GUNSMITH QUESTION

[Woodchuck]

 hi folks, have this question. i have a friend who is a machinist, he has ported the barrels on his own guns, is willing to do mine at a discounted rate, however he is concerned about any problems as he is not a licensed gunsmith, is this an issue? any feedback is appreciated

[Huntbear]

I believe as long as he does not take possession of your firearms, and no money changes hands, he is ok.  In other words, as long as you are present, while he is working on the firearms, and no money changes hands, you are fine.  Of course if you were to mail a check to his "favorite" charity after the fact, no harm done.

[Stevo539]

Is it by chance a shotgun or semi-auto pistol (removable barrel)?  If so the barrel is just a part and not technically a firearm.  Don't know if that would help. 

Disclaimer;
I am not an attorney nor do I play one on TV.  Seek the advice of a legal expert or alphabet agent.  Seriously, you can call the BATFE and ask questions like that.  Probably won't get a straight answer though.

Steve

[Huntbear]

Stevo you are correct.  If it has a removable barrel, then all is good.  It is only the receiver that must stay in the owners possession.   

[Mookie]

Working on a barrel with no receiver attached is no different than working on a piece of galvanized pipe. It is just a piece of metal.

[Woodchuck]

thanx for the replies guys, it happens to be a 338, but he is local and i ahve been known to forget a case of beer at his shop in the past . the same rifle i ahve been shooting for 15 years, does this mean i am getting old?

[deaddog]

thanx for the replies guys, it happens to be a 338, but he is local and i ahve been known to forget a case of beer at his shop in the past . the same rifle i ahve been shooting for 15 years, does this mean i am getting old?

YES.

[Woodchuck]

GEE THANKS

[KillBilly]

Keep in mind that you are going to lose some bore length. If you are starting with a 26" barrel it is not too bad but if it is a shorter barrel you would be better off adding the porting. He must know I assume that the ported distance cannot remain the same size as the original bore. Shortening your bore length may not be the wise thing to do.

[Woodchuck]

thanx killbilly, that is something i had not considered. i have never owned a ported rifle so any other thoughts anyone has would be very cool. i love my rifle but it does beat me up when shooting targets, never feel it when it talks to the critters

[Huntbear]

Get a Vais muzzle brake.  Took my brother's .338 down to .308 levels.