rib installation

[patkinson]

Can anyone share their method of installing a bbl rib on an octagon half stock barrel so that the screw holes are in alignment.?(6/48 screws)  Thanks    Phil

[P.W.Berkuta]

I have a milling machine - makes it easy.

[L. Akers]

I use filister head screws to attach ribs so I drill the counter-bores for the heads in the rib first.  Then I use the tap drill to thru drill  the holes in the rib.  Place the rib in position and use the same drill thru one of the rib holes  to mark the location on the barrel.  Drill that location and tap the hole.  Enlarge that hole in the rib to body diameter and align and attach the rib to thebarrel with a screw.  Add a clamp or two to hold the rib in position.  Go back to the tap drill and mark the rest of the hole positions on the barrel using the rib holes as a guide.  I drill .100" + or - deep in this step --I don't want the drill to wander.  Remove the rib and finish drilling and tapping the barrel.  Enlarge the rib holes to body size.  If using flathead screws, skip the counterboring and countersink for the screw head after the body sized holes are drilled.

[Bob Roller]

Can anyone share their method of installing a bbl rib on an octagon half stock barrel so that the screw holes are in alignment.?(6/48 screws)  Thanks    Phil

I did a rib installation last Summer and drilled thru the rib after securing it with "C" clamps. I set the
depth stop on the milling machine to allow the drill bit to barely come thru and put a witness mark on
the barrel. I then set the tap drill,#33 for a 6x48 screw thread to a depth that will allow threads but not
come into the bore.I then counter bored the hole in the rib and drilled the holes for the screws to pass thru.
As Mr.Berkuta said,a milling machine is the way but careful use of a good,heavy drill press will work as well.
Take your time,measure and recheck everything twice.

Bob Roller

[Scota4570]

I use solder.  Screws stand a chance to make a mess.