doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Need advice - pit in bore

Gents, several days ago I mentioned a near mint 1950s Browning Sweet 16 I'd bought. I just received it, and while it is probably 98% (a couple of very light spots of freckling on the receiver - not enough to bother me), I did discover a pit in the bore, 7 inches from the muzzle. I can feel it with a dental pick and can see it with the naked eye. I tried polishing it with some JB bore paste, but no noticeable effect. The bore is otherwise pristine.

My question is, how signifigant is this? I paid top dollar for the gun and have 3-days to return it. However, I'm a rifle shooter, and don't usually deal with shotgun barrel pitting issues.

I'd be interested in any thoughts on how big a problem this is in an otherwise beautiful gun.

Thanks,
DeWayne

DeWayne,

Is it shallow or deep? You could have the barrels honed and polished, but if it is shallow and you clean meticulously I doubt it will be a problem. I shoot a Fox and Parker that both have very minor pits. Doesn't affect anything except I wish they weren't there.

Jim

I can't determine exactly how deep it is - of course, it's deeper than I'd like. I can't hang a dental pick in it, but I can feel the rough patch.

If you fancy doing it yourself you might consider the Brownell's barrel hone: http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/P...NG+FLEX+HONE%7e

I think it can be bought else where for less money. If this is the only gun I would consider having it done by a pro. Mike Orlen of this Board id highly recommended. Mike's contact info: orlen@verizon.net 413-256-1630

Jim

This is the site with cheaper hones:

http://www.brushresearch.com/Index.cfm/FuseAction/home.Home.htm

7" from the muzzle is not a major problem. Pressure is very much lower there than near the chamber. If you keep the pit clean it will not get deeper. I think that efforts to hone out every pit in a barrel does more damage than good some times. Rather have one pinpoint pit than a set of barrels thinned just to remove tha pit.

If you want a pristine gun this is not one. If you want a very good condition gun this one should suit. Question is does one pit queer your deal? Have to be a fairly large one to bother me at that spot in the barrel.

What size of flex hone does one need for a 12 ga, .729? I have a couple of hammer guns which could do with a light honing.
Mike

Buy your flex hones at MSC and save a bunch of money for the same thing!
bill

Actually, I just had a friend take a look at it and poke around with the dental pick, as well. He feels it's more like a shallow spot of "flake rust" as opposed to a full-out pit cavity.

I suppose I can live with it given its location, shallowness and the fact that the rest of the gun is in such nice shape. While it was disappointing to find any imperfections, I think I'd have to look for a long time to find a Belgian Sweet 16 in the same condition, so I'd better keep it.

I appreciate all your help, as always, gentlemen.

DeWayne

URL to flex hone for firearms pdf on their site

http://www.brushresearch.com/Index.cfm/FuseAction/home.TechnicalBookletsForm/Book/8.htm

croj