Draw file the barrel before or after sights?

[sespe]

Should I draw file the barrel before installing the sights or after?  It's a Kibler kit with pre-cut dovetails, and I wouldn't want to damage them. 

[Dennis Glazener]

Before, you will only be removing a few thousandth which will cause no problems.
Dennis

[tiswell]

Yes, before. Draw file up to one side of the dovetail and then work from the other side (or reposition the barrel) and draw file up to the opposite side. That way the file won't bash into the opposite side of the cut. Also, when fitting the tenons I found that a flat file applied carefully to the underside of the tenon was all that was needed to get them to fit well. I am amazed at what Jim has been able to do with this kit!

[stubshaft]

Before worked best for me.

[PPatch]

Generally speaking draw filing the barrel is among first things you do, kit or stock blank. If you are pulling the file toward you the tang will always be in your left hand. Be sure to clean the file and barrel surface often, every few strokes, this aids in not having steel bits embedded in the file teeth which will score the barrel deeply and cause a lot more material removal.

dave

[Gordy]

Also make sure you chalk your file, this helps the file from getting built up with material and makes it easier to card. Use your file card often to clean any material out of it's teeth and then don't be afraid to use the chalk generously on it before you start draw filing. I mark across the flat I am working on with a black sharpie to ensure I am keeping my file flat....good luck, take your time, light pressure.

[Mark Elliott]

I draw file my barrels before I inlet them; that is, if they need to be draw filed.   

[sespe]

Thank you all.  I had read somewhere else that sidewalk chalk is good to use.  This made my daughter happy, as she has now contributed to "the project". 

[Scota4570]

Use a large file.  I use 14" Johnson mill bastard files.  They will ride over the dovetails without a problem.  The large file give me better results because it does not pin.  Small files theoretically give a better finish but I find they pin  and mess it up anyway, at least for me.. 

[Bill Raby]

Sights will be in the way if you put them in first.

[flehto]

The first thing that happens w/ my new builds is having the bbl/RR work done by Dave Rase, the bbl has been inspected but nothing else has been done. The building procedure commences and the draw filing of the 5 flats that show of the   Rice bbl is one of the last things done...just before sight installation and browning. This sequence has always produced a nice stock/bbl fit. Rase does a super bbl inletting job and the small amount of steel removed by draw filing is replaced w/ the browning for a perfect fit.

The only bbls I use are from Rice and they don't need a whole  lot od draw filing  and if some shallow machining marks remain after lightly draw filing, the matte, etched finish of the browning covers then up. .....Fred

[Jim Kibler]

With our kits, you can install the sights before draw filing, but just be sure to remove them when you do the actual filing. 

Everybody has their preference when it comes to these sorts of tasks, but I prefer to use an 8" mill file when draw filing.  I choke up on it, holding it relatively close to the sides of the barrel.  This seems to give me most control and allows me to work fastest.  I push when draw filing and often move the file slightly left or right with each subsequent stroke to spread the cuts over the file.  This maximizes the working time between when the file needs cleaned.  With a good file, I find that a simple tap usually knocks out the cuttings.  I also don't find pining to be a problem with a good file and have never been fond of chalk.  My choice when draw filing are Bacho files.  They just seem to be a step above the rest, but are a bit more difficult to find.

Hope this helps.  I plan on starting to do a series of videos this Summer and this would be a great topic for one.

All the best,
Jim