Barrel Blanks

[oleaburnsy]

I'm working on my introduction into custom revolver building. I'm converting my Single Six to a dedicated .22LR with a new cylinder for proper throats, and a new barrel to have correct diameter for .22 LR. I planned to do the barrel myself from a blank. Any preferences on barrel makers? I considered Borchardt Rifle Company since I will be getting the cylinder from them, and they have a good reputation in the single shot world.

[bigbore5]

To be honest, the best buy in dedicated 22lr barrel stock is to just buy a 10/22 bull barrel and fire lap it. They are .900-.920" diameter and can be had in blue or stainless. Last ones I bought were from Brownells.

The accuracy difference isn't noticable in any revolver. The barrels are typically very straight and concentric. Careful threading after perfectly squaring the shoulder and facing the frame square will ensure best alignment. I've built several sub moa single shot 22lr bolt pistols using them.

Are you planning to line bore the cylinder as well? If so, you should block the cylinder lock and fit an oversized one perfectly to your cylinder notches. If you aren't line boring, leave a little rotational play in it, cut an 11° forcing cone, then Taylor throat it. Manson will make you a Taylor throat reamer, but they aren't cheap. Use the money you saved on the barrel blanks to help offset the expense, then if you don't intend on building more 22 revolvers, sell it and probably be money up.

Get a tight cylinder pin and lapp it in . End shake is never your friend. Also if you don't know what the difference is between rotational play and true end shake, ask someone to explain it. They aren't the same.

[potatojudge]

Agree with above, or any of the big name makers like Walther- known for 22 blanks. Or pirate some Anchutz barrel, or cut the mid-section out of a 22 silhouette shooter's old barrel- there'll be plenty of life left in that part.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the known makers, and you'll install it concentric with a good forcing cone and crown and no thread choke, probably lap it yourself, so no doubt you'll have the gun shooting as well as a 22 can, that is to say it'll like what ammo it likes.

[handgunhuntingafield]

Green Mtn produces a great 22 barrel.

[zeus]

Sept 7, 2024 20:27:35 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

Get a tight cylinder pin and lapp it in . End shake is never your friend. Also if you don't know what the difference is between rotational play and true end shake, ask someone to explain it. They aren't the same.

Rotational is in the notch and bolt, end shake is in the fit of the cylinder to the frame front to back. Pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

Chris is right, green mountain makes nice accurate barrels for a 22 and they are extremely well priced. I think I have a stack of them they did in a tapered octagon from a while back. They are a great choice for the money.

[bigbore5]

I just looked. The barrels I got were ER Shaw.

[oleaburnsy]

I figured I was probably overthinking it somewhat being for a handgun. I doubt the barrel maker will impact the targets much with me pulling the trigger on a handgun. I would love to linebore it, but thought that might be a lot for my first build. I am a machinist, but I run a large double column CNC mill so this will definitely be getting back to my roots and a fun challenge.

[bigbore5]

What's wrong with the throats? Do you already have a lr cylinder?

[oleaburnsy]

I haven't bought a second one yet but the factory cylinder throats are .224-.225 if I remember correctly. Gun is 80s vintage.

[bradshaw]

Sept 8, 2024 14:48:55 GMT -5 oleaburnsy said:

I haven't bought a second one yet but the factory cylinder throats are .224-.225 if I remember correctly. Gun is 80s vintage.

*****

My conclusion, drawn fro S&W, Ruger, and Harrington & Richardson factory revolvers @ 50 yards, .224-.225” chambers are slightly excessive. Since the vintage M-17 K-22 a bit more refinement in its ORCHESTRA of DIMENSIONS than the Ruger, and especially the H&R, chambers as a single element of accuracy are not assessed.

Check Gallery section: DB Photos, Vol. 79 (LXXIX), K-22, Part 1, for a look at bullet fit.
David Bradshaw

[cmillard]

Green mountain blanks are pretty cheap and their barrels shoot surprisingly well in rimfire