23. Barrel contour, final stages.

This video is a brief description of the turning of the transition to the shank on the barrel. This is really kind of freestyle machining to demonstrate how things can be done with fairly rudimentary tooling. Although it's taken 3 segments to show it, the total time for contouring this barrel is about an hour and a half.
As I have mentioned, re-contouring of the barrel is done for a few reasons. One reason is to duplicate an existing contour when the barrel as received does not. Another is to reduce weight. A third reason is to alter the balance of the rifle or weight distribution. Two barrels of the same weight, but which carry that weight in different areas, will markedly change the way the rifle feels and handles. Likewise, weight distribution in the whole rifle can make two rifles, though they weight the same and balance at the same point, handle differently. In general, a rifle which concentrates the weight between your hands, will handle more quickly and may feel lighter in use. It will be ideal for a rifle used in close cover where shots make be taken quickly. A rifle with more weight outside the hands will handle more slowly and may feel steadier when shooting more deliberately.
When addressing balance and handling, one really has to keep in mind that there will usually be a scope mounted on the rifle as well. It's also worth mentioning, if the shooter insists on mounting a two pound scope on the rifle and hanging a bipod off the forearm, balance means nothing to him!

[@perjorgensen5335]

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience Will. Much appreciated.

[@redrock425]

Interesting stuff, especially when you don't have any knowledge of machining. Looking forward to seeing your Wichita Mini action.

[@WillHenrysWorkshop-gunsmith]

Coming soon! I don't know when I'll get the chance to work on it but soon. WH