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David Tubb's Final Finish Fire Lapping System

14K views 8 replies 9 participants last post by  DOK 
#1 ·
Has anyone had experience with the Final Finish System, fire lapping system marketed by David Tubb?

I tried it in a 357 Magnum revolver that had a bore constriction where the barrel screws into the frame and the bore had a leading problem. This lapping system was recommended.

Well, I was surprised to see the lapping bullets were jacketed soft points and not lead. I was
also surprised the loads recommended were stated in the instructions to be most any starting load in the manuals.

I followed the instructions to the letter and when I completed the lapping and gave the revolver a complete cleaning I proceded to test some of the cast loads I had had some minor leading problems with prior to the lapping.

After only ten rounds had been fired, I had leading in the forcing cone and throat that looked like someone had just soldered the first inch or so of the bore. Solid lead, not the little bit that I had before after 40 to 50 rounds.

I think David Tubb's "Final Finish System" of bore lapping has ruined my barrel by opening up the forcing cone and throat of my 357 magnum to a point that I now have some serious hot gas by-passing the bullets and flame cutting large quantities lead onto the bore.

I emailed David Tubb and got no answer. He must want my money, but doesn't want to get involved is helping to resolve the problem his lapping system has caused for me.

I don't recommend anyone use this product for fear of ruining a fine firearm.
 
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#2 ·
Our host, Beartooth Bullets has fine fire lapping kits for sale with understandable instructions. The bullets are soft lead. I'd recommend those wanting to fire lap to give serious consideration to the BTB process.
 
#3 ·
I have used the Tubbs system in all my rifles (22-250, 243, 270wsm, 7mag, 7 ultra mag, 300wsm). The system has worked flawlessly for me in my rifles. Improved accuracy by inches. The one thing I had to learn was to back off my charge in order to keep the bullets from tumbling. I went from a max load, down to a middle of the road load and accuracy was greatly improved.
I have never concidered trying it in my handguns.
 
#4 ·
I've fire lapped precisely one centerfire rifle with each system: The Tubb Final Finish system, and the Beartooth Bullets firelapping kit. In each case, I was trying to reduce the absolutely MASSIVE amount of copper fouling in the barrels.

In the case of the Beartooth experience, copper fouling was somewhat reduced. Nowhere near eliminated, but somewhat reduced. I was too nervous to shoot more than 25 rounds down the tube with that system, since I can detect no evidence of constriction nor anything else anywhere.

In the case of the Tubb Final Finish experience, I am unable to detect any change whatsoever in the amount of copper fouling in that rifle. For all I know, that one may be too smooth (I've read before that an actual mirror polish finish will foul like a banshee). I got that rifle second-hand and do not have high confidence that I know the actual history of it.

The 2 systems appear to operate on the same super-basic principle, but the details are very, very different. I don't know whether I'd try either system again, but if I did I'd be more likely to expend the effort required on the Beartooth system.
 
#6 ·
Can someone explain this firelapping? Is it: loading several rounds of abrasive bullets that, when fired, polish the bore?

NOT the details, but is that the gist of it?
 
#7 ·
Basically, yes.

On the post that started the entire thread..... did you measure the cylinder throats, and slug the gun, before starting? Throats need to be larger than the groove diameter or you won't get the desired results. Also, when done, cast bullets may need to be sized larger than before. Just a couple of things.

I've only ever used the Beartooth system, and never had any problems.
 
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