Gunsmithing Barrel Contours in Layman's terms

[Monger0317]

I've been a frequent observer for a while now. As I'm starting to learn the different aspects of rifles. I don't quit understand the whole barrel contour concept. What it actually does? How the different catagories (sporter,target, tactical, palma) differ and their uses. Can someone enlighten me?

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Barrel Contours in Layman's terms

It is mostly personal preference depending on how heavy or light you like your rifle based on its purpose.

 

[Cartman]

Re: Barrel Contours in Layman's terms

http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/Contours-c1246-wp3382.htm

 

[biglou13]

Re: Barrel Contours in Layman's terms

contour has much to do with ability to stabilize bullet, thinner = flexible.

you have to carry it so thicker= heavier

if you plan on competing certain rules of barrel measurement apply

balance: along fat barrel will be front heavy but a heavy barrel is good to balance bigger cartridges eg .338lapua .300win


http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/barrel_making/rigidity_benchrest_rifles.htm

http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/longrange_shooting/ideal_barrel_308_tactical_rifle.htm

ok the above isin't in laymans terms but good info

layman info ive gathered:

stiff is good

short and fat make good barrel

however Short= slower bullet velocities.

with recent trend towards shorter barrels, i also predict a move towards fatter contours

if you wanna get crazy and do some calculations see:

http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/software.htm

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Barrel Contours in Layman's terms

contour of the barrel has nothing to do with how well the bullet is stabilized. the thinner the barrel the quicker it heats up allowing shots to walk. Shorter does equal stiffer and does yield a little slower velocities. But length and contour have nothing to do with accuracy, only speed, weight, and heat dissaption, oh yeah and well looks.

In laymans terms

sporter barrel- thin pencil barrels you see on most walmart and dicks hunting rifles
varmit barrels- little bit heavier for prolonged strings of fire
straight tube- no contour to it what so ever just a solid piece of steel with rifling in it.

 

[Monger0317]

Re: Barrel Contours in Layman's terms

Biglou, thanks for the links, some good reading there. Deadly that pretty much explains it for me. Seems I'm drawn to the varmint or tactical contours. Not to light and not too heavy.