Rifle Barrels

Double Rifle Regulation

Double rifle regulation is about minutely adjusting the two barrels to ensure that they shoot to the same point of aim at a given distance. In providing a wholly bespoke service, Bill Blacker & Sons will regulate barrels to shoot at the distance you specify depending on the intended quarry.

As well as regulating all new double rifle barrels, Bill Blacker & Sons can regulate old rifles to enhance their accuracy and performance.

Regulation takes place at the range using a bench and vice, a regulating jig that fits over the barrels with hex head bolts in multiple positions to allow for minute adjustment, and a chronograph to measure the individual velocity of each shot. Other essential equipment includes binding wire, aluminium wedges, measuring tools, pliers, rosin flux, tin wire, a cleaning brush and gas bottle and lighter for heat.

Usually around 60 to 80 rounds of ammunition is required for regulation, carefully selected to match the barrel and intended quarry, and it needs to be from a single batch to minimise variation. Minute changes at the barrel end make a big difference at the target end; a thou’ of adjustment at the muzzle can create an inch of movement on the target.

With the barrels set in the jig, the muzzle ends are heated up to a point where the solder holding the barrels together begins to melt and the barrels can be independently moved in small movements of about .0010" at a time to obtain the correct point of aim. 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.