Rifling methods
Last Updated on Wed, 31 Oct 2018 | Ballistics
Hook Cutter rifling. The most simple method of cutting the grooves is by use of a 'single hook cutter'. In this, a
hardened steel cutter, in the shape of a crochet hook, is set into a recess in a steel rod of slightly smaller diameter
than the bore of the barrel being rifled. As the cutter is dragged through the bore, the barrel is rotated at a fixed rate
to impart the spiral of the rifling. Each pass of the tool only cuts one groove, and the barrel must be re-positioned,
and the process repeated for the number of grooves required. As each pass of the cutter only removes a few
thousandths of an inch of metal, the height of the ' hook' must be raised and the grooves all cut again, with up to 80
passes being made for each groove. This is a very time-consuming and, as the hooks rapidly wear out, an
expensive method of rifling (Figure 4.5). Hook rifling can be identified by (i) the presence of longitudinal striations in
the cut grooves and (ii) the similarity, as the same tool is used for every groove, between the micro stria in the
grooves.
Figure 4.5 Hook cutter.
Scrape cutter rifling. The Scrape cutter method of rifling uses a bar with curved and hardened steel scrapers set
into it. The number of these scrapers corresponds to the number of grooves required. As a result, all grooves are cut
with one pass after which the height of the scrapers is increased and further passes are made. This method
produces extremely fine rifling and is used on some of the best weapons. Scrape cutter rifling is very similar to hook
cutter except that it has a different scraper used for each groove, there will be no underlying similarity between the
grooves.
Broach rifling. The most commonly used rifling method is called 'broach rifling'. This, in a very simplified form, can
be thought of as a series of 20 or 30 steel discs on a rod, with each disc being slightly larger than the one preceding
it. Into each disc is cut the profile and number of grooves required with the last disc possessing the final calibre and
dimension required. A broach cutter can thus cut all the grooves and lands to the final dimensions in a single pass.
Broach cutter rifling can be recognized by the longitudinal striations on the lands as well as the grooves on the
weapon's bore (Figure 4.6).
Figure 4.6 Broach rifling cutter.
Rifling methods
Last Updated on Wed, 31 Oct 2018 | Ballistics
Button rifling. 'Button rifling' is a very commonly used method but is generally only used on the cheaper weapons,
particularly those of 0.22" calibre. In this type of rifling, the barrel is bored slightly smaller that the final required
diameter. A ' button' on the end of a long rod, containing an exact negative of the rifling required, is then pushed or
pulled through the bore forcing the metal to expand into the final shape required (Figure 4.7). This is a single
operation and is a very cheap way of rifling a weapon. Button rifling is, especially in the cheaper weapons, very easy
to identify as the circular marks produced during the reaming of the bore are not eliminated during the rifling. These
marks are simply pressed into the metal and are visible on both the lands and grooves.
Figure 4.7 Button rifling tool.
Swage or hammer rifling. Another method which is similar to button rifling but produces a very much higher quality
is called 'swaging or hammer rifling'. In this method, the bore is reamed slightly larger than the required final
diameter. A mandril (an extremely hard steel plug tapered at both ends) containing an exact negative of the rifling
profile required is then passed through the bore whilst the outside of the barrel is either hammered or hydraulically
squeezed on to it. This method causes the metal not only to work-harden, but also to increase in density. Assuming
the mandril is of a good quality, rifled barrels of an exceptional quality are produced. This type of rifling can, if the
outside of the barrel has not been turned down, be recognized by the peculiar spiral indentations on the outside
surface due to the hammering or squeezing process. Other than that, the only other identifying characteristic is the
mirror-like finish and lack of striations in the rifling.
Other methods of rifling. Other methods of rifling, such as electrolytic and gas cutting, do exist and are used but
only to a very limited extent.
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