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Swamped vs Tapered Barrels

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Greebe

40 Cal.
Joined
Sep 8, 2013
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Swamped vs Tapered?

In a .36-40 cal rifle what is your preference for barrel profile and why.

Thanks,
Greebe
 
A flared muzzle brings the barrel surface back to nearly in line with the surface at the rear, making the sights work better. A straight tapered barrel will require a TALL front sight. The flared muzzle of a "swamped" barrel also brings the metal back out so that you don't have such a huge space between the barrel and ramrod at the muzzle.

And they just look right. A straight tapered barrel makes a tapered gun, and that would just look weird. :grin:

For cartridge guns, or underhammers or some other types of later guns, it's not such a big deal, and straight tapered barrels would be more normal.
 
Ah yes I forgot about the front sight issue. I think the swamped barrels look pretty cool as well.
 
Im having a Tennessee gun built in 40 cal and going with a very light taper. It will be 15/16 to 7/8 over 40.5" so it will not be that noticeable. The rear sight will smidgen shorter and the front just a bit taller. Some guns are just not right with a swamped barrel. The original gun had a 1" straight barrel. Starting with 15/16 and going to 7/8 will not be that noticeable but will save a little weight. It just depends on what you are after.
 
I built a 46-1/2" tapered 54cal KY rifle, it IS very accurate, and due to the breach size 1-1/4" (if I remember) tapered to the 7/8".....very hard to get the RR close to the muzzle and lock bolts right!!, but, it was a bit muzzle heavy, but gave it a good off hand hold....the fellow that bought it loves it.
And, with a breach that size....it can handle any load your should can handle :shocked2:
Mtn rifle= ok with straight in my book.....nice with swamped.
KY rifles need a swamp.....but I believe I will be liking that new " southern swamp" less "bell" to the flair of the ends.....a A weight looks like a blunderbuss to me.....IMHO
B weight is ok.....C weights belong to early and German stuff....
:surrender:
And before the PC police jump in......I also think Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan would a really fun date night :rotf: :rotf:
Marc
 

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