---
title: "Shotgun Barrels: Back Boring and Flexible Honing"
description: Flex-Hone® tools for shotgun barrels impart a smooth, polished finish while promoting optimum lubrication and resistance to corrosion, resistance and fouling.
image: https://blog.brushresearch.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Shotguns.jpeg
---

- [Account Login](https://www.brushresearch.com/myaccount/)
- [View Cart (0)](https://www.brushresearch.com/view-cart.php)
- CALL 323-261-2193

- [![Brush Research Pintrest](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/file-2655888633-png/brushresearch-images/pintrest.png)](http://www.pinterest.com/brushresearch/)
- [![Brush Research Google+](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/file-2655888618-png/brushresearch-images/gplus-16.png)](https://plus.google.com/+Brushresearch/posts)
- [![Brush Research Linkedin](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/file-2655888628-png/brushresearch-images/linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/company/225267?trk=pp_icon)
- [![Brush Research Twiiter](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/file-2647530532-png/brushresearch-images/twitter.png)](http://twitter.com/brushresearch)
- [![Brush Research Facebook](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/file-2647530512-png/brushresearch-images/facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/BrushResearch)

[![Brush Research Manufacturing](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/file-2655888638-png/brushresearch-images/logo.png)](http://www.brushresearch.com)

- [About US](http://www.brushresearch.com/about.php) 
    - [News](http://www.brushresearch.com/news.php)
    - [Tradeshows](http://www.brushresearch.com/tradeshows.php)
    - [Job Opportunities](http://www.brushresearch.com/jobs.php)
    - [Blog](https://blog.brushresearch.com/)
- [Products](http://www.brushresearch.com/products.php) 
    - [The Flex-Hone® Tool](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=1)
    - [The Flex-Hone® For Rotors](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=2)
    - [Flex-Hone® Tools For Firearms](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=3)
    - [Flex-Hone Kits and Accessories](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=4)
    - [Abrasive Nylon Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=5)
    - [NamPower™](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=13)
    - [Diesel and Automotive Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=6)
    - [Power Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=7)
    - [Miniature Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=8)
    - [Twisted-in-Wire Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=9)
    - [Strip Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=10)
    - [Radial Coil Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/custom-radial-types.php)
    - [Scratch and Maintenance Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=12)
    - [Parts Wash Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/product-line.php?line=14)
    - [Custom Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/custom-brushes.php)
- [Applications](http://www.brushresearch.com/applications.php)
- [Literature](http://www.brushresearch.com/literature.php) 
    - [Catalog](http://www.brushresearch.com/literature.php?type=1)
    - [Technical Books](http://www.brushresearch.com/literature.php?type=2)
    - [Brochures](http://www.brushresearch.com/literature.php?type=3)
    - [Application Guides](http://www.brushresearch.com/literature.php?type=4)
    - [MSDS](http://www.brushresearch.com/msds.php)
    - [Safety Guide](http://www.brushresearch.com/safety-guide.php)
    - [Engineering Guide](http://www.brushresearch.com/engineering-guide.php)
    - [Credit and Resource Documentation](http://www.brushresearch.com/credit-resource-documentation.php)
    - [Tech Lab Request Forms](http://www.brushresearch.com/tech-lab-request-forms.php)
- [Videos](http://www.brushresearch.com/videos.php)
- [Distributors](http://www.brushresearch.com/distributors.php)
- [FAQ](http://www.brushresearch.com/faq.php)
- [Contacts](http://www.brushresearch.com/contact.php)

![industrial_brushes_BrushResearch-1.jpg](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brushresearch-images/industrial_brushes_BrushResearch-1.jpg?width=950&name=industrial_brushes_BrushResearch-1.jpg "industrial_brushes_BrushResearch-1.jpg")

# BRM Official Blog

# Shotgun Barrels: Back Boring and Flexible Honing

Posted by [Team BRM](https://blog.brushresearch.com/author/team-brm) on Jun 19, 2016 5:10:45 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Shotguns](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Shotguns.jpeg?width=300&name=Shotguns.jpeg "Shotguns")Back boring a shotgun barrel increases the size of the bore relative to the constriction of the choke for a tighter shot pattern. For hunters, target shooters, and other shotgun owners, denser patterns and larger pellets can support longer shots and greater accuracy. Back boring a shotgun can also reduce recoil, which means less intense blows to a shooter’s shoulder.

