Last thing I need for my ar build is a barrel assembly. Of course I can buy an assembly but I like learning new skills, if the cost / risk is reasonable. I am considering getting a virgin barrel and doing the fsb pinning myself. I don't want set screwed or bolt clamp because sling being attached. I worry about torque due to handling rotating the fsb etc. I have a drill press I can use. Anyone done this type of work in their garage / shop? Or is this strictly pros only?
I know it is somewhat challenging, especially lining up and holding things still while drilling the pin holes. Anyone familiar with some jigs that might exist to help with this? One thing I am uncertain of is where exactly on the fsb should the hole center be? Quite import since I don't want to intersect the barrel ID.
Any experience you can share is appreciated.
FSB pinning to melonite coated virgin barrel
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FSB pinning to melonite coated virgin barrel
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Re: FSB pinning to melonite coated virgin barrel
At the risk of having misunderstood your question, I'll suggest that you can drill and pin the fsb to the barrel with a fixture and dril press, but if your main concern is accuracy, you may want to use a free-float tube over the barrel and under the handguards, or just use a free-float tube with rails. Then use a fsb with the set screws, along with flats on the barrel; this will enable you to mechanically zero your rear sight and adjust the front with the setscrews to get zero.
I'm too stupid to describe this well but if you look at http://www.whiteoakarmament.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://compasslake.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for free-float tubes, it will get clearer.
I'm too stupid to describe this well but if you look at http://www.whiteoakarmament.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://compasslake.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for free-float tubes, it will get clearer.
Retractable claws; the *original* concealed carry
Re: FSB pinning to melonite coated virgin barrel
The short answer is yes, you *could* do this with a drill press however a mini mill would make it 1000x easier.
Some of the barriers to overcome are: The jig is not commonly available. A normal drill press isn't rigid enough for this need of precision. Drill presses lack a way to locate the holes with precision. In addition to that, you'd need to find a way to support the entire barrel since a typical drill press table isn't long enough. You need tooling to properly secure the jig, and measuring tools to ensure the jig is square.
The jig runs $175. The only manufacturer I am aware of is BRD Engineering.
This jig will only help you drill the taper pins for the FSB. You would still need to locate and drill a properly sized gas port. I don't know of any jigs to do that.
Some of the barriers to overcome are: The jig is not commonly available. A normal drill press isn't rigid enough for this need of precision. Drill presses lack a way to locate the holes with precision. In addition to that, you'd need to find a way to support the entire barrel since a typical drill press table isn't long enough. You need tooling to properly secure the jig, and measuring tools to ensure the jig is square.
The jig runs $175. The only manufacturer I am aware of is BRD Engineering.
This jig will only help you drill the taper pins for the FSB. You would still need to locate and drill a properly sized gas port. I don't know of any jigs to do that.