A dent inside my barrel???

M

marca

New member
I've been practicing with my S&W 442, following all of the great advice I got in response to one of my other TFL threads. I'm improving already!

I gave the gun a good cleaning after coming home from the range today, took a look down the barrel using a bore light and found what appears to be an indentation in the barrel. The attached image shows what it looks like. It only goes around 1/2 of the circumference of the barrel. The image shows the entire ring.

What could this be? As far as I know it was not there last time I cleaned the gun, after my last range session.

Today I shot a box of 125 grain and 130 grain Winchesters. I've never shot anything except factory loads. Probably have a total of 300 or 350 rounds through the gun.

Is this something to be concerned about?



442.jpg
 
Have a gunsmith look at it.

At the very least, it won't have a positive influence on accuracy,
At the worst, it might not be safe.

Nice photo BTW. You really captured it!
 
Try using a piece of plastic as a feeler to see if you can feel if it is an indentation and not some leftover fouling.

The only time I've ever seen a "dent" like that, it was a partial bulge caused by a bullet shedding it's jacket and leaving a peice in the bore. The next round caused a partial bulge in the bore.
 
Marca...

This is the first time in my life I've seen something like that. And it IS a good picture. Perfect documentation. I thought I'd bump this thread back up to the top so one of the 'smiths would notice it right away and give an answer. I'm curious as to what might have caused this "dent".

KR
 
Similar rings very common in Smiths with stainless barrels but they are found back even with where the barrel buts against the frame.

I have not seen one like that out by the muzzle.

Shot through a shed jacket is a maby but....????

Sam
 
Outstanding picture and photo-documentation! :D

"Is this something to be concerned about?"

I would be. The barrel blank may have been defective or the semi-finished barrel not properly annealed. It could have other weak areas.

Think I'd let S&W replace it for free, including freight both ways, based on its review of your photo.
 
eMailed pic to S&W

I emailed the picture to Smith & Wesson along with a description of the problem. I'll post their response when I hear from them. I did take the gun to the gun store with me yesterday to see if I could get an assesment of the problem but nobody seemed to have much of a clue. Most everyone who works there is in sales, not gunsmiths.

Thanks again for the helpful replies.
 
emailed S&W...more

Just got email from S&W. They want me to send the gun to them. They will take a look at it, determine if the damage is due to a defect or not. If it is a defect it will be repaired under warantee. If not, they'll quote a price for repair. They got back in touch with me quickly and are footing the she bill for shipping. Not bad.

Worst case scenario, assuming the barrel needs to be replaced at my expense, what does a repair like that cost?

Thanks
 
I'm unfamiliar with the 442. It isn't a barrel made out of aluminum or titanium with a steel liner is it? The only reason I ask is that if the liner wasn't a perfect fit a bulge might result if there is not proper backing for it.
 
The 442 has a steel bbl screwed into the aluminum frame. You're thinking of the titaniums that have the steel sleeve inside the aluminum outer bbl.
 
They will take a look at it, determine if the damage is due to a defect or not.
Click to expand...
I can't imagine that NOT being due to a defect. If they claim it's not, I'd insist on getting the damaged barrel back....
 
The only time I've seen barrel bulges was when somebody accidentally fired a good round into the back of a squib (a weak round that parked in the barrel). Those weasels sometimes end up about 3/4 of the way down the barrel.
 
Update

Just wanted to post an update on the status of my 442.

I sent it back to S&W as they suggested (they paid for shipping both ways). After about 2 weeks the gun was returned. The packing slip/repair order lists the barrel as having tool marks, and the barrel has been replaced. I haven't had a chance to try the repaired gun out yet but hope to try it this weekend.

I have to say, I'm impressed with the rapid turn-around and the resolution to the problem. I've waited over 6 weeks for repairs by other manufacturers.
 
Excellent post marca, I hope the "new arrival" proves
to be very trustworthy; without any further problems.
Like most folk's, Smith & Wesson revolvers have been
my favorite for year's; I see no need to change now!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Thanks for the updated report.

"tool mark"...
Guessin it must have been a really deep gouge when the blank was drilled, and the rifling didn't clean it up.

Sam
 
Good deal, Marca!

"Tool mark" is machine shop lingo for "beats me" when a machinist is asked to explain something weird on a part.... :D
 
In my book a "tool mark" is the machinists equivalent of an "accidental discharge". I've never yet seen a lathe or milling machine start itself and the gouging tool go postal all over a piece. Usually a human is in total (sort-of) control of what happens with tools, even the CNC types.
 
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