U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Firearms Examiner Training

Turning

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

 

Photo of a lathe machine
Conventional lathe
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Turning is the process of rotating an object about its axis and bringing a cutting tool to bear. Turning is used to produce parts of precise outside diameter with a lathe Almost any part that needs to be rounded precisely can be turned, providing the part can rotate in the lathe. Turning can also produce flat faces on the ends of a rod or bar.

The most commonly turned gun component is the barrel. The exterior dimensions and contours are turned features of the barrel. Turning can also produce marks suitable for firearms identification. Many bolt faces are turned and the random marks produced in the bolt face transfer to the fired cartridge case as breechblock marks.

Video provided by Savage Arms.

Back Forward