Author Topic: Barrel Pin - How tight is too tight? (Read 815 times)

Pookee · « **on:** August 06, 2004, 05:57:41 PM »

I read all this stuff (mostly on ebay) about how you need this magic pin to make your TC shoot straight...
Is it true the barrel pin needs to be real tight?
How tight is right?
Should the barrel drop when you squeeze the trigger guard?

Bullseye · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2004, 06:00:33 PM »

Most of mine are so loose you can push them out with your finger. That is the way I like them and my accuracy is fine. A lot of people have tested the oversized pin and said that it hurt accuracy. Then again a lot of people swear that it improves accuracy. I am just happy with my loose pins that make for easy barrel changes.

cbagman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2004, 05:09:39 PM »

I think this is one case where size does matter! Without the fore arm on, If the barrel is loose and the factory pin slips thru, you probably can use an oversize Contender pin. Most new frames and some Bullberry barrels will not be helped as they are on the tight side.. I use them most of the time on the two old side safety frames and sometimes on my newer Contender frame..I sell them on Ebay as well as the heavy lug springs... :shock: Iffen your barrel has to be pulled down after releasing it, then you need to put the factory pin back in.. :shock: cbagman

Pookee · « **Reply #3 on:** August 09, 2004, 01:23:08 AM »

How many sizes are the barrel pins available in?

tnwill · « **Reply #4 on:** August 09, 2004, 04:26:31 AM »

I tried an oversized pin in my 35 Rem. contender. After 20-30 rounds, I decided to remove it. I wouldn't budge. Had to use a hammer and brass rod to get it out. The pin had cracked and was wedged in the frame. I won't be using them again.

cbagman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2004, 06:45:42 PM »

Quote from: Pookee

How many sizes are the barrel pins available in?

:-) The Contender pin is about .001 oversize.. There is another available that requires reaming barrel and frame and it is larger.. Encore pins come in about 3 or 4 sizes.. I don't shoot Encores so have not looked into it.. They are solid stainless steel... cbagman

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:00:36 AM »

It has been my experience that the pin being tighter does NOT help accuracy in TCs. In fact when I tested one of the "oversize" pins it actually hurt accuracy.

I had an old frame that had been fired many tens of thousands of rounds. It was one I used since back in the 70s for competition. Pin fit was loose as a goose. BUT every single one of my best groups were fired in that frame with that loose as a goose pin. As long as I did my part sub MOA groups were the norm with any barrel I put on it as long as I used loads the barrel liked. With an over size pin in place it shot far worse with same barrels and loads.

I think the over size pins no matter the source are a rip off and waste of money.

KN · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2004, 03:48:26 PM »

I go with GB on this one. I tightened the pins on several frames and saw no improvement in any of them. Some shot the same, some shot worse. KN

cbagman · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2004, 04:02:16 PM »

:shock: Ya'll slammed the door on that one, but I still like a firm lock up and will use the bigger pin to get it..

cbagman

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** August 25, 2004, 06:39:57 PM »

If ya like it go fer it. But my testing indicated no improvement and some in addition to me have seen it hurt. As stated my best shooting frame is loose as a goose with all barrels.