Barrel rib on swamped barrel

I’ve been debating building a half stock mountain rifle(kind of like kiblers SMR) and I’m just wondering, how would I go about fitting a ramrod rib to the underside of a swamped barrel? It’s my understanding that they’re not a straight taper but a more curved one(that’s always been my understanding but if I’m wrong correct me)? It just seems like it may be a bit tougher than attaching to a straight barrel and getting a tight fit. Any ideas? Thanks!

Apply just like a straight barrel. The difference between the narrow and wide part is insignificant.

Flintandsteel said:

Apply just like a straight barrel. The difference between the narrow and wide part is insignificant.

Click to expand...

That’s what I had initially thought but I wanted to make sure first. Thank you

Fit by filing and some elbow grease?

JQuigley said:

I’ve been debating building a half stock mountain rifle(kind of like kiblers SMR) and I’m just wondering, how would I go about fitting a ramrod rib to the underside of a swamped barrel? It’s my understanding that they’re not a straight taper but a more curved one(that’s always been my understanding but if I’m wrong correct me)? It just seems like it may be a bit tougher than attaching to a straight barrel and getting a tight fit. Any ideas? Thanks!

Click to expand...

Just match the profile of barrel. Wonder why you wouldn’t go with a straight tapered barrel? Seems like a number of half stock guns had them.

SDSmlf said:

Just match the profile of barrel. Wonder why you wouldn’t go with a straight tapered barrel? Seems like a number of half stock guns had them.

Click to expand...

Haven’t found any straight tapers longer than 36”. Was going for something north of 42” and all of that is in the swamped or straight profile from what I can find

JQuigley said:

Haven’t found any straight tapers longer than 36”. Was going for something north of 42” and all of that is in the swamped or straight profile from what I can find

Click to expand...

You didn’t mention north of 42” long in your OP. I know Rice Barrel has 36” long tapered barrels as a standard item. Have you contacted them or any other barrel makers for an option? Believe if you spoke with Jason he may be able to make you a custom barrel.

A barrel approaching 4’ in length won’t have much taper unless it starts out pretty big at the breech. Just a thought, but have you considered going from a straight octagon out past the front of the half stock, then having a taper out to the muzzle? You could keep the octagon shape or go to a round for the tapered portion. Personally, I do question hanging a rib on such a long barrel you are attempting to put on a diet. It will be interesting if you can bring the balance point back between your hands as you shoulder the gun.

Even a metal RR is quite flexible, and the taper of a swamped barrel really very slight. Be sure the rib is firmly clamped prior to soldering. If using screws, an extra here and there won't hurt anything.
Great luck to you on this interesting project.

You could buy a 46" or 48" barrel and cut off most of the swamping, or you could make a wooden rib. I have done it both ways. I don't like the idea of forcing a metal rib to conform to the shape of the barrel and adding built in stresses.
Robin

Even in a contemporary barrel, the total difference between the widest part of the barrel and the narrowest is .100”.
Spread over at least 24” on a 44” barrel. Just not a big deal.

SDSmlf said:

Just match the profile of barrel. Wonder why you wouldn’t go with a straight tapered barrel? Seems like a number of half stock guns had them.

Click to expand...

Yes you are correct on the straight tapered profile most were. I was going to build one some time ago.

Or, use a wood under rib, and shape it for the contour of the barrel.
There were many Southern guns mad this way.

Get a hollow rib from Muzzleloaders Builders Supply. I've built a bunch of halfstocks with swamped barrels using them. No filing required. Just clamp and solder.