KKM vs LWD

[DM1906]

What is the actual modification KKM makes?

They open the throat .001-.002" and extend the freebore to accommodate oversize, longer bullets, WFN's, and higher pressures. You can do the same on any barrel, with some elbow grease and toothpaste (polishing compound) or fire-lapping, which is much more effective than machining.

[Pablo]

Makes sense, interesting really.

[DM1906]

Makes sense, interesting really.

Basically the same (and only) difference between the .223 Rem. and .556 NATO chambers. Also the reason .223R spec. ammo is generally considered less accurate in a .556N chambered weapon, and .556N ammo fired in a .223R chamber can be dangerous, due to excessive pressure.  Fire-lapping is not as "simple" or quick as simply reaming, but reaming simply opens it up to accept everything, while fire-lapping only affects the chamber and freebore up to the minimal spec. desired, retaining the best of both worlds. If you are a handloader, it's much more simple, quick (and inexpensive) than you may think.

[sstewart]

I get the chamber part of this. Sounds like is similar to what Pablo was describing with his valve lapping compound. But how do you extend the free bore without machining.

[DM1906]

I get the chamber part of this. Sounds like is similar to what Pablo was describing with his valve lapping compound. But how do you extend the free bore without machining.

It happens during the process, which is why it is very important to take small steps and limited rounds per session. Fire-lapping is progressive, and affects each zone of the barrel in a diminishing value, throughout. This is due, mostly, to the consumption of effectiveness of the abrasive media as it travels its course (like wearing out sand paper). This is why the throat polishes very quickly (within a few rounds), and the effectiveness diminishes to very little at the muzzle. The freebore is extended by polishing (enlarging) the throat/leade, which gradually reduces the approach angle and aggressiveness of the rifling engagement. This also reduces initial ignition (peak) pressure, due to the increased freebore volume and abrupt engagement. For these reasons, any needed bore polishing that remains should be done by mechanical means once the freebore is at or near desired.

[my_old_glock]

I have 4 Lone Wolf barrels. They are all more accurate than me. I have not had any problems with any bullet types in those barrels.

I personally wouldn't waste the money on a KKM barrel.


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[HiVel]

I have a selection of all three-KKM, Storm Lake, and Lone Wolf.  I do not have any problems with any of them.  All work and amazingly enough so do the Glock barrels.  These go in length from 10" and 10mm to the short conversion barrels 40 to 9mm in the 27 and so on---no esoteric ammo but some hot factory stuff.   Glocks are so much fun!!

[DizzyDean]

I've had zero issues with my lone wolf barrels so far.

[sstewart]

I went with Lonewolf. I got 2 for my 29, one std length and one .40 conversion barrel. I also got the 6 inch threaded barrel with compensator for my 40. Haven't shot them yet. I got the blind logo ones. I like the understated look of those.

[DM1906]

I went with Lonewolf. I got 2 for my 29, one std length and one .40 conversion barrel. I also got the 6 inch threaded barrel with compensator for my 40. Haven't shot them yet. I got the blind logo ones. I like the understated look of those.

Good choice(s), IMO. If you have a normally marked LW barrel, you can "ghost" the marking by simply polishing it with Scotch-Brite. The black will fade to no more than a watermark. Looks cool, if you like cool.

[Pablo]

If you have a normally marked LW barrel, you can "ghost" the marking by simply polishing it with Scotch-Brite. The black will fade to no more than a watermark. Looks cool, if you like cool.

AH - I thought I was the only one. I actually used wet/dry paper flat on a piece of glass. It does look cool, in a muted way.

[DM1906]

If you have a normally marked LW barrel, you can "ghost" the marking by simply polishing it with Scotch-Brite. The black will fade to no more than a watermark. Looks cool, if you like cool.

AH - I thought I was the only one. I actually used wet/dry paper flat on a piece of glass. It does look cool, in a muted way.

I do that as well, but it polishes it to a shine. The Scotch-Brite leaves it flat, unless you go too long with it.

[Sean Thornton]

Lone Wolf has barrels on ebay 6 inch at $99.99 and free shipping.

[sqlbullet]

99 + free shipping is about $8-10 below buying on site ($94.95 + shipping)

[10mm-Admirer]

I've had 5 KKM barrels in various calibers. All have been flawless. I sent one in to have it shortened to stock length. They did it fast at no charge and refinished it in the process.  I buy KKM without hesitating if I want an aftermarket barrel.