Browning BLR screwcut for moderator? Who?

[Rafter]

You still need to turn a shoulder to run the threaded bush up against.
The point that I was trying to make - and my apologies for not using simpler words, is that you can't just use a die nut or split dies to thread a barrel. The barrel will, in all likelihood be 1) tapered, and 2) the wrong diameter. Both of which I'm sure you know, but keep up the good work, you're a star in the internet firmament.
I've done many barrel threading jobs - both when chambering and for fitting suppressors, and there is no way I would use a die nut or split dies to anything other than the very lightest clean up after the thread has been cut with a single point tool.

I've got no VW stories, but I once drove my Range Rover up onto the bed of a planer to use it to pull the chassis straight after a bit of a bad day - does that count in the completely irrelevant story category?

 

[Navarone]

You still need to turn a shoulder to run the threaded bush up against.
The point that I was trying to make - and my apologies for not using simpler words, is that you can't just use a die nut or split dies to thread a barrel. The barrel will, in all likelihood be 1) tapered, and 2) the wrong diameter. Both of which I'm sure you know, but keep up the good work, you're a star in the internet firmament.
I've done many barrel threading jobs - both when chambering and for fitting suppressors, and there is no way I would use a die nut or split dies to anything other than the very lightest clean up after the thread has been cut with a single point tool.

I've got no VW stories, but I once drove my Range Rover up onto the bed of a planer to use it to pull the chassis straight after a bit of a bad day - does that count in the completely irrelevant story category?

Rafter have you ever fettled a BLR trigger?

Dies or otherwise forgotten

 

[Rafter]

Rafter have you ever fettled a BLR trigger?

Dies or otherwise forgotten

No. I only ever owned one, a Portuguese made early (1980's) pattern 308 and the trigger was OK. I fell down a waterfall and bent both the barrel and lever so scrapped the rifle. I've recently had to work hard to resist buying a new one in 22.250 for a goat rifle and fitting it with a larger mag from Waters or someone similar.

 

[Tim.243]

You still need to turn a shoulder to run the threaded bush up against.
The point that I was trying to make - and my apologies for not using simpler words, is that you can't just use a die nut or split dies to thread a barrel. The barrel will, in all likelihood be 1) tapered, and 2) the wrong diameter. Both of which I'm sure you know, but keep up the good work, you're a star in the internet firmament.
I've done many barrel threading jobs - both when chambering and for fitting suppressors, and there is no way I would use a die nut or split dies to anything other than the very lightest clean up after the thread has been cut with a single point tool.

I've got no VW stories, but I once drove my Range Rover up onto the bed of a planer to use it to pull the chassis straight after a bit of a bad day - does that count in the completely irrelevant story category?

Yes...been using the same lathe since I was 12 (1973) in Dads workshop, then on to a toolroom in 1977 so made enough swarf chips

Pulled many a car on my home made dozer and lots of lorry chassis with my jcb 6 & 7c as ground anchors lol

Yes a single point tool cuts a nice thread but after making the OD a nominal size you could put a thread on it so don't get lost in what is done to what else can be done
An irrelevant bit of repairing a Massy bailer crank shaft lol

 

[Navarone]

Hello All…

So I went ahead and bought the BLR I’d seen on a whim and a prayer.

It is a 1991 short action model in .223 and I was interested in one as a foxing/walkabout/truck gun. Think light, short, pointy etc! I’m also left handed which obviously narrows the bolt options available secondhand and I was also thinking surely life’s too short to only have bolts in the cabinet?

Guns I’d been looking at were the BLR, Ruger no1, Bergara BA13, Browning high wall etc. I’d also made enquiries about a Henry long ranger but was sadly given a lead time of over a year (they couldn’t say exactly). So I’d done a fair amount of looking.

This one came up on guntrader and my impulsiveness got the better of me so I started making calls to various gunsmiths and didn’t get too far.

I then called Mick at MW Guns who I’d seen recommended on another thread on here. We talked the job through and I then sent him screenshots and links to threads/info online about people screw cutting them (mostly in the US). He said he was sure he could do it so off to him it went.

A couple of days later and I got a WhatsApp-all done mate!

Mick screwcut it 1/2 UNF and turned a smooth cap which i will get properly blued at some point to match so that the front sight can be put back on and used if you wanted.

So just for the internet and the UK-it is possible (and not terribly difficult by the sounds of it) to have a Browning BLR screwcut. I’m not entirely sure how it was done but he took the stock off and managed to get the action supported well in the lathe and took it slowly. He said of course it’s harder than a standard bolt but absolutely doable.

So there we go I hope this helps anyone who is interested-give MWguns a call!

The rifle is a nice thing, you can see the miroku quality in it for sure, and the lever is of course brilliant fun!

A few more bits to sort for me before shooting but I will report back how it goes…

 

[Navarone]

I repeat for the algorithm-Mick at MW GUNS will screwcut a browning BLR for you!

He also had a look at the trigger for me and got it down to around 4lbs which is about where people say you can get them too online in the US (3/3.5lbs being the most I’ve seen).

 

[Klenchblaize]

Not gonna be very "short" & "pointy" once the can is screwed on?

K

 

[Navarone]

Not gonna be very "short" & "pointy" once the can is screwed on?

K

Mmm potentially true, going to be about 1100mm or so probably.

It does half every differently to a bolt though, much more svelte and more like a shotgun I think. Probably because of the straight stock…

 

[JRF Creedbro]

Is that one of the older steel action models?

 

[Navarone]

Is that one of the older steel action models?

Yes, 1991-steel action….

 

[Klenchblaize]

Mmm potentially true, going to be about 1100mm or so probably.

It does half every differently to a bolt though, much more svelte and more like a shotgun I think. Probably because of the straight stock…

Well, the main thing is to enjoy it.

Best

K

 

[harrygrey382]

Looking good Navarone. Have you taken it out yet?

Maybe one day that thread protector could do with some of the old Rhynowet followed by some bluing…

 

[dvbookshop]

Hello,

Does anyone know a gunsmith in the uk who is able/willing to screw cut a browning BLR for a moderator?

Many thanks,

Patrick

Norman Clark did mine. Armalon used to specialise in BLRs but I'm not sure Peter is still working.