam? this predates the "ribbon" process (wrapping a hot flat ribbon os damascus steel around a form) Which gives the Damascus barrels its repetitive pattern this is the best explanation of barrel making techniques i have found and is truly fascinating! http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2010/05/barrel-making-pattern-welded-or.html Edited July 31, 2011 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney86 Posted August 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2011 Brilliant, thanks. Now you mention it I remember reading about hammer forging barrels. You've both given me a fair few points to google. JJsDad: Any relation to JJs shooting ground, also in North Kent? HDAV: Cheers for the link. I haven't found many gunsmithing websites, but the ones that do exist are great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJsDad Posted August 2, 2011 Report Share Posted August 2, 2011 Regretably JJs Clay Ground is no relation, albeit he is only 3 miles up the road from me. If I owned his set up, my sporting clays scores might improve a bit & my wallet wouldnt keep getting a hammering. The web site I mentioned is "Bill Blacker London Barrel Maker". He was at the Game Fair and is a real craftsman & a great guy to chat to. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.