fire lapping

[tantrum]

What does fire lapping a barrel mean,  what does it do, how is it done.  I see this term used and have no idea.

[Keith L]

You can find quite a lot of information about it in the Gunsmithing forum down this board a little bit.  The basics are a lead bullet impregnated with abrasive is loaded into a shell and fired through your gun polishing the barrel.  It must be done carefully and to the instructions that come with the fire lapping kit.  It has supporters but also those who are against its use, saying it wears out the throat on a barrel un-necessarily.  I have never used it, not having a need.

I am sure you will get quite a few responses on this, most likely on both sides.

[Mikey]

tantrum:  Keith L is on the money here.  Veral Smith's forum down the line has some good information as well as that in the gunsmithing forum.  I have used the process and it has worked quite well for me.  This process took two Marlin micro-groove barrels that couldn't group to a pizza box and closed up the groups to under 1" at 100 yds.  It is well worth the effort for the Marlin micro-groove barrels.  HTH.  Mikey.

[jpuke]

I use a David Tubb kit that I got from MidwayUSA - worked great.  The procedure was a bit of a pain, mostly because I'm not used to cleaning my rifle at the range so it took me five trips to fire 25 bullets.  I never really measured groups prior to lapping the barrel - my concern was the leading that was giving me lousy accuracy.  After lapping the barrel I get virtually no leading and cleaning is a breeze.  Since I shoot only cast bullets in my rifle, I wasn't too concerned with any wear from the kit so I can't speak on that.  (I also did it to a Tikka 30-06 - no adverse effects and again it's a joy to clean)  Best of luck with it.

[jpuke]

Forgot to mention that it was my 45-70 22" 1895 ( with the Ballard rifling) that I fire-lapped.