[StressPuppy]

I have a 6.5 Italian Carcano that I got with the barrel loose. Upon trying to tighten it, I realized it over-times. I need to find some shims to get it to fit right. It won't take much, but finding them is hard! The I.D. is 1.040", but I can Dremel if needed.

Any thoughts? Or anybody got a couple they might be willing to sell me?

THANKS!

[StressPuppy]

As a further note, after using some feeler gauges, looks like I need a shim that is .010" or a little less.

[Jim K]

The way it is normally done at a factory is to "roll" the barrel shoulder between rollers to spread it. The small shop and home gunsmith way is to use a medium weight hammer and tap the shoulder while rotating the barrel. Carefully and patiently done, this can easily provide enough "extra" metal to let the barrel tighten normally without marring the barrel. Then check the headspace of course, if you can find anyone with gauges (doubtful) or tie the gun to an old tire, fire it with a string and check the fired case for any sign of excess headspace.

Jim

[StressPuppy]

Jim,

Great info, thanks. I guess I was looking for the "easy" way out. Is using shims a bad thing? It should headspace the same as the method you mentioned, I would think.

I just ordered some shims, but I might try what you mention and cancel the order.

BTW - I found a place that has an "adjustable" headspace gauge for just about any caliber you can imagine. You adjust it by screwing it to the size you want (measuring with a caliper to the appropriate specs, of course). then I guess you lock it down in some way and use it. It comes with the main shaft, then different front and tail pieces so you can simulate just about any caliber. Check this: Universal Headspace Gauge (http://www.manthei-mess-systeme.com/gb_headspace_gauge.htm)

Ever seen/heard of this? Seems like you would have to be very patient to get the setup you want, but it could be a good alternative to the "tie the gun to a tire" method. Your thoughts???

Scott

[Jim K]

I see no reason the shims wouldn't work OK also. You still have to have the right tools for installing the barrel, though. Either way could create excess headspace, though, so the use of a gauge is wise.

To be honest, I have no idea where you can get headspace gauges (other than the Universal one you mention, which I have not tried) or where you would get reliable headspace specs for the 6.5 Carcano for setting that Universal gauge. I suppose you could take a guess by measuring a cartridge case, but you could do as well using the old trick of sticking round pieces of printer label paper to the base of the case (2 pieces is OK, 3 suspicious, 4 too much).

The fact is that that rifle is almost never worked on in this country, and so headspace gauges are not made for it. Gauges are used primarily when rebarrelling rifles, and it is hard to imagine anyone wanting a rifle rebarrelled to 6.5 Carcano.

Jim

[StressPuppy]

Well, I wanted a project and I guess I got it!!

I have made my own vise and wrench to fit this specific barrel and receiver, so I should be ok there. I think for headspace, I may have to do the unthinkable and use a live round, but with the firing pin removed!!! (pointed down range and gun secured just in case......)

BTW - I got info on the Universal Headspace gauge. It will work for just about any caliber you can think of and sounds like it works pretty well. BUT (there is always a but, isn't there) it is made by a company in Germany and they need to get an export permit to ship it over here. And with a lovely price of $660 for the set............................ :what:

Guess I won't be going that route.

Thanks for all the info. This is just a project for me to learn more about such things. Good thing about an inexpensive rifle (especially one that someone gave me because they didn't want to deal with it) is that if I screw it up, I am not out anything as long as I am safe about everything.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome.