Bore Gauge

[Neil Richardson]

I'm looking at buying a bore gauge but there's quite a range in prices.

Which one is the best value?

Anyone used the Galazan bore gauge?

How does the Galazan bore gauge compare to the CSP bore gauge on Brownells?

thanks for any help,

Neil

[John Campbell]

I'm not sure what you mean by "bore gauge." If it's "choke gauge" then the Galazan is a good choice for plug guages. But... remember that the amount of choke is the difference between the actual bore diameter and the muzzle/choke diameter. Thus, a plug gauge can only suggest choke. A micrometer dial gauge can measure it.

[Neil Richardson]

To be a little more specific:

This is the Galazan gauge ($450):

Professional Choke and Barrel Gauge -The world standard precision instrument used by gun manufacturers and barrel makers to measure bore diameter and choke constriction and length. This gauge is a must if you expect to be able to determine if chokes and or barrel bores have been altered. Dial indicator measures in .001 increments. Measurements are detected by expansion and contraction of three metal "fingers" under the control of the person taking the measurements. All test and set bushings and instructions included. Comes with a handsome wood case. Gauge length 22 3/4" weight: 1 1/4 pounds

This is the one on Brownells:

CSP PROFESSIONAL SHOTGUN BORE MICROMETER SET ($509)

Brownells also has SKEETS SHOTGUN BORE GAUGE $93.99

[Craig Parker]

Neil,
Might also look at SKEETS - Bore gauge , which has one for 12/16 and one for 20/28. You will be able to measure out bore and get choke restriction measurement. Runs about 100 bucks each, then your want someone's barrel thickness gauge also then.

Craig

[Rick Losey]

Skeet's are a good gauge at a reasonable price - add a wall thickness gauge

box it up - keep it in the truck - and you're ready to spend your kids' inheritance

:corn:


http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg195/setterw/2012-07-12_19-47-53_808.jpg (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/setterw/media/2012-07-12_19-47-53_808.jpg.html)

[Neil Richardson]

Hi Craig, I had originally thought the Skeets would work and I definitely like the price over the other two, but the Skeets is only 13.5".

So even going from each end there will be a gap in the middle of any barrel over 27" that I can't get to.

I'm not sure how important that will be but it's a consideration.

Neil

[Neil Richardson]

Hi Rick, that's a nice box of equipment.

Whose wall thickness gauge did you buy?

Neil

[Rick Losey]

the wall thickness gauge is a Manson - Not fancy and it takes some practice - but I get consistent measurements with it

and yes - the Skeets coming from each end will only total 27 inches - most of my guns are 28' so for a 28 or 30" barrel I'll hope that the 1/2 to 2 1/2 in the middle aren't far off that the deepest from either end - if there is a big difference internally between 13 1/2 from the breech and 13 1/2 from the muzzle I would likely pass on it.

oh - and since that picture was taken - I glued a wood box with a sliding lid into the left end space- to keep small odds and ends in

[Craig Parker]

I'm with Rick on the skeets and with the savings go w/ one of the thickness gauges.

Craig

[Neil Richardson]

Rick & Craig, thanks for your input. Makes a lot of sense.

Neil

[Mark Landskov]

I just bought a Manson gauge, also. For the money, it certainly will pay off. I am working on perfecting my technique in using it! My new Lefever H and Greener Emperor both show minimum thicknesses of .045". I shoulda bought the gauge years ago. Cheers!

[Richard Flanders]

I have the same style gauge as Rick showed above. They are tricky to use but I just do it over and over until I'm happy enough with the readings. I may not totally trust the absolute readings but it at least serves as a reliable "go, no-go" on whether a set of bbls is thick enough. If I get thin readings I just make more passes and try to be more careful until I'm happy with the results.