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Posted: 5/14/2013 3:43:24 PM EDT
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who was I going to loan my crowning tool to? I just did the barrel on my AR, and it's not dull, still works. So whomever it was let me know. ETA: and so this doesn't get locked.... Using a crowning tool is quite simple. The tool itself comes with multiple caliber barrel inserts so one can keep the crown level to the bore. Simple tool, insert, lube and twist. here's the set-up. Crowning tool, TAT and Die.  once you put the handle on the crowning tool and install the bore guide, insert into the end of the barrel:  the next step is quite simple. Push the tool against the bore and turn it clockwise. You will start to see shavings coming off. I usually hit the end of the barrel with a little bit of CLP to lube it. If there starts to get to be too many shavings, I use a can of air to blow off the tool and the crown.  the next step may not be necessary, but I had the tools, so I went ahead and chased the threads anyway. The crowning tool doesn't take a lot of material off fast, but I guess you could really go at it and end up having your threads off a tad. Be sure to use your TAT and to back it off as you turn so you don't bugger the threads.  finally, blow excess shaving off. I follow up with a nylon brush and some more CLP to clean the threads real good and it also lubes them before I reinstall the flash hider.  All in all, the whole process is about a 10-15 minute job, and it makes a world of difference. One caveat, the crown on an AK barel is quite rounded (I don't know the right terminology) and the crowning tool is almost pointless to use on one. I was successful when crowning a cut barrel. It may be wiser to take your AK to a machine shop to have them crown an AK barrel. I will be taking the AR out this weekend to site in a my Leatherwood CMR for it and will post pics of the target. If you're local or close to Austin, TX, I'd be more than happy to help you out if you'd like. |
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Mod, was afraid it wasn't technical enough. Anyway, as to recrowning the wife's AR, I'm getting a free float rail system for it (in the mail). I have to remove the barrel nut, gas block, and FH to get everything ready. Noticed quite a bit of carbon fowling on the muzzle. Got to discussing it with the wife and decided to just grab the tool and show her how it worked. An 11 degree crown can't hurt IMO. I'd say that if you have some muzzle erosion it wouldn't be a bad idea to try it. |
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Quoted:
Mod, was afraid it wasn't technical enough. Anyway, as to recrowning the wife's AR, I'm getting a free float rail system for it (in the mail). I have to remove the barrel nut, gas block, and FH to get everything ready. Noticed quite a bit of carbon fowling on the muzzle. Got to discussing it with the wife and decided to just grab the tool and show her how it worked. An 11 degree crown can't hurt IMO. I'd say that if you have some muzzle erosion it wouldn't be a bad idea to try it. What kind of crowning tool is it? I gots a barrel than needs a little bit of cleaning up. I'd rather buy my own in case I loose it in the depths of that crusty, pitted bore. 
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when I get home tonight I will have to get pics of it and will get the brand also. Stuck at work until 3:30 CST today. I will add pics to the OP as a tutorial type thing. I'm unsure how much it cost also, I'm thinking it was around $45- $50 . I've crowned 4 different barrels so far. As to how well it works, shrunk my groups in half on my FAL. |
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Great thread Nictra, having apprenticed to a gunsmith at one time, I can say you are right on the money about the importance of a good muzzle crown.
Frequently old .22 barrels had that sort of rounding you speak of on AK barrels, my buddy always just flush cut them square first before re-crowning, that rounded portion of the barrel is really not part of the threaded section anyway, I wonder if that wouldn't work as well on an AK barrel? |
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Quoted:
One caveat, the crown on an AK barel is quite rounded (I don't know the right terminology) and the crowning tool is almost pointless to use on one. I was successful when crowning a cut barrel. It may be wiser to take your AK to a machine shop to have them crown an AK barrel. Looks like you are using an 11 degree crowning tool. They do make a 45 degree one that may work better for an AK. Just an FYI. |
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Quoted: Quoted: One caveat, the crown on an AK barel is quite rounded (I don't know the right terminology) and the crowning tool is almost pointless to use on one. I was successful when crowning a cut barrel. It may be wiser to take your AK to a machine shop to have them crown an AK barrel. Looks like you are using an 11 degree crowning tool. They do make a 45 degree one that may work better for an AK. Just an FYI. yes I am, and you are correct. I guess for a do it yourself job, you could use a flat file on the muzzle (as long as you do it square) and then crown it. However, using a 45 degree tool would negate needing to do that. The only reason I went with an 11 degree is because everything I read on the web seemed to point to this, sorry, no science behind it. |
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Quoted:
I guess for a do it yourself job, you could use a flat file on the muzzle (as long as you do it square) and then crown it. Or just a flat 90 degree cutter with a guide like you do the crowning with. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/464834/ptg-90-degree-muzzle-crown-facing-tool-with-30-caliber-and-up-4-pilot-set-300-312-330-366 
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