Smoke to fit the barrels, is there a better way ?

[Tom]

Hi
I used the smoke method for fitting and they came out great no complaints. But I must admit it made a mess everything in the general vicinity is filthy.

Just for future reference is there a more modern method not using smoke ?

I'm not trying to cut corners or do sub standard work, my neighbor is telling me "that's the old method they don't do it like that anymore".
Any thoughts ?
Thank you, Tom

[Dean Romig]

Machinist's blue.

[Cold Spring]

I'm pretty meticulous when fitting barrels and want them dead flat on the face with at least 75% contact on both barrels, and with a few thou clearance gap between the barrel flats and the frame bar (water table) to accomodate future wear. I use oil lamp smoke to get close, and machinist dykem (layout fluid) for the final fit. Smoke is thicker than dykem and is too easily "disturbed" as the barrels drop home, and you can get false contacts. Just drop the barrels softly one time when checking. If you slam the gun closed or do it multiple times you'll also get false contact readings.

You can make the smoke a little less messy by inserting a plug of paper towel into the front end of each chamber, wiping off excess smoke after each try so it doesn't build up, and resmoking afterwards. I also use disposable gloves.

PS I don't have a FFL to do fitting work for others and only work on guns I own myself.

[Tom]

Thanks
I thought about dykem, wasn't sure it would be appropriate . If it comes up again I'll try that route.

Tom

[B. Dudley]

Inletting black or prussian blue can be used as well. However, neither dry and the layer must be thin. That is why smoking is best since it puts on a thin coat, yet it easily is removed to show the high spots.
Layout dye would work well since it dries. but may take a little more to get it to come off when there is contact.