Barrel Repairs
From lifting dents and sleeving, to regulating and altering barrels for steel shot, Bill Blacker & Sons can get your trusted shotgun back in the field for many years’ more service.
Sleeving
Where shotgun barrels of any gauge have fallen out of proof, high quality sleeving can provide a more affordable alternative to new barrels, giving your shotgun another lifetime of use. Bill Blacker & Sons have perfected a technique which makes the seam between new and old metal virtually invisible after blacking.
By best quality we mean that the tubes will be struck up with the exactly same care that we employ on new barrels, and that the joint between the breech-end and new tubes will be welded to make the join appear seamless; over thousands of sleevings have developed a technique which makes the seam between the old and new metal practically invisible after blacking. We can also re-lay the old ribs (assuming you wish the new barrels to be the same length as the old ones).
We check the sleeved barrels for concentricity, straightness, striking-up, contour, fitting, rib straightness and profile. Once the sleeved barrels have been bored, polished, chambered, proof tested, engraved and choked, according to your requirements, the performance of your newly sleeved shotgun should be identical to the gun when it had its original barrels fitted.
Raising Barrel Dents
Barrels often become dented during transport and in the field, particularly shotgun barrels at the thinner muzzle end. While a small dent might not look serious, it can affect accuracy and even cause a dangerous issue during firing so should be attended to immediately. When metal gets dented it also becomes stretched so removing a dent in a rib is a professional job for a gunsmith.
With rifles, any damage, rust or non-uniformity to the muzzle crown on your barrel with affect accurcacy.
Fixing Barrel Ribs
The ribs of a barrel are often overlooked but play an important influence in how you shoot, even though they probably work on a subconscious level.
see if a set of barrels has a loose rib, hold them by the hook and tap the sides of the barrels. They should not ‘twang’ but resonate to confirm the ribs are secure. Although it is only a small part of a shotgun, it can have an You have to choose the one that suits you and your preferred discipline.
Steel Shot Compatibility
Many people assume that fine old English shotguns cannot be used with steel shot, however by making certain adjustments Bill Blacker & Sons can adapt barrels and proof test them to become compatible with steel shot. We would be happy to give you an option based on sight of your shotgun.
Choke Work
Choke, along with regulation and aim, can be one reason why your shotgun is not achieving good results in the field. We can fire your gun at a pattern plate at different ranges, usually at increments between 20 and 40 yards, using the cartridge you prefer. We look for an even pattern without too many clusters, gaps or excessive central concentration. If there are significant holes or if the pattern is too tight, we can take steps to rectify the problem.
Regulating
Shotgun and rifle regulation is about minutely adjusting the barrels to ensure that they shoot to a consistent point of aim at a given distance. In providing a wholly bespoke service, Bill Blacker & Son will regulate barrels to shoot at the distance you specify depending on the intended quarry.
As well as regulating all new shotgun barrels, Bill Blacker & Son can regulate old shotgun or rifle to enhance their accuracy and performance.
While precise measurements are taken and used at every step, the process also draws on many years’ experience and knowledge to feel the impact of adjustments when easing barrels into their optimal positions for accuracy. Regulation is an art as well as a science.
Barrel Blacking
Over time gun barrels start to show their age with marks, scratches rust and pitting. By cleaning up and re-blacking the barrels, Bill Blacker & Sons can restore them to their former glory. We offer a range of finishes from matt to high gloss to suit the gun and your preferences.
