Question regarding barrel crowning!

[Dsgnr_81]

Gunsmithing: Question regarding barrel crowning!

Okay guys, I'm thinking about adding an AK gas block/front sight combo, then shortening, recrowning, and permanently attaching a flash hider. [You know, cause it's gotta be 16", that will make it friendly...]

I'm thinking about doing this because I'd like to lighten the front end of this weapon, it's not going to be a weapon I'm shooting long range, and it will make all of my dreams come true.

SO, first, what crown angle do you recommend and why? I'm thinking 11 degree but that's just what most of my weapons currently sport.

Second, I don't want to drop a Benjamin on parts that I'll use once, MAYBE twice on doing this. Can anyone rent me their tools?

Third, I actually DO plan on removing the barrel to do this LEGALLY, as it's been mentioned that IF someone were to knock on my door with a warrant during the hour I would be hack-sawing a barrel down, it could end up being a very interesting decade.

Thoughs, opinions, and or waffles are welcome.

 

[giovani]

Unless you are heck bent on doing it yourself,I would take it to a gunsmith.
I doubt crowning a barrel would be that expensive.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

But there's the rub. I don't trust anybody to mess with my firearms. I'm weird I guess.

I'm used to working on AK's, and want to get more experience under my belt. SO, there ya go. BTW, I would guess it would cost around 130 bucks to have a gunsmith do it. I can get the tools for around a $90, so I would save some cash I suppose? but for me, the idea of doing for oneself is what I like the most.

 

[GREEN607]

An 11 degree crown would be correct. It has been proven by the competition target shooting community, that this is the ideal crown angle for accuracy.

UNLESS you have a 'rig' or verticle drill press and the proper levels, with which you can assure that the new crown is EXACTLY perpendicular to the plane that is the length of the barrel.... I would not attempt this in a DIY manner. If you screw it up, you'll be out WAY more than $130.

Just my , but I know a great deal about this.

BTW, the chamfer for re-crowning at 11 degrees, is probably best priced from an outfit like Pacific Tool & Gauge Inc.

ETA- Why don't you contact our INGO member, JetGirl.... and ask if the gun shop she works at does this type work???

 

[TAT7]

On an AK I would call this a do it yourself project. You can get crazy about crowning your rifle but by the sound of it that's not your purpose. Saying that you can cut down the barrel with a guide, then get the 11 degree reamer (standard) and have at (slowly). Then just take out the sandpaper and give it a nice finish. Done

 

[PGRChaplain]

I'm thinking after Googleing it a recrown shold only run about $30-$45 at a Gunsmith. With the right tool's it's under a 30 min. job.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

Thanks for the input guys! Still mulling it over...

 

[vtxrecruiter]

But there's the rub. I don't trust anybody to mess with my firearms. I'm weird I guess.

I'm used to working on AK's, and want to get more experience under my belt. SO, there ya go. BTW, I would guess it would cost around 130 bucks to have a gunsmith do it. I can get the tools for around a $90, so I would save some cash I suppose? but for me, the idea of doing for oneself is what I like the most.

So, do you have a lathe? Because there is no way you can do it with hand tools and do a better job than a gunsmith centering off your bore in a lathe.
11 degree crown is fine for a target rifle, but really, an AK is not what I consider target grade, so go with a standard round crown.
Also know that when trying to start a die on a barrel WITHOUT the proper equipment is not easy- Here there be Dragons!- and this can result in cosmetic flaws or even a trashed barrel. And a "die starter" (threaded stub shaft) is not as simple to use as it seems.

 

[j706]

Okay guys, I'm thinking about adding an AK gas block/front sight combo, then shortening, recrowning, and permanently attaching a flash hider. [You know, cause it's gotta be 16", that will make it friendly...]

I'm thinking about doing this because I'd like to lighten the front end of this weapon, it's not going to be a weapon I'm shooting long range, and it will make all of my dreams come true.

SO, first, what crown angle do you recommend and why? I'm thinking 11 degree but that's just what most of my weapons currently sport.

Second, I don't want to drop a Benjamin on parts that I'll use once, MAYBE twice on doing this. Can anyone rent me their tools?

Third, I actually DO plan on removing the barrel to do this LEGALLY, as it's been mentioned that IF someone were to knock on my door with a warrant during the hour I would be hack-sawing a barrel down, it could end up being a very interesting decade.

