I watched it and I am amazed they would allow anyone to film. Most companies have trade secrets that they don't divulge. Another thing I noticed is how old and antiquated some of their machinery is. It's amazing they can produce the quality product they do. At one time not too long ago I think the company was for sale. Guess it didn't sell.


JMH

They have trade secrets, all right.  When they (Kirk, I think) took a friend and me on a tour of the place, they showed us a bored and reamed barrel before rifling.  The shadow lines in the bore were like long isosceles triangles, wide at the breech, narrow at the muzzle.  I was told that was because there was a steady taper over a thousandth or so in the bore diameter from breech to muzzle, a full length choke, if you will.

I asked how they bored (or reamed) the barrel to get that tapered choke and was told, "I could tell you but I'd have to kill you afterwards."

The buttoning process, as mentioned in the video, is probably better than a proof test for detecting flaws in a barrel.  He showed me several that had split upon being buttoned.  Far better than opening up with a cartridge being fired.

I recall being told that they had started with four barrel drill stations and had just added a couple more.  That allowed them to keep up with orders (at the time) and still make a few "generic" rifles to put in the rack for sale to those who didn't want a bespoke rifle but still wanted a Shiloh Sharps,without so much of a wait.

Bob took us on a tour of the foundry, and that was pretty impressive as well.  Castings are done by the "Lost Wax" method, the alloy used is stronger than a forging and very little machining is needed afterwards.

They were working that day, but they still had time to show a couple of enthusiasts around.  Great people.  I ordered a "generic" rifle after the factory tour.  Kind of like a wine tasting at a winery; no better sales pitch exists.