Hw80 Barrel

[andykllhr 91]

Hi all, so after taking delivery of my Tin Bum short stroke extension kit I spent Saturday fitting it, it was fairly straight forward, but I had issues removing the v-mach piston seal, leading me to taking off a large portion of my thumbnail in the process. After lots of blood I got it off and managed to get the extension on and piston back in the rifle, I then had issues getting the barrel screw back in (thread was not biting), I was getting quite angry, I tried hammering (not with a hammer mind) the screw in the bite the thread, but to no avail, it was at this point I may have thrown the rifle to the ground, but not really hard, just out of frustation. I decided to leave it til Sunday, as my anger was building and the would have ended up in the bin. I woke up Sunday morning refreshed, so gave the barrel screw another go, I just screwed it in the opposite end, reopening the thread, and it worked a treat! I got the rifle back together and headed down to my permission for some range time, wow, what a difference, the firing cycle is beautiful now, really smooth, no snap and the rifle barely moves off target through the scope.

But, and it's a big but, I could not get the scope zeroed, it was miles off, after a lot of effort (including moving to 5 yards from the target), I couldn't get the crosshairs anywhere near the poi. Nightmare. Looking at the rifle, it looks like I have bent the barrel (down and to the right), ffs.

I am reluctant to order another barrel, 1) they're £76 off chambers and I've already spent a small fortune on this rifle, and 2) When I fitted the slimtech it was very tight, I am convinced that it won't come off without damage.

So my only course of action is to fix it myself, but as I have already proved, I am a bit of a hamfisted tw*t and will probably do more harm than good. However comma, my good friend is a metal polisher at a workshop, with access to all sorts of tools, vice's etc, so I am handing it to him, worse case scenario he fluffs it up and I have to buy a new barrel, which I would have had to do anyway.

So, to the questions: Has anyone done this before? If so, any tips? What were the results like? Am I better just biting the bullet and buying a new barrel?

Thanks guys

[pianoman 3,589]

Sounds like you're in the wars Andy.

 

Unless your mate has a precision line metering device and a padded vice, I'd save the bollocks and buy a new barrel. Or take it to your local gunshop and see if they have a gunsmith who can re-align it.

[andykllhr 91]

Honestly Pianoman, was a nightmare Saturday, the only saving grace is that the 80's firing cycle is unbelievable, all I need to do is make sure the pellets are going where I need them lol. I have emailed Portsmouth Gun Centre, if they have someone that can do it then I'll give them a go, I wait with baited breath. On the plus side, I also had the Regal out and found the pellets to suit it (back to sovereigns), now it's bordering on boring, hit the bull with the first shot then all the rest just go through the same hole lol. Did you speak to Carl about getting yours regged mate?

[pianoman 3,589]

Not yet on the Regal Andy, I'm strapped for spare cash at the moment. But I will have it done as soon as funds are in.

 

A bent barrel is no great hardship to repair if the bloke knows what he's doing, with the kit to align it properly. It happened to my HW80 years ago after the barrel slipped from my grasp on cocking. Luckily it didn't do the scope or stock any damage. But the barrel bent northwards. Horrible to happen to a great rifle but, nothing that cannot be put right. I'm sure the fellas at your gunshop will have the know how to get you back shooting with it.

 

All the best Andy.

Simon

[andykllhr 91]

Thanks Simon, my mate is good with things like that and has the tools at his disposal so if the gun shop doesn't get back to me before our session at the farm on Sunday I'll let him loose on the barrel. I would send it to Carl sooner rather than later mate, it took a fair few weeks due to some family issues his end, plus I had a finance issue during that time, he was very understanding and kept hold of the rifle until I could pay. I realise I sound like a bloody AirTech salesman, but I really can't rave enough about the work he's done, he has made my Regal simply sublime.

Andy