I always see barrels that transition from octagon at the breech end to round at the muzzle end, but have never seen the opposite variation. Other than tradition, is there a reason why not, or if someone has one, can you show a photo? In sketching up some ideas, it seems like one could make a very sleek looking barrel this way.

it's been done, somebody here did it on a rifle. not sure how to pull it up maybe somebody remembers who rifle it is?

I think I seem to remember doing one for Butchloc.

Octagon-to-round "flows" because an octagon can be turned down to round without changing the taper. The reverse is not true.

Round-to-octagon may look good on paper and may initially seem attractive because it would be somewhat unusual. However, give it a couple of years and you'll come to realize it looks like crap.

There sre some pics in the George Madis Winchester book of some that were done by the factory.
Several years ago, I was going to rebarrel a Marlin 1895 in that configuration. I contacted KOGOT (kind old gunsmith of Trinidad), and he said that while he had never done one, he would be happy to. Never did send it off to be done, as someone wanted it a lot more than I did and it now has a new owner.

JimmyD223 posted pictures of one he had done a few years back, don't recall who did the work.

Round to octagon is traditional at the breech on single shot rifles. The transition is done with what is known as a "tulip", a point where the round horizontal mill cutter sweeps up from the octagon to the round. Here's a picture of a featherweight I did with a montana short action and a tapered octagon barrel, along with the original barrel contour:




You could also transition from round to octagon on the tapered reinforce area, but it is harder to do gracefully on the straight taper section without using a tulip.

dave

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JimmyD223 posted pictures of one he had done a few years back, don't recall who did the work.

I believe it was Mark Stratton.

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Originally posted by Idared:

quote:

JimmyD223 posted pictures of one he had done a few years back, don't recall who did the work.

I believe it was Mark Stratton.

Who did the one on the Springfield you're working on ?

Mark Stratton did the work. He also warned that it might very well have harmonics troubles too. Not that it would but it was possible.

Terry

Here is one I did the other way around, round to Octagon.
Jim

I could be wrong but I think we're talking about round to the end of the fore arm, octagon thereafter. Not just a short section of shank.

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Originally posted by tiggertate:
I could be wrong but I think we're talking about round to the end of the fore arm, octagon thereafter. Not just a short section of shank.

You are correct there,but this one does not have the "wedding band", it is a smooth transition from Oct to Round and two different tapers.

Jim. I think I remember that rifle, on a Pre 64? If only I needed a sixth .270......

Would someone please remind me the effect that fluting has on barrel harmonics. Same holds for octagonal barrels?

I have never liked the "wedding band" look of turning down an octagon barrel. The look that Mr.Kobe posted above is the best in my opinion. Especially since you cannot turn down an octagon barrel with an integral rib.

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Posted 30 October 2011 18:38 Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by Idared:

quote:
JimmyD223 posted pictures of one he had done a few years back, don't recall who did the work.


I believe it was Mark Stratton.


Who did the one on the Springfield you're working on ?

It was done awhile ago by a North Idaho gunsmith who has since passed on to the big gunshop in the sky.