This is a summary of my experience with a barrel manufacturer doing the chambering and other work on my rifle. This does not reflect all barrel makers but is just my experience. I don't want to say any names as I still believe their barrels are outstanding.
A few years ago, I had my FN SPR re-barreled from .308 to .260 Rem. I was so excited as this was my first "custom" rifle experience. I picked what I believe is the finest cut rifling barrel maker in the country to cut the barrel, chamber it, thread and install muzzle brake, and bed the action. I wanted one place to do it all. I figured if their barrels are world class, then so is their gunsmithing abilities.
We will start with the muzzle brake. I chose a brake that had to be timed and installed by a smith just because I like the way they look. This was the result.
Notice how it is clocked counter clock wise? I know some brakes benefit from this if there are top ports but this one has none and I see no benefit to doing so.
Next we go to the threads. They look pretty rough in my opinion. They function so that's what matters but just seems sloppy.
And then the chamber. Notice the ring in the shoulder? I was told by Jim See that this is due to a chip that got in the chamber while the reamer was being run through. Again, functional but sloppy.
In conclusion, I think I will be keeping barrel making and chambering separate. The rifle shoots great so mission accomplished. Just a little disappointing.
A few years ago, I had my FN SPR re-barreled from .308 to .260 Rem. I was so excited as this was my first "custom" rifle experience. I picked what I believe is the finest cut rifling barrel maker in the country to cut the barrel, chamber it, thread and install muzzle brake, and bed the action. I wanted one place to do it all. I figured if their barrels are world class, then so is their gunsmithing abilities.
We will start with the muzzle brake. I chose a brake that had to be timed and installed by a smith just because I like the way they look. This was the result.
Notice how it is clocked counter clock wise? I know some brakes benefit from this if there are top ports but this one has none and I see no benefit to doing so.
Next we go to the threads. They look pretty rough in my opinion. They function so that's what matters but just seems sloppy.
And then the chamber. Notice the ring in the shoulder? I was told by Jim See that this is due to a chip that got in the chamber while the reamer was being run through. Again, functional but sloppy.
In conclusion, I think I will be keeping barrel making and chambering separate. The rifle shoots great so mission accomplished. Just a little disappointing.
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