Thoughs, opinions, and or waffles are welcome.

I have one of these that I would loan you. They do a heck of a good job.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xpzv1Spsnk[/ame]

 

[TAT7]

So, do you have a lathe? Because there is no way you can do it with hand tools and do a better job than a gunsmith centering off your bore in a lathe.
11 degree crown is fine for a target rifle, but really, an AK is not what I consider target grade, so go with a standard round crown.
Also know that when trying to start a die on a barrel WITHOUT the proper equipment is not easy- Here there be Dragons!- and this can result in cosmetic flaws or even a trashed barrel. And a "die starter" (threaded stub shaft) is not as simple to use as it seems.

 

[ottoclicker]

The tools can be rented from this site.
Muzzle Re-crowning Tool Kit (Manson) - Gun Tool Rentals

Looks out of stock at this time though.

 

[Yeah]

I have that Manson tool and it has done a fantastic job on somewhere around a dozen barrels. It grinds rather than cuts thus eliminating the chatter associated with similar tools.

Rifles that 'don't group' can often be had at steep discounts. Of causes not related to owner incompetency in assembly, equipment choice, and shooting technique, bad crowns lead the pack.

No .308" pilot though.

 

[j706]

I have that Manson tool and it has done a fantastic job on somewhere around a dozen barrels. It grinds rather than cuts thus eliminating the chatter associated with similar tools.

Rifles that 'don't group' can often be had at steep discounts. Of causes not related to owner incompetency in assembly, equipment choice, and shooting technique, bad crowns lead the pack.

No .308" pilot though.

A nicked up crown is a accuracy killer no doubt. I hated buying mine as they are pricey. But it seemed I was always needing one. They do an amazing job IMO.

I am also sold on the idea that short barrels are the stuff. All my bolt guns have been cut down to 20" No more front heavy bolt guns here.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

So, do you have a lathe? Because there is no way you can do it with hand tools and do a better job than a gunsmith centering off your bore in a lathe.
11 degree crown is fine for a target rifle, but really, an AK is not what I consider target grade, so go with a standard round crown.
Also know that when trying to start a die on a barrel WITHOUT the proper equipment is not easy- Here there be Dragons!- and this can result in cosmetic flaws or even a trashed barrel. And a "die starter" (threaded stub shaft) is not as simple to use as it seems.

Appreciate the input! I've managed to do pretty well so far on a limited budget and a lot of creativity/sweat/frustration/re-do's/then finally get it right.

If all hell breaks loose and I totally bugger it up, I can always get another barrel and re-try. I'd rather depend on myself and get as much input/help from those around me.

Maybe I'm an optimist, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to me.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

The tools can be rented from this site.
Muzzle Re-crowning Tool Kit (Manson) - Gun Tool Rentals

Looks out of stock at this time though.

THanks for the link!

 

[Dsgnr_81]

I have one of these that I would loan you. They do a heck of a good job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xpzv1Spsnk

Boy howdy that looks like a nice rig. If you'd be agreeable sometime I may just take you up on that offer.

 

[Yeah]

A nicked up crown is a accuracy killer no doubt. I hated buying mine as they are pricey. But it seemed I was always needing one. They do an amazing job IMO.

I am also sold on the idea that short barrels are the stuff. All my bolt guns have been cut down to 20" No more front heavy bolt guns here.

Balance is a necessity.

 

[j706]

Boy howdy that looks like a nice rig. If you'd be agreeable sometime I may just take you up on that offer.

The offer stands. I have a .22 and .30 caliber arbor with the kit.

 

[j706]

Appreciate the input! I've managed to do pretty well so far on a limited budget and a lot of creativity/sweat/frustration/re-do's/then finally get it right.

If all hell breaks loose and I totally bugger it up, I can always get another barrel and re-try. I'd rather depend on myself and get as much input/help from those around me.

Maybe I'm an optimist, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to me.

I am with you too. I did a detachable mag system on one of my bolt guns with a dremel, files and a fair amount of Devcon. It ended up turning out great but man was it a PITA. Next time I will have it done on a mill. But it was a learning experience just the same.

 

[fireball168]

Muzzle Re-crowning Tool Kit (Manson) - Gun Tool Rentals

Neway valve cutter - meet rifle barrel.

Neway Valve Seat Cutting

Clever.