my father recently gifted me a sxs 12 gauge, which i believe to be a stevens. (i'll try and get a pic of the whole thing later). we've shot this plenty in the past, but it's been laid up for a while. upon inspection, there is a small dent in the left barrel, which protrudes into the bore and can be easily seen. the dent is small, as if made by a nail set or punch (not saying that's what happened, just trying to put it into perspective).
do you guys think this is safe to shoot? ahould i get a local smith to look at it? i somewhat figure that lead shot will simply deform and a poor pattern will be the worst case scenario. and of course, no slugs. however, i value my digits and peepers, so don't want to take unnecessary risk.
there is what i believe enough barrel behind the dent to legally shorten it to 18 inches as another option.
the pics aren't great down the bore, but give the general idea.
what say you?
do you guys think this is safe to shoot? ahould i get a local smith to look at it? i somewhat figure that lead shot will simply deform and a poor pattern will be the worst case scenario. and of course, no slugs. however, i value my digits and peepers, so don't want to take unnecessary risk.
there is what i believe enough barrel behind the dent to legally shorten it to 18 inches as another option.
the pics aren't great down the bore, but give the general idea.
what say you?