Barrel/Breech question

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I am working with a 3/4 inch barrel in .36 caliber.  I have my breech plug well fitted against the breech and the inside flat at the bottom of the threads in the barrel.  All looks well.  The problem is the side flat is now the flat with all the writing. 

Would it be too much to file the writing off???

Coryjoe

[B.Habermehl]

It depends on how deep the barrel maker stamped the caliber and trade marks. Some gentle peening with a 4 oz ball pine hammer will close up the stamp marks and give you a head start to to your file work. Gentle is the by word, here. A stray mark or two remaining will mostly disappear after browning the barrel. Plus being a side flat, about half of it will be below stock level. BJH

[bgf]

The writing usually goes on the bottom flat, or occasionally top.  The story is that stamping is on flat in line with bore runout, so top or bottom make error vertical/elevation only, whereas if it is off to the side, it can't be corrected for at different ranges with fixed sights.  I had a non-ml barrel that ran off to left, and it would shoot to the right before zero (due to correction) and left past zero.  Very useless.

[WKevinD]

Sorry to say so but I think your going to be filing the breech and plug. Plan on filing and walking around the barrels breech until the plug bottoms out and you file that one fitting at a time...unless you have access to a lathe.
Any better ideas I'd like to hear them I've had to do this task before- don't like it.
Kevin

[BOB HILL]

Most of the better barrels today should not have run off. They are drilled and then milled to that center. At least that's my understanding. If this is an older barrel it maybe off center........Bob

[bgf]

Sorry to say so but I think your going to be filing the breech and plug. Plan on filing and walking around the barrels breech until the plug bottoms out and you file that one fitting at a time...unless you have access to a lathe.
Any better ideas I'd like to hear them I've had to do this task before- don't like it.
Kevin

That is the way to do it!  It is one of the least fun things one can spend time doing, but I think it needs to be done.  I've gone 7 of 8 flats before and that sucks!

I don't know if runout is a problem as much anymore or not, but who wants barrel stamps on the side flat anyway:).

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Sorry to say so but I think your going to be filing the breech and plug. Plan on filing and walking around the barrels breech until the plug bottoms out and you file that one fitting at a time...unless you have access to a lathe.
Any better ideas I'd like to hear them I've had to do this task before- don't like it.
Kevin

No need to apologize Kevin.  I appreciate the information.  This is what I was thinking but let me share my concern.  As of right now the length of the plug threads is just over 7/16.  My estimate is that by the time I get it to a flat that will fix the issue it will be close to 3/8 of an inch.  I know some say that is enough, but I am the soul of caution when it comes to such things. 

I would appreciate hearing anyone else's thoughts on this. 

Cory Joe

[chubby]

Hi Cory, you didnt say if its on the lock side or bolt plate side. either way i would try to smooth it out, and brown the barrel as said before. you could hit that spot again with the browning for a little more buildup. you way be the only one that knows its there!!   Chubby

[Cory Joe Stewart]

It is on the lock side.

[bgf]

You've just got 2 flats left to get stamp to bottom.  Assuming -16 threads, that is only 1/4x1/16, or 1/64" off the thread and plug length.  Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd doubt that makes any difference.

[WKevinD]

I count five flats to get it under wood, with a clockwise thread.

[Dphariss]

Fit till its at the top then pean the stamping with a small light ball pean hammer or better a small rounded punch to close the letters pretty well (use a 4 ounce hammer don't overdo it lots of little taps) then file it flat.

Dan

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Thanks for your help everyone.  I got it straightened out.  More filing and turning, but I got it there.  The plug threads are right at 3/8ths now.  Which I am comfortable with for this caliber. 

Cory Joe