Fire lapping

[webrehm]

Has anyone tried the "fire lapping" technique for improved accuracy that is described at the LBT website? 
Does it really work?

Dennis

[Mike Buchholz]

I fire lapped one of my anschutzs and saw a definite decrease in group size. 

[19 Turkeys]

A retired gunsmith friend of mine here in OR has used firelapping on several .22's and saw good improvement.  The key is to take it slow & easy and clean thoroughly after firelapping then test for group size.  He has a very elaborate setup where he uses a homemade Ransom type rest that takes all the error out of shooting groups.

Excessive or improper firelapping could turn an average shooter into a poor shooter; so, care needs to be taken.

Let us know what you decide to do & how it works out.

Best of luck,

Steve W.

[Nobade]

Are you thinking about doing this to a rifle type barrel like a Contender, or to a revolver? It's going to make a difference.

[webrehm]

I may do it to both a contender barrel and a SRH barrel

[Pixsurguy]

There is a lengthy article written by Mike Bellm (the gunsmith who specializes in Contenders) on his site that treats fire-lapping in detail.

It is worth reading, even if you don't agree with him.

Go here:  http://www.bellmtcs.com/FAQ/Fire_Lapping.htm

[Pixsurguy]

I don't know what i did wrong, but apparently the site does not like the guy to whom I made reference.  I have no knowledge of the man, good or bad, but I found his information interesting.  If you want the cite to the man's website and articles (on lots of gun subjects), send me a PM and I'll respond.

Moderator:  If I've not obeyed some rule, I apologize.

[woods]

I have fire lapped two 22 long rifles to date they were both new marlin bolt actions. My group size went from 1" to about 5/8 at 50 yrds it helped but was no major improvement. I am fortunate enough to be a tool and die maker so the diamond lap compound is free for me. The kits I have seen sell for around 50 to 60 dollars here in Pa. I consider this more of a break in for a rifle than a true fix for accuracy, most 22's don't reach there true acuracy till the have had about 5000 rds run through them to smooth all the rough edges an tool marks.

woods

[MSwickard]

Personally, I would spend my $ and time doing something else.  To me the gains are minimal.  You're not going to turn a contender or revolver into a tack driving benchrest rifle.  IF the barrels shoot bad now I would first look working on your loads.  trying different bullets etc, rebarreling, or buying another barrel.  For hunting if they are min of critter they are good.

[Mikey]

webrehm:  I have firelapped rifles and handguns with noticeable improvements and results.  Custom barrels are often handlapped before leaving the shop and that is one of the reasons custom barrels shoot so well.  Firelapping removes a lot of stuff left in the barrel from the commercial manufacturing process and allows the barrel to maximize its accuracy.

Before I firelapped I made the mistake of trying to change loads and bullets and yada, yada, yada, to no avail.  Get yourself on over to the Beartooth Bullet website (add a www and a .com) and read what they say about firelapping.  They sell kits and instructions and if you use their materials and follow their instructions you should be a very happy camper.  The owner of the website and Beartooth Bullets often quotes Veral Smith's works in his literature.  You won't be disappointed.  HTH.  Mikey.

[chucky52]

Contenders are MOA from the factory. Don't think there's much improvement to be had.

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

Fire lapping accomplishes 2 things, one is to clean crud out that you've never gotten out, the other is to subject the barrel to unusual wear that does not help. Instead of firelapping try some JB bore polish, it works wonders in getting our crud including copper fouling and it won't damage the barrel. I've used it in $400 benchrest rifle barrels, and it really works. When through polishing clean with a few alcohol patches to get out all the JB and look at her gleam inside   

By the way, a bottle of JB will last a few years on just one gun.

[19 Turkeys]

Jim_Old_Timer wrote, "Fire lapping accomplishes 2 things, one is to clean crud out that you've never gotten out, the other is to subject the barrel to unusual wear that does not help. Instead of firelapping try some JB bore polish"

Jim is correct; however, using the right technique with JB Bore Paste is critical.  Do not use it on a patch wrapped around a brush.  I had a conversation with a custom barrel maker one time, and he told me that doing that creates a lapping tool.  If you do that, you'll see black on your patch.  That is steel.  He cautioned me to only use JB with a bore brush.

Steve W.

[Ahab]

webrehm:  I have firelapped rifles and handguns with noticeable improvements and results.  Custom barrels are often handlapped before leaving the shop and that is one of the reasons custom barrels shoot so well.  Firelapping removes a lot of stuff left in the barrel from the commercial manufacturing process and allows the barrel to maximize its accuracy.

Before I firelapped I made the mistake of trying to change loads and bullets and yada, yada, yada, to no avail.  Get yourself on over to the Beartooth Bullet website (add a www and a .com) and read what they say about firelapping.  They sell kits and instructions and if you use their materials and follow their instructions you should be a very happy camper.  The owner of the website and Beartooth Bullets often quotes Veral Smith's works in his literature.  You won't be disappointed.  HTH.  Mikey.

Yes, indeedy I'll second this.