Barrels: freebored?

[thorlin]

Group,

Here's a few more questions...

What is a freebored barrell?? I have never heard this term before.

Also.. when a vendor indicates that the barrell is cut and crowned, does that mean that the muzzle needs no preparation for shooting, assuming that a brake is not desired?

Has anyone here (amateur) ever threaded/ installed/ silver soldered their own muzzle brake?

I just orderded my first two kits from Federal... an STG/R1 mix kit with bipod ready barrell (He posted the new hand picks today...) and an R1 kit. I figure best case I buy two receivers and I make two rifles.. worst case a build one and have spares...

Any amateurs out there who have been there done that and might offer some helpful hints prior to beginning my build? I figure I'll spend a lot of time up front prepping the parts for new finish if needed... cleaning etc..

I'll be using Imbel receivers..

Thanks,

Mike in Arizona....

[Tex]

Hey there, welcome to the addiction. A free-bored bbl is riflings drilled out usually 1"-1.5"past the chamber. Crowning is ready to shoot if you don't want a brake. I have installed a Tapco myself and love it. I TIG welded mine but silver solder is good too,and easy. Just index as preferred and do it to it. I also am new to the FAL breed and learn daily off this board. Many good people here always willing to help. If you are in AZ,from what I understand there are at least two very good smiths out there. They post here often and have always offered there advice free of charge-not many left out there like that. Anyway,have fun,I am!! Tex

[thorlin]

Thanks, Tex!!!

I always wanted to say that...

Yup, I've already corresponded with Mark at ARS, and a note from Derek... Great resources so close... always a good thing..

I'm inclined to build the first of my two as an STG with scope and no flash hider... I'm more a target guy than a para-mil guy... Actually, 98% of my exp is in small bore pistol.. long guns should be a fun departure. The next... maybe a carbine... We'll see. Might have to use the second for parts.. you never know.

When you put your brake on, did you thread it on you own, if at all?? I'm wondering about the feasability of this without a lathe...

Anyways, thanks.. I do feel welcome.

Mike (Gotta come up with a cool sig)

[thorlin]

Sorry.. almost forgot..

Why freebore?? Advantages/disadvantages?

Is it just easy/cheaper than the alternative?

Thanks,

Mike

[Brad/gunthings.com]

The rumor is that the freebored barrels were clamped too tightly when removing them from receivers and they were freebored to allow the proper clearance for the projectile. Long ago Weatherby rifles had very slightly more freebore in their barrels due to the high pressures of their cartridges. Generally, freeboring allows for safer pressures, more acceptable use of numerous projectile lengths, and is less accurate. The average deer rifle sold by the big manufacturers will have more freebore than a custom target rifle. Generally, the closer the bullet is to the lands when round is chambered, the more accurate, but pressure may also increase. Manufacturers must compromise since the end user may use 110 gr or 220 grain projectiles.

[Tex]

Hey again, no I didn't thread, tapco slipped on back to first shoulder on StG bbl after clearing threads. Welding to that shoulder made for a clean job. Tex