Barrel Fitting Successful (sort of) still have some questions???

[krod47nw]

I just made my first and second attempt at barrel fitting.  I asked questions last week about these 2 barrels.  Tim's information was very helpful.   Both barrels came from the same frame.

The first barrel is a 24" 223 bull.  when I put it on my frame, it would not lock.  it had a gap at the top, so I followed the FAQ instructions and removed some material from the hinge area.  This closed the gap, but still no lockup.  It closed tightly on a .001 feeler gauge, so I went to work on the latch shelf. I had to remove quite a bit of material, but it finaly locked up.  Smoked the latch, and removed more material until I got about .055 contact.  Still closes tightly on a .001 feeler gauge.  Success!! 

The second barrel is a 30-06 originally from the same rifle as the 223.  I put it on my frame, again, no lockup, but no gap at the top at all, tight on a .001 feeler gauge. Hum ??  I went to work on the latch.  Again, had to remove a considerable amout of material from the latch shelf, but it finally latched.  smoked the latch shelf and just barely touching.  Here is where the problem started (as Tim said it might).  As I got closer the the minimum latch engagement spec, the barrel started to get loose (as Tim said it might).       

My question is; will the shimming process correct this looseness , or am I waisting my time?   



Kevin 

[quickdtoo]

Try a shim of pop can and see what it does, then you'll get an idea of what's going on. If that seems to help, get a set of feeler guages and try different thicknesses until it locks up good.

Tim

[ONE HOLE 4570]

Got a barrel with the same problem, been working on the hinge but still has a gap on the top may have to remove alot more, probably have to do the latch as well. Where on the latch do you remove the material, where it engages I guess

[krod47nw]

Got a barrel with the same problem, been working on the hinge but still has a gap on the top may have to remove alot more, probably have to do the latch as well. Where on the latch do you remove the material, where it engages I guess

I'm not qualified to answer questions on this, since this is my first attempt at it, but I can say that the FAQ section on barrel fitting was very helpful to me.