BARREL LIFE FOR UZI SMG

[Full Auto]

Hey All,
Couldn't find any info on a thread search. What is a good measure for barrel life on an uzi smg? How many rounds would you say a barrel can handle before one needs to replace it?

Thanks,
Dan

[pmf]

I'd like to know too. They're cheap and I've been thinking of buying a few extra (I have 2 extra ones now). After 500 or so rounds I change barrels.

Pot holders now have another use!

[Tommygun Guy]

I have read some material that indicates that accuracy when using jacketed rounds starts to go away after about 5000 rnds. Some benchrest types would probably say much less. I should note that I have an M-16 with MUCH more than that through it that still shoots quite well. I guess the question becomes how much accuracy do you need? When it gets to where it no longer shoots like you need it to, replace the barrel!

There are probably some other factors here like corrosive primers, and steel core ammo that are not noted for being real barrel friendly.

[Brian Ski]

PMF,
"after 500rds changing barrels" What do you want for the "used ones"?

[tony k]

If you are really worried about barrel life, pick up a chrome-lined IMI barrel. They cost more -- about $80, IIRC -- but will last pretty much forever. Remember, it's almost impossible for 9mm to put the heat and wear stress on a barrel that 5.56 does -- and I have seen chrome-lined M4 barrels that are literally as new after 20k-30k rounds. That chrome is pretty hard to damage or wear!:D

[Clouseau]

I really hate to ask a dumb question. But.......

Should I really worry about burning out a barrel on a SMG?
I don't even have my Vector yet. This will be my first Class 3 weapon. I plan on shooting a lot through this gun, at least until the novelty is gone. Which I doubt will be ever.

What would the board UZI guru's reccomend?

[KarlPMann]

I shoot mostly with two different barrels on my UZI. About 90% with my aftermarket threaded barrel and 10% with my IMI barrel. They are doing just fine with ~100,000 rounds or so through them. As for accuracy, beats me, they hit the targets I aim at. :dunno Karl.

[Tommygun Guy]

This does bring up an interested sub-topic. Is there anyone out there who knows the differences between the various Uzi barrels. Which are chrome-lined, and potentially longer lasting? Which are held to tighter tolerences, hence potentially more accurate? Does anyone make a "Match Grade" Uzi barrel?

[tommygun2000]

that A. most people here could not afford, nor would spend the money to buy the needed ammunition to burn out an Uzi barrel and that B. Most people here couldn't find or even make the time to accomplish such a feat.

Barrel burnout is the absolute last thing I would worry about in an Izi. I'd be more concerned with bolt wear and extractor, and trigger group parts.
Unless your going to heat that barrel up with enough ammo that is comparable to a blowtorch, the thought of shooting out a barrel is a waste of time.

Buying a chrome lined barrel is a smart thing as it will handle laquered steel cased ammo better than plain machined steel, also will wear better in the bore.

I'll bet that almost every Uzi barrel that was ever made(unless subjected to corrosives and severe rusting) or physically damaged(bent or crushed) is still serviceable today at least as a range blasting barrel.

If your buying a spare, buy chrome lined and never have to buy another in your lifetime and probably your youngest childs or their childrens lifetime either.

[Ron]

Where can I purchase a chrome lined barrel to use for subgun matches.

[dan d.]

they have new IMI crome line barrels for mini and full. Just do a search for UZI in Botachs search bar.

http://www.botachtactical.com/

[tommygun2000]

Originally posted by dan d.
they have new IMI crome line barrels for mini and full. Just do a search for UZI in Botachs search bar.

http://www.botachtactical.com/

Got 4 a couple of months ago at least.

[pmf]

Originally posted by Brian Ski
PMF,
"after 500rds changing barrels" What do you want for the "used ones"?

No, I didn't mean to say I discard them after 500 rounds, just that I swap barrels after 500 rounds in an outing (sometimes I run 700+ rounds at a time, and swap barrels because the first one is getting hot).

[tommygun2000]

Originally posted by pmf
No, I didn't mean to say I discard them after 500 rounds, just that I swap barrels after 500 rounds in an outing (sometimes I run 700+ rounds at a time, and swap barrels because the first one is getting hot).

holding the gun upright for a minute of two will cool it quickly and enough to prevent any possible damage.
Convection is a wonderful thing.

[pmf]

Originally posted by tommygun2000
holding the gun upright for a minute of two will cool it quickly and enough to prevent any possible damage.
Convection is a wonderful thing.

A minute or two! I load every mag I have before I go. I can't wait a minute or two!

[tony k]

Originally posted by pmf
A minute or two! I load every mag I have before I go. I can't wait a minute or two!

Well, you could just take a bucket or cooler of ice water to the range with ya. When your Uzi gets hot, give it a dunk -- five seconds and it's cool again.:D

The overheating issue is the number one reason that once you get hooked on full-auto, you end up owning at least three or four MGs. They heat up too fast and cool off too slowly, and there is nothing worse than sitting out a round at an MG shoot.

[stymie]

Originally posted by tony k
....and there is nothing worse than sitting out a round at an MG shoot.

Sure there is... marrying a woman named Martha from Seattle!

But... that's another story!