Tightening Loose Barrel Threads
Tightening barrel threads to get barrels to re-index properly again. If done properly this will not harm the bluing and does not get hot enough to change the hardness of the steel. The barrel can be pulled off and reinstalled 20 to 30 times before the tight fit is lost. It is advisable to work the barrel up to the shoulder several times after tinning to get the headspace or timing of sights to come up correctly. Do not simply rush in and cut back the shoulder. It will work back in correctly with patience and time. You will need a good barrel vise and action wrench to reassemble the parts after this as you are creating a Class 4 Interference fit of the parts. On chromoly barrels the lead and tin will act as a lubricant and prevent the threads from galling. On stainless steel parts all bets are off ! Govern yourself accordingly with stainless steel and use only a light tin coat. Or better still, pure lead solder.