Why contour barrels?

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Why contour barrels?

Post by fordj » 05 May 2014, 12:05 pm

Hi guys,

Just curious. Why do some barrel makers choose to do contour barrels instead of straight ones.

I was looking at some clamp on accessories like a brakes which brake makers won't provide for contour barrels.

Obviously straight barrels work. I'm no machinist but it must be easier make a straight barrel then a contour one?

Simpler work?

Cheers.
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Savage Model 10 in 22-250
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Re: Why contour barrels?

Post by Chronos » 05 May 2014, 12:09 pm

At a guess I'd say its to attain a good balance between stiffness and weight reduction

Same reason aeroplane wings and fishing rods taper down toward the tip.

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Re: Why contour barrels?

Post by Brute » 05 May 2014, 2:43 pm

fordj wrote:Obviously straight barrels work. I'm no machinist but it must be easier make a straight barrel then a contour one?

Simpler work?


I wouldn't say so.

They're all machine made of course, not hand shaped.

Cast them in the right shape, maybe put it through a mill, whatever the maker does.

All just programs and left to go though.

Can't see why one would be 'harder' to make than the other.
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