Striking the Barrels on an Antique Parker Shotgun | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

Published on May 17, 2013
Duration: 1:58

This video details the 'striking the barrels' process for an antique Parker shotgun, a crucial step before final polishing. It covers using 80-grit abrasive paper with a dowel for the top rib and sanding blocks for barrel surfaces, emphasizing lengthwise sanding from breech to muzzle. Deep pits are addressed with chalked smooth files to prevent scratching, and custom-ground files are used for precision work near the rib.

Quick Summary

Striking the barrels is a gunsmithing process to remove nicks, scratches, and pitting from firearm barrels before final polishing. It involves using 80-grit sandpaper with backers like dowel rods for ribs, and sanding lengthwise. Chalked smooth files are used for deep pits to prevent scratching, with custom files for detailed work.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Striking Barrels
  2. 00:16Sanding the Top Rib
  3. 00:35Sanding Barrel Surfaces
  4. 00:59Filing Deep Pits
  5. 01:20Detail Work Near Rib
  6. 01:47Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'striking the barrels' in gunsmithing?

Striking the barrels is a gunsmithing process used on firearms, especially antiques like the Parker shotgun shown, to remove imperfections such as nicks, scratches, and pitting. It involves careful sanding and filing to create a smooth surface, serving as a crucial foundation before final polishing and finishing.

How do you prepare shotgun barrels for polishing?

Preparation involves 'striking the barrels,' which means meticulously sanding and filing away any surface imperfections. This includes using appropriate grit sandpaper (like 80-grit) with backing materials and specialized files, ensuring a uniform surface ready for the final finishing stages.

What tools are needed for striking shotgun barrels?

Essential tools include abrasive paper (e.g., 80-grit), sanding blocks (like wooden dowels for ribs), smooth files, and chalk. For intricate areas, custom-ground files or files wrapped in abrasive paper may be necessary to achieve precision.

How can I prevent scratching barrels when filing pits?

To prevent scratching, rub chalk into the teeth of a smooth file before using it. This fills the file's gaps, preventing metal particles from accumulating and causing unwanted marks on the firearm's barrels during the pit removal process.

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