Wall thickness gauges

[Mike of the Mountain]

Just wondering on what different style wall thickness gauges my Fox brothers are using? Hand held caliper type? Board mounted with a bar and dial such as Fox-admin's set-up? I'm looking to use something simple, portable and precise. Any suggestions and ideas?

[SmithShady]

Mike, I finally broke down and purchased John Hosford's gauge from him at the Southern on Sunday. Earlier in the weekend, I had Craig measure the barrels on that Parker Underlifter that I ended up taking home with me. I liked the stand mounted one from Galazan that Craig has, and it is very easy to use. In the end though, for me, portability won out over this gauge and I bought the one from Hosford. I've measured several of my guns since I got it home, and I'm very happy with it. After measuring a few guns with the barrels hanging parallel to the ground vs. vertical, I can see where it's a little tougher to get great readings close in to the top or bottom rib on the first try. On the first few guns I measured, I had a tendency to bump the gauge against the top rib when rotating the barrels trying to get close (as this is usually the thinnest part of the barrels), and it would affect the measurements. It's also easier to measure the barrels vertically on the Galazan gauge, because the collar that the muzzle rests on keeps the gauge centered in the barrel while you are measuring. Measuring with the Hosford gauge, it's up to you to keep the gauge suspended and centered in the barrel while trying to read the gauge at the same time. This takes a little getting used too, and is probably making me measure the gun several times for accuracy instead of once. I take my gauges with me pretty much everywhere I go, leaving them in the truck "just in case." I tote my Galazan bore gauge to every gun show, and I'm getting ready to post a sign on it that says "This is not a Lyman Rifle Scope, so quit asking!"

The Galazan gauge I believe is around $550, and Hosford's is $600. If you want portability and accuracy, I would suggest the Hosford Gauge. I'm sure he'll be at Hausmann's, so you can save $20 in shipping by getting it there.

Mike

[MARSHFELLOW]

Mike,

I'm not a certified card carrying technician but I give a triple thumbs up to the Hosford gauge. Really am very happy with mine.

tjw

[Mike of the Mountain]

Thanks guys. Looks like I may have to forego procuring another gun at Ernies and break down at buy a gauge.

[eightbore]

I use the Skeet's type bore micrometer that Brownell sells for about $90. One is 12 and 16, and the other is 20 and 28. Mine came from Galazan about 15 years ago or more. I also use Galazans bore micrometer that costs about $500 and measures 28 to 10 and seems to be adaptable to 8 gauge with some machine work. I use the Manson wall thickness gauge that Brownell sells for around $100. That being said, Jon Hosford's tools and gauges are wonderful and he is a fine fellow and talented machinist.