Removing the right amount of material with a back bore reamer is important, but experienced gunsmiths also understand the value of an optimal surface finish. That’s why they use [Flex-Hone® tools for shotgun barrels](https://info.brushresearch.com/shotgun-barrel-hones-flex-hone-firearms) from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM). Flex-Hone® for Firearms tools impart a smooth, polished finish while promoting optimum lubrication and resistance to corrosion, resistance and fouling.

## **How to Back Bore a Shotgun**

In [Back bore a shotgun](http://rifleshooter.com/2015/08/back-bore-a-shotgun/), an article on rifleshooter.com, readers can learn how to use a metal lathe to drive a back bore reamer. As the author explains, the setup that’s described is patterned after that of a gunsmith in Ontario, Canada. Back boring with the Grizzly 4003G gunsmith’s lathe required a reamer extension, frequent tool cleaning and lubrication, and a sound understanding of where to stop the reamer.

According to the article’s author, the entire fixture cost about $160 to make. The chuck, which was the most expensive part, cost about $100. By experimenting with the spindle speed and the feed rate, the author used the shotgun reamer to achieve a bright, shiny finish. Some gunsmiths consider the job done once the barrel is removed from the lathe, but this project included an important, additional step.

## **Flexible Honing for Shotgun Barrels**

![Shotgun Barrel Hones](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/barrel_hone.jpg?width=230&name=barrel_hone.jpg "Shotgun Barrel Hones")“Honing,” the author explained, “is an absolute requirement if you do this work by hand.” So why use the [Flex-Hone® for Firearms](https://info.brushresearch.com/shotgun-barrel-hones-flex-hone-firearms) if you’ve reamed the barrel on a lathe then? BRM’s shotgun maintenance tool isn’t designed for material removal. Rather, the Flex-Hone® for shotgun barrels imparts a plateau finish that promotes lubrication and helps reduce fouling, corrosion, and wear. 

Gun owners want a smooth, polished finish for the bores of their firearms, but just because a surface is shiny doesn’t mean that it’s ideal. Flexible honing removes cut, torn, and jagged metal. This deburring and surface finishing technique also imparts a uniform series of oil-retaining grooves. Flex-Hone® tools don’t require any special training or instruction. Plus, they be used with most any rotating spindle – including handheld electric drills. Still, there are some best practices to follow for tool selection and use.

## **Learn More About Flex-Hone® for Firearms Tools**

Are you ready to learn more about Flex-Hone® for Firearms tools? To learn how to use BRM’s shotgun barrel hones, [watch this short video](https://info.brushresearch.com/flex-hone-firearms-instructional-video). You can also learn more about flexible honing for firearms by downloading the [Flex-Hone® for Firearms brochure](https://info.brushresearch.com/download-flex-hone-for-firearms-brochure). This free, full-color brochure includes instructions for use, and provides product specifications for all of the gun tools in the Flex-Hone® for Firearms family.

[![Flex-Hone for Firearms Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/484035/07bd6614-6f3b-4da5-86a3-0b125b3a51b7.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/484035/07bd6614-6f3b-4da5-86a3-0b125b3a51b7)

 Topics: [flex-hone for firearms](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/flex-hone-for-firearms)

