Mac,

Thanks for the correction regarding Searcy barrels.

Tinker,

Sleeving is done with the ribs removed. This then would be when one of the barrel shops which commonly TIG weld the seams does their welding, to prevent contamination?

Would the subsequent heat of soldering the barrel ribs in be sufficient heat to overcome the localized issues you refer to regarding the small area heat affected by TIG welding?

TIG welding id not an uncommon practice regarding sleeving any barrels, and moreover, the process passes muster with both English proof houses and other European houses, and passed the proof load tests as well. No mean feat if the process isn't safe.

JPK