Author Topic: Bo Clerke interview (Read 1905 times)

Shorty · « **on:** February 14, 2004, 12:37:56 PM »

Some unconventional ideas. This from Dec. "Predator" magazine's interview with barrel maker Bo Clerke:
Q; What does it take to make a good barrel?
A; Never make a bad one.
Q; What's the problem with current factory barrels?
A; Manufacurers don't use good steel, and they rush them... the biggest problem is that a lot of barrels are installed backward. [the breech end should be the end from which the rifling tool was inserted].
Q; Who makes the best factory barrels?
A; No question, Savage...
Q; What makes a barrel go bad?
A; Usually it's the crown...
Q; What's the best barrel steel?
a; Most use 4140. It's not the best, but it's economic. I use 4150 because it's a better steel, but MIL specs demand 4160.
Q; How do you recommend a new barrel be broken in?
A; That's hogwash. The first shot breaks a barrel in...
Q; How often should you clean?
A; ...Shoot until accuracy falls off; that's when it needs cleaning.
Q; How do you feel about the new magnums?
A; Unless something's changed, we're shooting the same bear, elk, and moose that we killed for years with a .30-06....
Q; How do you judge a good load?
A; ...No more than 20 fps extreme spread between shots.
Q; How do you feel about todays rifles in general?
A; They're getting too light...
Q; Stainless or blue?
A; Blued, 4150 chrome moly, lasts longer and shoots better than any stainless.
Q; Cryogenics?
A; That's a non issue; it's just a gimmick.

This guy would put a lot of "gun writers" out of work! :wink:

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2004, 02:11:04 PM »

Who is this guy?

long

Shorty · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2004, 02:54:52 PM »

Longwinters,
Located in Raton. NM. From the article:
"Bo Clerke, who has won just about every national, state, and regional shooting title imaginable, is a master barrel maker. His company, Clerke Arms, makes OEM barrels for many major manufacturers, custom barrels for top competitors, and military barrels of a classified nature."
"Clerke is one of the few people still alive who knew Harry Pope. On a whim, he once designed a .22 barrel long enough to stop a .22 bullet inside."

1lnbrdg · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2004, 06:22:52 PM »

Ok, got to ask. How long was the .22 barrel?

Shorty · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2004, 11:56:22 AM »

Shorty · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2004, 08:54:19 AM »

The article didn't say, and I can't imagine how long that would be!

257AI · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2004, 12:43:15 PM »

I remember reading the original article. Should have it around some place but would take years to find it. I think it was something like 18 feet. They just kept butting 22 liners togeather until the bullet would not exit.