Barrel Lapping?

[sarge1572]

I've been reading about the differences in barrel manufacturing processes and came upon a process for "lapping" the barrels at home. Apparently "hand lapping" is not something the end user can do easily, but there are several products sold for "fire lapping" a barrel.

Has anyone used any of these products? Which one? Did you have good results? What kind of improvement, if any, did you see in accuracy?

Thanks
Jeff

[Sky_DiveR]

Really? From the looks of it, it can easily be done at home... just takes alot of elbow grease.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/gunsmithing/st_lappingbarrel_200805/

[sarge1572]

Thanks for that article. Good read. In it Mr. Coffield did say his method was best used on barrels that were rather harsh, some rust or even some pitting and didn't suggest it for newer barrels where improved accuracy was the desired outcome.

He did refer to "fire lapping" as a better alternative if minor tool marks and imperfections in the barrel were your focus. I have a 1916 Enfield with a bore in fair condition I may try Mr. Coffields method to clean up.

Thank you for the article. Do you have any experience with "fire lapping"?

This is more of a curiosity to me than a last resort. I suppose most people who want more accuracy out of their gun just buy a new barrel.

Thanks again.

Jeff

[Sky_DiveR]

I myself haven't haven't done any type of lapping to any of my rifles. I've been told of some that do and some that don't. I've heard David Tubbs firelapping system does work pretty well on an OEM barrel. The reasoning that was told to me was, why spend the time and money when you can purchase a precision barrel from a reputable barrel maker (Kriegher, Lilja, Kart, WOA, etc) that's already been hand lapped to precision and then break it in properly (as youve already mentioned). Then sell your barrel to make up some of the cost of the custom barrel.

I'm no expert and I certainly don't shoot very precise. I think you should bring up this question on another forum such as CAPRC to get a better insight into the pro's and con's of barrel lapping.

Just my $0.02

[sarge1572]

WOW! Another forum!!!! Thanks. I'm not familiar with them http://www.caprc.com/site/Welcome.html but I'll certainly spend some time looking at what they have to say, and especially at what they're shooting.

The suggestion of a precision barrel and selling the "factory" unit is worth exploring. thanks very much for the suggestion.

Jeff