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< 16ga. General Discussion ~ pitting |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 03, 2017 10:56 am
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Joined: 21 May 2015
Posts: 128
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First, I understand that a clean bore is the ideal.
But, in an otherwise pristine weapon what would be the deal breaker for pitting in the barrels (location, amount, size, etc.).
I'm looking at a prospect that has some pitting but rates the barrels at 97% (a number that is basically nebulous to me).
Thanks,
3ds |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 03, 2017 11:19 am
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Member
Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 1943
Location: Lowcountry Ga.
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If the pitting is close to the muzzle, I don't worry. It's the pitting nearer the breech end that would worry me because that's where the pressure is. Pitting isn't static. It continues to worsen. Pristine condition doesn't include barrel pitting. The barrels are what count. Gil |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 03, 2017 11:40 am
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Joined: 03 Feb 2014
Posts: 325
Location: West Texas
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I have a couple of used shotguns with one or two small pits about 3/4 of the way to the end of the barrel. One of the "pits" is more likely a small dent. That barrel appears to have been in the path of someone else's shot load, there is a single scar on the outside of the barrel that lines up pretty well with the spot. Neither of them can be seen unless the barrel is cleaned mirror bright.
They shoot fine, although I have not patterned them. Doesn't seem to make much difference to my use. |
_________________ 16 - The only "True" gauge
16 ga. Citori White Lightning
3- 16 ga. Remington M 31's
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Posted:
Fri Feb 03, 2017 4:58 pm
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Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2127
Location: Hudson,Wy
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Well, I guess it all depends on what your purpose for buying the gun is, how long you will keep it, how deep the pits are, and how important it is to keep original (at least in terms of resale).
Pitting can be removed by backboring an re-polishing the bores, an expensive and tedious process but perhaps not so bad if it is a high grade gun and therefore worth the effort. This assumes that sufficient wall thickness and concentricity is available to safely do so, which brings us to the next point.
Is the gun going to be a shooter or a collector? Shooter: if the pitting is minor, clean and oil bores after each use and don't worry about it. Collector: well I'll be blunt, collectors are totally anal about such things and will turn their noses up and move to the next available gun to purchase.
If you like the gun, intend to use it, the price is good, and have no intention of turning a buck on it, buy it. If these circumstances are not your situation, keep shopping. |
_________________ Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter... |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 04, 2017 6:33 am
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Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 2069
Location: canandaigua - western n.y. (formerly deerhunter)
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WYO is pretty much right on ... been doing an old 97 with a tool Nick made . The rough part has been removed and am polishing as I go along . If you are a mechanist type , not so expensive . Hand drill and 150 grit . However , it IS time consuming and tedious . And , once you've taken the pits out , you'll have to deal with the choke . I'm not , the tighter the better , and when you add an additional choke shoulder TIGHT is it !! If a shooter , have at it ! |
Last edited by 16gaDavis on Fri Feb 10, 2017 7:28 am; edited 1 time in total _________________ Molly sez AArrrooooooah ! |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 04, 2017 6:45 am
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Joined: 21 May 2015
Posts: 128
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Thanks for the replies.
I think I'll go with it... need to check with telescopic gage and mic's, and I'll keep the wall proud of the minimum thickness for safety.
It's not a collector's gun, but it's light, well balanced, and locks up tightly. I don't mind investing some sweat equity.
Thanks again!!!
3ds |
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Posted:
Thu Feb 09, 2017 6:41 pm
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Member
Joined: 25 Oct 2011
Posts: 424
Location: Crandon, Wisconsin
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I have had guns with pitting in the barrel. I had good luck with using a tornado brush. It might be worth a try. I have tried different methods but the tornado brush worked the best. With plastic wads even the worst pitting did not seem to effect the pattern much. RB |
_________________ "A man never has enough shotguns or dogs" |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 10, 2017 4:06 pm
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Joined: 03 Feb 2008
Posts: 830
Location: Adirondak Mtns
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I have a few that some would call collectors but I shoot them all. I( don"t worry about original condition but get them to where I want them to be. Chambers chokes are made to be changed so I can shoot them as I want to. Guns tend to make a one way trip into my safe and resale is not my problem but my kids. My criteria is, is it safe to shoot and how bad do I want it. Gives me a lot of wiggle room. Pitting would have to be beyond the discussion point. Sounds like you already made the right decision for your needs. Enjoy the gun.
Joe |
_________________ Interested in older US made SxS and upland hunting. New to reloading shot shells and looking for info and advice. |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 11, 2017 6:36 am
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Member
Joined: 06 Apr 2007
Posts: 3373
Location: The Great Northwet
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Peak pressure is in the first 13" of the barrel. Pressure near the muzzles is minimal, around 3k psi if I remember correctly. A few pits there are nothing to worry about from a shooting standpoint imo. |
_________________ Gun art: www.marklarsongunart.com
Gallery art: www.marklarsonart.com
The man's prayer from the Red Green Show: "I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to. I guess." |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 11, 2017 8:33 am
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Member
Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 1943
Location: Lowcountry Ga.
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Earlier in the week, a respected barrel man commented to me on the phone that a garden hose could contain the muzzle end pressure. Gil |
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