What does it mean to “index the barrel” and why does it ruin it?
There are so many things that need to be done right even before we talk about sights.
The threads in the receiver must be true and well made. Same thing if it is just reamed and flat stubbed tenon assembly.
The barrel must be dialed from the the bore and then threaded so it is also true.
When turning the barrel any run out is also going to affect the accuracy and function.
Then the chamber must be cut true with the proper tenon size and w/o run out and although this might not affect the sighting
it will affect the consistency and accuracy of the barrel. Same with a proper crown job.
then the sights must be installed and be true to the bore and not the barrel so if one made any mistakes early and there is
run out even sights that are in the right position with respect to the barrel might be out of alignment in relation to the bore and the rest is
just a futile attempt to fix a problem that has nothing to do with proper sights installation.
I have seen these issues in one shape or another and it comes down to lack of attention/mistakes during the manufacturing problem and
on top lack of control to assure quality.
If a company is installing canted sights, can anyone trust any of the other steps that require some care when indexing the parts
for the work? I don't.
Even in budget rifles we expect some pretty basic measurements to assure QC and basic function.
I understand crappy stocks, basic wood and furniture, even plastic trigger-guards, but a firearm that doesn't cycle or cannot shoot straight
should be returned.
I don't know of any aircraft manufacturing company that can sell airplanes that do not fly. Even the most basic and affordable workhorses.
