Dumb new guy question - ribbed/ridged surface on Rice barrel

[Cossack]

In my Chambers York kit I was surprised at the surface of the Rice barrel. I was expecting a smooth surface, perhaps with milling marks to draw file out, but the surface is shallowly ribbed/ridged. Is this ribbed surface supposed to be draw filed away, or is this how it's supposed to look in the rifle? All longrifle barrels I've ever seen had a smooth surface, so I'm assuming I'm supposed to file it, but I don't want to mess with stock fit. I haven't fully checked its fit it into the stock channel because I haven't removed or inlet the breech plug, and the stock is warped anyway (see my other thread in this section on that topic), so it doesn't settle in. But it looks like it could handle having a tiny bit of material removed.

Just wanted to check before I screw something up, since I'd seen comments elsewhere that you don't have to draw file barrels on Chambers kits and I didn't see anything about draw filing in the Ehlert video.

[Bob McBride]

In my Chambers York kit I was surprised at the surface of the Rice barrel. I was expecting a smooth surface, perhaps with milling marks to draw file out, but the surface is shallowly ribbed/ridged. Is this ribbed surface supposed to be draw filed away, or is this how it's supposed to look in the rifle? All longrifle barrels I've ever seen had a smooth surface, so I'm assuming I'm supposed to file it, but I don't want to mess with stock fit. I haven't fully checked its fit it into the stock channel because I haven't removed or inlet the breech plug, and the stock is warped anyway (see my other thread in this section on that topic), so it doesn't settle in. But it looks like it could handle having a tiny bit of material removed.

Just wanted to check before I screw something up, since I'd seen comments elsewhere that you don't have to draw file barrels on Chambers kits and I didn't see anything about draw filing in the Ehlert video.

Draw file the top 5 flats then sand to 220 or leave as filed if browning. Won't be enough metal removed to mess with your fit. That's the way i do it. Others will differ I'm sure.

[577SXS]

Some barrels are smoother than others. Yes you will have to draw file it on if is really bad you may have to cross file or lengthwise file it. Rice are smooth compared to Colerain! Be careful to keep everything flat and even. I finish all 8 flats because I like to have the whole barrel the same finish. It takes more time but looks more professional.

[T*O*F]

I seem to recall that some barrel makers have two grades of barrels.  One is called a "builder's barrel" and is left rough because most pros like to do their own work.  They are a tad cheaper than the finished barrels, which take the barrel maker additional time.

[bob in the woods]

The only barrel , out of the couple dozen that I've used, that I didn't have to draw file, was purchased from Charles Burton.  That was a real surprise !     Draw filing barrels is the norm.

[P.W.Berkuta]

Some draw filing is OK -- BUT -- if there are deep noticeable ridges then I don't consider this acceptable and if it were mine I would send it back with a note of my displeasure. I paid good money for a quality product and that's what I want as my customers also expect a quality product for their money -- my opinion.

[BOB HILL]

Cossack, you mentioned in the other post that you bought that kit secondhand. Rice started sanding the exterior of there barrels a good bit smoother a few years back. This may be an earlier barrel. Even if it is, I'm sure the inside is fine if it's been kept oiled. They've been great barrels from the start.
Bob

[Stophel]

Filing barrels is part of being a gunsmith.   

[Cossack]

Filing barrels is part of being a gunsmith.   

I'm definitely not trying to get out of work here

Anyway, I'm swapping the barrel anyway - Barbie gave me the go-ahead to exchange it for a .50 caliber for the same kit.
And I'm sure I'll file that one!