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Flex-Hone (77)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/flex-hone)
- [NamPower (18)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/nampower)
- [NamPower Abrasive Disc Brushes (16)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/nampower-abrasive-disc-brushes)
- [Automotive (15)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/automotive)
- [Industrial Brushes (12)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/industrial-brushes)
- [NamPower Wheels (12)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/nampower-wheels)
- [flex-hone for firearms (12)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/flex-hone-for-firearms)
- [Deburring Tools (6)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/deburring-tools)
- [Miniature Deburring Brushes (6)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/miniature-deburring-brushes)
- [Brake Rotors (5)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/brake-rotors)
- [Firearms Maintenance (4)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/firearms-maintenance)
- [Aerospace (3)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/aerospace)
- [Cylinder Honing (3)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/cylinder-honing)
- [Diamond Tools (3)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/diamond-tools)
- [surface finishing (3)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/surface-finishing)
- [wheel brushes (3)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/wheel-brushes)
- [Engine Rebuilds (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/engine-rebuilds)
- [Fluid Power (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/fluid-power)
- [Hydraulics (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/hydraulics)
- [Motorcycle Engines (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/motorcycle-engines)
- [WESTEC (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/westec)
- [automation (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/automation)
- [pneumatics (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/pneumatics)
- [tube brushes (2)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/tube-brushes)
- [End Brushes (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/end-brushes)
- [FABTECH (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/fabtech)
- [Power Brushes (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/power-brushes)
- [SOUTHTEC (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/southtec)
- [Send In Your Part (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/send-in-your-part)
- [WESTEC 2015 (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/westec-2015)
- [Wire Cup Brushes (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/wire-cup-brushes)
- [anodized cylinders (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/anodized-cylinders)
- [brakes (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/brakes)
- [cbn flex-hone (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/cbn-flex-hone)
- [chamfer blending (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/chamfer-blending)
- [chamfer honing (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/chamfer-honing)
- [deburring (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/deburring)
- [diesel (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/diesel)
- [flex-hone for rotors (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/flex-hone-for-rotors)
- [imts (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/imts)
- [machined parts (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/machined-parts)
- [machined superalloys (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/machined-superalloys)
- [metalworking (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/metalworking)
- [planar honing (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/planar-honing)
- [plateau finishing (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/plateau-finishing)
- [pumps (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/pumps)
- [shotguns (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/shotguns)
- [valves (1)](https://blog.brushresearch.com/topic/valves)

see all

### Sign-Up for BRM's Company Newsletter!

[![logo_sgs](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brushresearch-images/logo_sgs.jpg?width=89&name=logo_sgs.jpg)](http://www.us.sgs.com/) [![logo_sgs](https://blog.brushresearch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brushresearch-images/order-by-number.jpg?width=89&name=order-by-number.jpg)](http://www.brushresearch.com/order-by-part-number.php)

- [Home](http://www.brushresearch.com)
- [About Us](http://www.brushresearch.com/about.php)
- [Products](http://www.brushresearch.com/products.php)
- [Applications](http://www.brushresearch.com/applications.php)

- [Literature](http://www.brushresearch.com/literature.php)
- [Videos](http://www.brushresearch.com/videos.php)
- [Locate a Distributor](http://www.brushresearch.com/distributors.php)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](http://www.brushresearch.com/faq.php)

- [Flex-Hone](http://www.brushresearch.com/flex-hone.php)
- [Deburring Brush](http://www.brushresearch.com/deburring-brush.php)
- [Automotive Brush](http://www.brushresearch.com/automotive-brush.php)
- [Abrasive Nylon Brush](http://www.brushresearch.com/abrasive-nylon.php)

- [Flex-Hone Tool and Gun Cleaning Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/flexhone_gun_cleaning_brush.php)
- [Wire Brushes](http://www.brushresearch.com/wire_brushes.php)
- [Cylinder Hones](http://www.brushresearch.com/cylinder_hones.php)
- [Engine Hones](http://www.brushresearch.com/engine-hone.php)

- [Flex Hone Sizes](http://www.brushresearch.com/flex-hone-sizes.php)
- [Flex Hone Dealers](http://www.brushresearch.com/flex-hone-dealer.php)
- [Flex Hone Instructions](http://www.brushresearch.com/flex-hone-instructions.php)
- [Sitemap](http://www.brushresearch.com/site-map.php)

Brush Research Manufacturing Co., Inc. © 2015

- [Terms of Use](http://www.brushresearch.com/terms-of-use.php)
- [Privacy Statement](http://www.brushresearch.com/privacy.php)
- [Terms and Conditions](http://www.brushresearch.com/terms-conditions.php)