Author Topic: Finding center for sights on round barrel  (Read 2307 times)

Offline hortonstn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 653
Finding center for sights on round barrel
« on: August 22, 2021, 01:07:36 AM »
Have new round barrel need to mark a center line full length 44" for sight install
How do I do that ?
Thanks

Offline rich pierce

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 19525
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2021, 01:44:25 AM »
Mount the barrel in a vise with the tang level. Get a flat file and hold the level atop the file as you draw file a line from breech to muzzle, with the level bubble in the middle. That bright line is the top of the barrel.
Andover, Vermont

Offline Craig Wilcox

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2532
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2021, 02:32:53 AM »
If the barrel is mounted in the wood, hold it upside down, with a square on the butt plate.  Out at the front of the rifle, put a triangular file under the barrel where you want to put the sight.  Now, gently move the stock and barrel crosswise on the workbench, careful to keep the butt plate perpendicular to the bench top.  The file will make a little scratch - that is the center of the barrel as it is mounted.

Octagonal barrel is easier, you already have the top flat done.  Octagonal  to round,  put the top flat of the barrel on the workbench, again with the triangular file crosswise.  Move the barrel just a bit from side to side - the scratch will be top dead center.
Craig Wilcox
We are all elated when Dame Fortune smiles at us, but remember that she is always closely followed by her daughter, Miss Fortune.

Offline Dan Fruth

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 556
    • D Fruth Flintlocker
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2021, 03:33:35 AM »
+1 for the flat file and level.
The old Quaker, "We are non-resistance friend, but ye are standing where I intend to shoot!"

Offline Jerry

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 562
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2021, 11:25:33 AM »
With an oct. to rnd. barrel I did the triangular file thing and solder my front sight on the centerline. Took the gun to the range, shot it and still had to move the front sight to get center of target. For me, the file thing was a good starting point. Jerry

Offline 45-110

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 544
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2021, 02:29:05 PM »
Every shop needs one of these:







Offline Rt5403

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 241
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2021, 04:02:57 PM »
That is cool where would I get one?

Offline 45-110

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 544
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #7 on: August 22, 2021, 06:12:04 PM »
Many tool sources have these, and of course Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/HHIP-4401-0027-Drill-Center-Finder/dp/B01LW6N7N9

Offline Rt5403

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 241
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #8 on: August 22, 2021, 06:25:09 PM »
I love when I can find a simple tool to help with tedious jobs. Looks like all you have to do is make sure your tang or top flat is level then just line it up with this.

Offline Scota4570

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2393
Re: Finding center for sights on round barrel
« Reply #9 on: August 22, 2021, 08:36:35 PM »
I put  the barrel in a milling machine vice.  Level it.  Measure the width between the jaws with calipers.  Divide by two.  Set the caliper to that number.  Strike a line, one from each jaw.  The space between the lines is dead center. 
« Last Edit: August 23, 2021, 01:44:02 AM by Scota4570 »