Softening barrel flats

[elk killer]

Instead of the sharp crisp lines of a new barrel, how much is too much ?
Or even on a new build should barrel flats always be sharp and crisp?
Or just softened a bit?

[smart dog]

Hi,
After draw filing (if the barrel needed it) and sanding with up to 220 grit paper, I take a fine flat file and file down the corners of the octagon just a little.  Usually no more than a few stokes on each corner.





Here is a Spanish barrel that is at least 300 years old.  The flats are pretty crisp with just a little rounding on the corners.







I mainly do it not to fake age or even a hand made barrel but because I like the appearance when the corners are not really sharp.

dave

[Pukka Bundook]

+ 1 for what Dave -Dog  says above.
Too sharp a corner doesn't  look or feel right to me.

Best,
R.

[kutter]

Burnish the sharp edge with a smooth, polished piece of round steel stock.
A piece of drill rod works well.
Long enough to hold one end in each hand like a draw file and pull the rod down the peak of the edge.
It will smooth the sharp edge evenly.
It will also leave the line quite brightly polished as it is 'burnished' afterall.
Take a piece or Scotchbrite or worn 600grit paper and swipe it over the brite shiny line and that disappears as well.

...and maybe you'll like the bright highlights..

[T*O*F]

on a new build should barrel flats always be sharp and crisp?
Or just softened a bit?

If nothing else, getting rid of the sharp edges of the bottom side oblique flats will make it easier to install and remove the barrel.

[Scota4570]

After filing I wrap the barrel; with maroon scotchbrite and work it back and forth to blend.  The flats are not razor sharp but not rounded over. 

[HighUintas]

Does anyone have any knowledge on how sharp they may have been when new? I would assume that most makers would have filed and finished the barrel with no effort being made to smooth the corners. My gut tells me they wouldn't think sharp corners just don't look right... But maybe they did.

[smart dog]

Hi,
I think they could make the barrel as sharp and crisp as time would permit. On the Spanish barrel I show above, the flats are mostly hammered to shape, not files.  They did filing but most of the work was done with hammers and the best makers made barrels that required very little filing. 

dave

[rich pierce]

In Moravian Gunmaking II, there are several with sharp corners. Most notable is the Oerter in Windsor Castle on page 161.
Also see:
The Marshall rifle on page 76 - pretty sharp
Attributed Albrecht page 91 - well worn, with rust pitting
Oerter page 106 - corrosion, wear, and rounded
Oerter page 115 - sharp

I could go on but my sense is that the guns that were captured by the British and others generally not subject to corrosion are fairly sharp cornered, and those that are pitted appear rounded.

[Pete G.]

I do just like Dave. (I’ve always wanted to say that)

[flehto]

When I've  filed the flats on a bbl, the corners end up w/ a burr which is removed along w/ a very slight amount of the corners...... whuch still  remain   fairly  sharp......Fred