I hope Mark Stratton checks in. I, too, would like to know the approx. difference in cost between a full octagon and half octagon.

HI All,

I have a full, tapered octagon barrel in a Winchester #3 contour and would like to use it on a bolt action rifle. I would like to have it be half octagon and then round tapered to the muzzel. How would that be done? would it be very stressful on the barrel? would it cost less to buy a half octagon/round barrel?

Thanks in advance,

Marcos (elalto)

Elalto, I am not sure whom all does octagon barrels but I am sure that Mark Stratton could do what you want either with your barrel if there is enough materal to work with or just start out new. Try this link http://www.gunmaker.net/scopebases.html

It would not be much of a job if it is already octagon. The hard part is the polishing after. Just set it up in the lathe to the correct taper and trim it down.

Jim

Glen, the last time I got a price from Mark, it was the same for the full octagon as for a half round half octagon.



BTW, I took the class from Mark on just that topic last year at Trinidad. We cut the forward round section first and then cut the octagon to meet it. It was a simple operation.



Ealto, the round portion would have to take a slight step down for the round section. If you want the same octagon contour a portion of the octagon plane on each octagon will continue all the way to the muzzle with it gradually going to round just at the muzzle. The only way to get it to round quickly is a step to the round section.

Hi Guys,

Chic is right, the cost is the same for a full octagon and a half round. The only question I have is, if the poster wants to use it on a bolt action, which action is it machined for now?

If it is truly a Win. #3 contour it is more than 1" across the flats at the breech, meaning it is larger than that corner to corner.
Better check how that compares with the size of your action.

Reguardless, that is a very heavy contour for a bolt action.

Hi All,

I agree the contour is quite heavy, that is why I was thinking of the half round. I like the idea of a "wedding ring" transition from the octagon to the round then a rather quick taper to the end. The barrel is a blank unchambered and unthreaded, it has a 1" long tennon was intended for a hi-wall.

Very interesting and informative responses, thanks to all of you.

Marcos (elalto)

You can't take enough weight off of the front end to make up for the weight on the rear end. Besides, it's probably a 45-70 barrel, or something unsuitable for a bolt rifle. The smaller the caliber the heavier it is.