Recrowned my Mini

[linux_author]

I have enjoyed shooting my NAA mini mag and Sidewinder. However, the mini mag has consistently shot low and to sometimes to the left off the POA (point of aim):

So I took a closer look at the crown of the muzzle:

As you can see, there is little in the way of factory polish or refinishing (although I didn't take a pic of my Sidewinder's muzzle, it has a bit better polish).

So, taking the advice of other Internet cheapskate gun owners, and tips from the good folks here on this forum, I popped down to the local Homeless Despot to purchase the highly expensive recrowning toolkit in the hardware section, which contains 6 #8 -32 x 1 in machine screws in brass ($1.18, but $1.08 with HD's 10% military discount):

I already had a small kit of Porter Cable's cleaning and polishing compound:

  Next, I chucked the recrowning bit into my variable-speed electric drill, heavily applied some #1 compound, then while holding my mini, let the weight of the drill press against the muzzle while the drill rotated the rounded head of the machine screw - all while moving the drill in a circular motion to evenly apply the compound. After a few applications, I moved onto #2 compound, then #3, then finished with #5:

The next day I headed to the range and shot the same ammo at the same distance using the same grip and support (my small range bag):

  As you can see, I pulled one flyer. The first five rounds were vertically in-line from below to the target. The next five were close in. I'm pretty pleased and hope to enjoy a tad better accuracy now when practicing!

so, thank you to you folks here for the tip!

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

[redhawk4]

It looks good, but in my mind I'm asking why did you have to do that, why did it leave the factory with such a blemish on the crown? which undoubtedly affects accuracy.

[OV-1D]

  Great job Linux , that's the same way I've done some with that brass screw and jewelers rouge , works like a charm . Just gotta make sure your evening the angle of the surfaces , best done being held in a vise for control of the drill .

[linux_author]

tks, Mr. OV-1D!

well, i think at the mini's price-point and considering its 1" barrel, i didn't expect a whole lot - i was more concerned about timing for the LR and WMR cylinders... so i didn't mind putting in a little effort - it was a learning experience for me

my Sidewinder is pretty much in the ballpark...

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

[Gobbletn]

As you can see, there is little in the way of factory polish or refinishing (although I didn't take a pic of my Sidewinder's muzzle, it has a bit better polish)....

Is that the way it came from the factory??? If so how old is the gun?

Thanks buddy

[linux_author]

As you can see, there is little in the way of factory polish or refinishing (although I didn't take a pic of my Sidewinder's muzzle, it has a bit better polish)....

Is that the way it came from the factory??? If so how old is the gun?

Thanks buddy

'it' meaning the Sidewinder or mini mag? the Sidewinder, which was purchased in January, had a bit better finishing on the muzzle crown... the mini was purchased last Fall - so both are relatively new?

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

[JRobyn]

Good for you Linux!  You are an inspiration.  I don't have a large collection of minis (5) but every single one had no evidence of any crown shaping/cleanup from the factory.  My hunch is that NAA considers these to be very short-range (belly) guns, so any extra effort/time/cost spent on accuracy enhancements is unnecessary.

But your experiment PROVES that just a very small amount of enhancement can have MAJOR impact.  I'll be doing all of mine.  Why not?  I splurged on one of the "special" conical brass burrs.  Set me back $7 including compound.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-original-Brass-muzzle-lapping-kit-rifle-pistol-barrel-lap-gunsmith-tool/132448339852?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

[Uncle_Lee]

Looks really good now..

[smokeless joe]

Good job Linux. Nicely done.

[Rigemortis]

 Very nice presentation.

[Uncle_Lee]

Canoael, That is what a crown should look like.

[Bigbird48]

My BW looks the same as CanoeAl except for the pit marks I never noticed before LOL