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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

CRYOGENIC TEMPERING


Spiris

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I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with cryo-accurizing such as offered

by the Gander Mountain gunsmithing services and other firms offering this type of treatment. Everything I have read seems to offer no negatives, and actual before and after tests indicated better accuracy, reduced fouling leading to easier cleaning and a host of other claims. I have a new A&B barrel in 6.5 that I have given some thought to

have done.

Anybody have an opinion?

 

Spiris

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  • 5 months later...

While CRYOGENIC TEMPERING would be a plus I doubt I would do it to a A& B Barrel, were it a Lilja, Krieger, maby a Shilen or Lother Walther etc. then yes, I probably would. The A & B barrels shoot pretty good but the tollerences are between .002" & .003" and the max runout is .005". That is why they are "budget". Tight tollerences translate into higher price. To give you a idea of the difference a Lilja has a max runout of .001" and a sporter barrel will cost about $275 not threaded, chambered or crowned. The A & B barrels are prone to foul much also due to a rough bore as compared to one that is a premium lapped one. The A & B barrel serves a good purpose for those who wish to keep cost down.

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Better barrels are less in need of cryo treatment. they are already stress relieved and it is reflected in the price.

 

I'd put the cost of thr cryo treatment toward the purchase of a better barrel next time.

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  • 1 month later...

I would love to see a comprehensive comparative before and after study of Cyro treatment. A couple of months ago I overheard two varmit hunters in a gunshop swearing by it. They were trying to talk another customer into it on his 30/378 project. On the other hand they might have been trying to generate some business for somebody. The owner of the gunshop is an avid varmit hunter.

 

I have a cyro treated marked barrel from McGowen and I'm more than thrilled with the accuracy. I didn't order it, I wasn't charged and can't say for certain it was done. Possibly the barrel blank was mistakenly stamped. The job went way over the estimate. I sure as all get out wasn't going to mention it after discovering it and get charged another 50 or so dollars. As far as I'm concerned the freebe made up for them forking up the iron sights.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...

Cryo will generally make a good barrel "better" but not do much a for a poor barrel. What cryo treatment does is alter the barrel harmonics by relieving internal stress, heat also does this, which is why shot groups from a hot barrel are usually more "open" than a cold barrel. I have never heard of anyone having cryo treatment done on a sporter contour barrel, only varmit or bull barrels.

 

I wouldn't recommend cryo treatment for a factory barrel or on a hunting rifle. For a varmit/tactical/benchrest then cryo wouldn't hurt.

 

Altho I don't know if cryo treatment was available when G. MacMillan shot a .01 five shot group in 1971....

 

As in all things, your mileage may vary.

 

Jimro

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  • 1 year later...

I had a similar discussion several years ago with an ole Jarhead gunsmith, on the subject of cryo and molecular stress relief. He was pursuaded, reasonably so, that age does the same thing. I asked how long. "Oh, about 50 years". That's when I determined to buy Mauser barrels when possible. Already a Mauser fan, I determined that a Swede barrel is far better than any domestic barrel. Also, the lathe process used three stabilizers (that's why you have steps on a Mauser barrel). Mauser craftsmanship far exceeds all out modern technology. And an aged barrel is better than a new barrel.

 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :rolleyes:

Thor

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