I originally put this in the gunsmithing forum, but this might be a better place for it. There are either gouges or pitting in this old 12ga shotgun barrel. Is this generally safe to shoot in this condition? I have cleaned it out with bore cleaner (letting it sit for 2 hrs), then cleaned it out with a lead free cloth. The shotgun is 117 years old and all other parts are in very good condition overall.
12ga Bore Pitting
- Thread starter ahedgpe
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DocRock
member
The bore itself represents no safety threat, provided all else is in working order. You'll have to take it to the patterning board and see what impact the pitting has. Could be fine. If it patterns okay, I would be tempted to not clean it much and let plastic wad residue fill in the pits. But definitely pattern it.
MacAR
Member
I've got an old Stevens single 12 gauge that looks as bad or worse. It patterns well and so far hasn't given me any trouble. As DocRock said, clean it well then pattern it. You should be fine.
Mac
Mac
243winxb
Member
No, not a Damascus barrel. Just an old winchester 97
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243winxb
Member
Had and shot one. Should be ok to fire.
tactikel
Member
Try to polish out the pitting. UTube has videos on polishing a shotgun barrel using a electric drill, scotch brite, and a cleaning rod.
Thanks, I'll check them out.
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RexFeral8
Member
The barrel on my old 10 gauge looks very similar to the pics you posted. It patterns ok and, I am shooting it without wad cup, just an over powder card wad and a fiber wad over pyrodex.
Sav .250
Member
Fire away. .......Not a safety issue.
Frankly even if fluid steel that pitting is deep, and I would think twice before shooting it. It looks as clean as it will get. It might (?) be OK, but I would not shoot it. If your going to then good luck, and I recommend you have your medical Insurance paid up.
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George P
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Add some oil to that combination.
Its not a Damascus barrel. I confirmed this over at the Winchestercollector forums with the moderator there.
Obturation
Member
I'd just take it easy on the old girl and have fun with it. I'd keep away from the heavy loads (same as if it weren't pitted) and steel shot. Not that I would be too terribly concerned but moderate / light loads of lead shot should be ok- there's not a lot of pressure involved .
Yes, you caught my posting before I realized you had covered that. Sorry about that. I did however change my posting shortly after it first went up .If you look at it now the reference to damascus is gone. I do however stand by the change I made to it. Seriously, that is not going to clean up any better than you have already done. That pitting is extensive and deep in my opinion, and I would not personally shoot it in that compromised condition. It seems I am on the more cautious side of the replies so do what you feel is appropriate. I would at least strap it to a tire and run a string to fire the first couple rounds. Better safe than sorry sometimes is the right advice.
Just for peace of mind, I took this to a well respected gunsmith in my area. He inspected it and said the pitting is minor and he would not hesitate to shoot light loads in it. He also was not a fan of honing the pitting out, because of metal loss. The only time he recommended honing was in the case that the pitting was affecting shot patterning, which seems to be the consensus here as well.
Thanks all!
Thanks all!
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DocRock
member
Hope it patterns well. Enjoy!
MacAR
Member
Just out of curiosity, what kind of shotgun is it?
Mac
Mac
entropy
Member
The Model 12 I just finished a complete detailing on has a barrel that looks about the same. As Doc Rock says, it's safe. But the patterns might be different than a new bore. One way to find out; hit the patterning board. I will be doing so with the Model 12 and the Stevens 755A I currently have apart. The bore on that one is fine.
Winchester 1897, made in 1903. It patterns the same at my model 12.
MacAR
Member
That's great! I too have an 1897, from 1914. Its tight patterning gun. "Shoots hard" too. Take good care of her and you'll get another 110 years out of 'er.
Mac
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