Manson gauge horizontal technique???

[Tim Thomas]

In another thread in the "for sale" section, someone mentioned the horizontal technique using a Manson gauge. I searched a bit and can't find mention of it. If anyone can direct me to the right place for info about that or can describe it I would greatly appreciate it. The directions with the gauge only show a vertical method.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you may have.
Best
Tim

[John Campbell]

As a Manson gauge owner, I can personally see no way this gauge will render accurate results in a horizontal position. Especially since the maker's instructions clearly state:

"The Wall Thickness Gauge (WTG) is intended to be used in a vertical position, with the Indicator Block hanging down and the Base Block mounted against a wall or hanging from a bracket."

Nonetheless, Dave Manson ought to be the ultimate arbiter of proper use. Contact him at:

https://mansonreamers.com

[Dean Romig]

What brand wall thickness gauge do they use at Julia's?
It's a horizontal gauge and I thought it was a Manson...
In any case, I have used theirs a few times on guns I have been interested in and it worked very well and was easy to use.





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[Rick Losey]

I agree with John

its a vertical gauge -

and takes some practice to get consistent readings

[Brian Dudley]

That was probably me who said that about using the manson gauge horizontally. I used it in the same way the hosford gauge is used. And when i got my hosford gauge, i compared measurements between the two and they were consistent. So... take that for what its worth, which to some may be very little.

[Rick Losey]

i tried it once- couldn't get it right

[Bill Murphy]

Jon Hosford taught me to use the Manson gauge horizontally, because he knew I was poor and couldn't buy one of his gauges. He is one fine fellow and makes some wonderful products. The horizontal method of using the Manson gauge is much more convenient and as accurate as the vertical method. My posts showing this method may be on the doublegunshop.com site.

[Drew Hause]

Similar gauge works great for me

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/17126410/413516051.jpg

[Paul Ehlers]

The Manson & Hosford gauges are based on the same basic design. The key to getting accurate measurements with them is to not hold on to the gauge itself firmly. Notice in Dr. Drew's picture he is using several loops of string to keep the gauge out of his hand. The Hosford uses a large metal loop that you only use one finger loosely in. Watch Jon Hosford's videos on his web site using his gauge.

[Bill Murphy]

Doctor Drew's method of holding the gauge steady is similar to mine. I use a helper and it works just fine in the horizontal position. The "helper" holds the barrels steady on a flat surface and you handle the operation of the Manson gauge. Vertical demands a lot of paraphernalia to hang the gauge, way too much effort at a gun show or auction.

[Tim Thomas]

Thanks all for taking the time to respond. Lots of good advice and the picture you posted, Drew, was a great example of being worth a thousand words.

[Bill Murphy]

I will offer to demonstrate how easy it is to use the Manson in the horizontal position, at any shoot or show I attend. It is impossible to use the vertical position at a gun show unless you hang the gauge from the rafters.

[edgarspencer]

I have this gauge, though I never knew it was 'Manson'. In fact mine is 100% identical to the one which Clymer used to make, and shown in their catalog.
I find it extremely simple to use in only the horizontal mode. I also use a small loop of cord to hold the outboard end. I find in the vertical mode, too much variation and any touching of the gauge gives wild swings of the needle.
I would like to buy one of John Hosford's barrel support rods, with the table clamp, to go with my gauge.

[Dean Romig]

I would like to buy one of John Hosford's barrel support rods, with the table clamp, to go with my gauge.


Great idea Edgar, for home/shop use.





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[Daryl Corona]

I would like to buy one of John Hosford's barrel support rods, with the table clamp, to go with my gauge.

John will sell you one of his barrel supports. I inquired about one at Hausmann's this year and if i remember correctly they are north of 2 bills.

[edgarspencer]

John will sell you one of his barrel supports. I inquired about one at Hausmann's this year and if i remember correctly they are north of 2 bills.

Yes, He quoted me $250.

[Bill Murphy]

Edgar, as I understand it, Manson worked at Clymer, somehow ended up with the manufacturing rights to the gauge.