Which outcome should not be expected from fire lapping?

Fire lapping is a technique used to smooth out the bore of a firearm by firing specific types of abrasive ammunition. The expected outcomes of fire lapping include several important improvements to firearm performance.

Improvement in bullet stabilization is likely because a smoother bore can allow for better alignment and engagement of the bullet with the rifling. This can lead to more consistent and accurate shots. The process can also lead to smoother bullet travel through the bore, as any rough or irregular sections in the barrel are polished away, helping to minimize friction and allowing the bullet to exit more efficiently and accurately.

Additionally, shooters often observe a reduced group size in shooting tests as a result of enhanced accuracy stemming from these improvements. The reduction in uneven surfaces translates to greater consistency in each shot, which often directly correlates to tighter grouping.

However, fire lapping does not alter the overall length of the rifle. The physical dimensions of the firearm, including the length, remain unchanged by the lapping process, since it only focuses on smoothing the interior surfaces of the bore rather than modifying the external characteristics or the structural integrity of the firearm itself. Thus, any expectation of a change in the rifle's overall length as a result of fire lapping would be incorrect.