Manson wall thickness gauge

[Rick Losey]

I am posting this based on a response to my post in the hammer gun folder, so as as not to hijack the original thread. My joking comment was about a pocket sized wall thickness gauge, since I have passed on a couple hammer guns ( a Parker lately and an interesting early German piece last spring) since the I had no way (neither was at a gun shop or show) to determine the safety of the barrels.

The Manson tool was recommended and really looks like a reasonable alterative, not too expensive and small enough to keep in the truck and carry into an antique show just in case. I felt bad about the Parker, at a give away price, but I could tell the tubes had been cleaned up, how much was the question.

So--My question is for anyone who may have one is --> do you need a vise to work it accurately? The description on the Brownells website references mounting it in a vise, The tool I can haul around all day, a bench vise, maybe not.

And of course have a tool like that handy will mean I will never have the chance at a piece like that again :bigbye:

[James T. Kucaba]

I have the gauge you speak of ... My experience is that the tool is almost impossible use and to get any kind of consistent readings ... The tool must be kept completely stationary while attempting to measure barrels ... And the barrel being measured must be kept perfectly parallel to the rod of the tool during the measuring process ... If the barrel is wiggled the slightest amount the needle of the dial indicator goes crazy and the reading varies wildly ...

I got a demonstration of a new wall thickness gauge that's made by a company in Michigan at the January 2010 Las Vegas show ... I don't recall the company name but I'm sure a PGCA member will know the name and post it here shortly ... This new gauge is compact, portable, comes in a fitted wooden box, and above all. it's easy to use ... It gives consistent readings and has none of the problems I encountered with the other tool ... If my memory is correct, the price was over 500 bucks ... But this gauge works like a champ ... And, as we all know, you get what you pay for.

Jim Kucaba ... AriZOOna Cactus Patch ... Email: JimKucaba@aol.com

[Mark Ouellette]

James,

You did not read my post about the SxS shoot at Lapeer where Jon Hosford and his barrel thickness guages and other tools are regular guests!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p307/Chesador/Lapeer%20SxS%2018JUL09/LapeerSxS18JUL09_222.jpg
Jon Hosford and his barrel wall thickness gauge

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p307/Chesador/Lapeer%20SxS%2018JUL09/LapeerSxS18JUL09_214.jpg

[Bob Jurewicz]

This may be info on gauge Jim refers to. I saw it at the recent PA shoot and show.
Jon Hosford
1204 N Main St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-395-9818
hosford@hotmail.com
I think they were $575.
Bob Jurewicz

[Bill Murphy]

The Jon Hosford gauge is a wonderful tool. However, it needs a stationary rest for the barrel holder. Several internet forum threads have described the use of the Manson gauge while hanging the gauge from a beam or SUV tailgate by a string or rope. That is the way I used mine for a long time. It gives a good reading if you are careful and patient. Jon Hosford's gauge gives better results, but not quickly at a gun show table. Bob could have gotten a rough idea of the walls of the Parker he discusses by measuring the bores and outside diameters of the barrels. Sure, the bores may not be concentric, but the rough measurement would at least weed out an unacceptable gun quickly without the use of a wall thickness gauge. I would like to have a Jon Hosford gauge, if just to give some business to a guy who is extremely innovative, is one of us, and is just a nice guy. Jon shared some secrets with me about the use of my gauges with no expectation of selling me one of his. What could be more friendly than that?

[Eric Eis]

I have one of Jon's gauges and it works great. Easy to use everything fits in the box. the clamp that holds the gauge can fit on any table or you can use the wooden box if needed. You can measure close to the rib rotate the barrels a quater turn measure there rotate again so you measure any part of the barrel that you want. Also you can measure the depth of a pit. Well worth it

[Dennis Wolfe]

Jon is a good friend of mine and have his great tools listed on my website along with a link to a youtube instructional video .... ATTN: John Dunkle is this post is inappropriate please delete and I'll know better next time.

http://www.sportingcollectibles.net/gun-misc.htm

[Eric Eis]

Bill I think you are confussing the two gauges. "Jon Hosford's gauge gives better results, but not quickly at a gun show table. " I think you mean the Manson gauge, because with Jon's gauge setup is quick, like I said before, I can clamp it (clamp is in the box) on the table and check both barrels in a few minutes or clamp it to the box that it comes in and use the gauge. I could probably set it up check a couple of barrels and put it back in the box in the time it would take to setup the Manson gauge :cool:

[Mark Ouellette]

I also own a Hosford Barrel Wall Thickness Gauge. It is very easy to use.

Now, if Jon could only figure out how to make one that would fit in my pocket...

[Bill Murphy]

Eric, you are correct. I was talking about "standing in front of a gun show table evaluating a gun". I guess either the Hosford gauge or the Manson gauge would have to be taken somewhere away from the gun show table to do the job if it weren't my gun show table. Without price consideration, I would rather have Jon Hosford's product.

[Robin Lewis]

For those with a few extra bucks, high tech could be a way to go? Not all gauges fit the job but some do, watch out for minimum measurement values in the spec.

http://catalogs.indiamart.com/products/ultrasonic-thickness-gauges.html

:duck: Before I get dragged over to hot coals, I admit I don't expect anyone to think this is a good idea. I'm just pointing out that there are alternatives although not necessarily a good one.

[Carl Brandt]

Robin,

I think it is a great idea. I looked into these about a year ago and stopped when i saw the pricing. If money is no object, for $1K to $2K you can get set up to do a super job of measuring barrels. Some models have a scan feature, track min and max thickness, data logging, etc. Way high-tech.

Don't forget you will be measuring metal tubes and special sensors will be required. Most are designed to measure flat stock and since you are dealing with ultrasonics, the contact area is critical.