Unknown Barrel

[Wullie]

at least to me anyway..
Bore mic's to about 30 cal. Breech to .461 ( with dial calipers )


Only marking I can find anywhere on it.


Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Willie

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

I am twisting my head off trying to look at what is obviously a proof mark, but upside down. Looks a bit like a badly struck Czech lion, but I can't hold the pose long enough to be sure! Could you please repost with the pic turned top-to-bottom?

Patrick

[Wullie]

Hi Patrick,

Hope this is what you wanted.


ANd closer


Thanks,
W

[Patrick Chadwick]

Thanks Wullie. I am still puzzled. The turned form of the barrel, with a thick ring left about where one would expect an open backsight, is unusual. And I cannot see any cut for an extractor. Is this maybe a partially finished barrel with an preliminary proof mark?

Patrick

P.S: The thread looks like it has been rough-cut on a lathe, but the threads have not been finished off with a die or chaser to give a good engagement in the receiver body - you can see the outside diameter cut marks crossed by the screw thread. A finished thread would not show this. That strengthens my suspicion that it is a partially-finished barrel.

[Wullie]

The uncut breech puzzles me as well.

Thanks for trying,
W

[Chuckindenver]

im only guessing, but with the non crush type threads, and the way the barrel is contoured, looks to a Machine gun barrel of some sort, one that can be removed in the field.

[Patrick Chadwick]

That's it chuck!
Could it be an unfinished Bren barrel?
The 0.461 breech checks with 303 dimensions - well, nearer than anything else I can find!
If, of course, anyone has a better idea....

Patrick

[bigduke6]

That's it chuck!
Could it be an unfinished Bren barrel?
The 0.461 breech checks with 303 dimensions - well, nearer than anything else I can find!
If, of course, anyone has a better idea....

Patrick

Not a Bren barrel, the Bren threads were were a lot courser and interupted, to allow the quick change.

[Chuckindenver]

not sure why they would black oxide an unfinished barrel, but weirder things have been seen.
many machine guns used a semi V thread to make the barrel change easier, non crush type..