straight. The rings will form a perfect circle around the bore. If this does not happen, release the
pressure. Rotate or move the barrel forward or back and repeat the process.
When you get the perfect circle put more pressure until when you release the pressure the barrel will
remain straight. The barrel is like a spring and it will take quite a bit of pressure. When done the interior
will look like the above drawings. When you mount the screw press, have it face the window, so you will
see half of the edge of the window in the bore.
With a little practice, you will be able to straighten the barrel in a few minutes. The second method is
with the blocks. This method works fine but is more difficult to get the barrel straight and is time
consuming. This method is best used for full size barrel blanks, or if you do not have an overhead press.
A large lead hammer can be used on liners to bend the liner. Find where the bend is, and set the liner
on the blocks with the bend to the top. Now give the barrel a good tap with the lead hammer. Check to
see if you have made any progress, if not repeat the above with a harder tap.
The secret of this process is to hit the barrel hard enough to straighten it past its elastic limits.
Your skill in using this process lies in your ability to judge by the eye, the exact location where the bend,
its proper location, and then slide the barrel to that location.
To straighten the barrel it must be bent past its elastic limits, so when it springs back it will be straight. If
you bend it to far it will be bent the other way, then you will have to rotate the barrel and straighten it
back.
With a little practice, you will be able to straighten the barrel in a few minutes. The second method is
with the blocks. This method works fine but is more difficult to get the barrel straight and is time
consuming. This method is best used for full size barrel blanks, due to their large size.