Basic gunsmithing - advice please

[Scotsgun]

So I went to pick up my rifle from the 'gunsmith' Supposedly competent and capable of threading the barrel for a moderator. The result is a butchered barrel that is fluted so can't just be chopped and few inches. I'll sort it out with the gunsmith. This will be the second times I've had to go through this and I've had enough.

I did gain an aero engineering degree about 100yrs ago and did work a lathe occasionally. So can anyone recommend some books, DVDs or courses from which I can learn to do the basics for myself - threading, rebarrelling, etc. I intend to start from the beginning so assume I'm a complete beginner.

Thanks.

[Gun Pimp]

You want the Gordy Gritters DVD - I've just Googled it - you'll find it easy enough. I have a copy but 'someone' has borrowed it (If you're reading this - please return it!)

Incidentally - this is not how I work but Gordy has a good reputation and it will give you an idea of what's involved and if you want to try it.

[AHPP]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gunsmithing-Sta ... 0811707288 (though have seen it much cheaper)
http://www.youtube.com/user/mrpete222
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/gunsmithing/

There's plenty of other stuff on the net but the above are the first things that come to mind.

[AHPP]

http://www.youtube.com/user/MidwayUSA

Forgot this one. Slightly sickly but entertaining.

[Scotsgun]

Thanks for the advice and sources.

[Chuck]

www.pagunsmith.edu

[essexboy]

I expect vince will answer this better, but a good starting point is a book by John l Hinnant, this book covers most things you would want to know about fitting gun barrels etc, it mainly concentrates on a method of using the fixed steady, but does have a section on going through the headstock, this method seems to be the way a lot of smiths use.
The cost of setting yourself up is quite high especially if you need to buy a lathe, a favourite in the states seems to be a south bend heavy 10, but there like rocking horse crud over here.
Once you have a lathe you will need all the other kit to go with it, ie a reamer and go gauges for each calibre, you need to make spiders (catheads) to hold the barrel, this all adds up plus the ability to use them (no disrespect meant if you are an engineer)
I have never understood how a gunsmith could charge so little to thread a barrel for a mod until I saw a so called smith winding a die on the end of a barrel, I just shook my head and walked out.
I think in this game it better to pay a bit more to a good guy to do it right then pay a muppet a bit less and get a crap job.
I am biased but just pick up the phone and give Pete walker a ring, I think he's about as good as it gets, as the yanks say buy once cry once


Essexboy

[DL.]

So I went to pick up my rifle from the 'gunsmith' Supposedly competent and capable of threading the barrel for a moderator. The result is a butchered barrel that is fluted so can't just be chopped and few inches. I'll sort it out with the gunsmith. This will be the second times I've had to go through this and I've had enough.

I did gain an aero engineering degree about 100yrs ago and did work a lathe occasionally. So can anyone recommend some books, DVDs or courses from which I can learn to do the basics for myself - threading, rebarrelling, etc. I intend to start from the beginning so assume I'm a complete beginner.

Thanks.

I've had two s*** muzzle threads done locally one done by a mutual acquaintance, and another by a gent who isn't trading any longer, I had that one redone by Ronin off here, it really was that bad it was urgent. Looked like it had been cut with a blunt spoon.

[Gun Pimp]

I expect vince will answer this better, but a good starting point is a book by John l Hinnant, this book covers most things you would want to know about fitting gun barrels etc, it mainly concentrates on a method of using the fixed steady, but does have a section on going through the headstock, this method seems to be the way a lot of smiths use.
The cost of setting yourself up is quite high especially if you need to buy a lathe, a favourite in the states seems to be a south bend heavy 10, but there like rocking horse crud over here.
Once you have a lathe you will need all the other kit to go with it, ie a reamer and go gauges for each calibre, you need to make spiders (catheads) to hold the barrel, this all adds up plus the ability to use them (no disrespect meant if you are an engineer)
I have never understood how a gunsmith could charge so little to thread a barrel for a mod until I saw a so called smith winding a die on the end of a barrel, I just shook my head and walked out.
I think in this game it better to pay a bit more to a good guy to do it right then pay a muppet a bit less and get a crap job.
I am biased but just pick up the phone and give Pete walker a ring, I think he's about as good as it gets, as the yanks say buy once cry once


Essexboy

Yes - I was going to recommend this book - once Scotsgun had made the commitment to go for it. It's an excellent book - if a little outdated but contains a lot of good info.

[dodgyrog]

The last time I set a barrel blank up through the headstock took well over an hour to get the bore run-out less than .0001" (for metric work it out yourself!).
Similarly, setting up to thread for a moderator takes nearly an hour.
Use only 4 jaw chucks to get the best result.