Damage inside .38Sp barrel. What gives?

P

Paool

New member
I noticed these grooves this weekend while cleaning my Taurus 85 Titanium .38Sp (see picture). As you can see, they run perpendicular to the length of the barrel, and are located less than an inch or so from the end of the barrel. I have limited experience with gun problems, and I can’t imagine what would have caused this. Also, I’m curious what the impact of these grooves/scratches on the gun performance would be. Any ideas?

FWIW, I clean the barrel with a brass brush and Hoppe’s solvent after every session.

I’m not sure, but it might not be coincidence that they are at the same location along the barrel length as the six porting holes (the right three holes are visible in the picture).
 

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I think I'd send that pic to Taurus-USA and see what they say.Not much else you can do...Is the gun reasonably accurate??
 
Definetely a manufacturing defect.But it may not affect accuracy.As long as you clean the barrel regularly it's ok.
 
Those appear to be reamer chatter marks or something caused by the manufacture of the ports.

Back to Taurus for a new barrel.
 
It does look like they were made when the barrel was ported.Could it over time weaken the barrel??????????? I would send it back:)
 
Just a follow-up to some of the comments. I think that the gun is actually pretty accurrate. I was hitting the target at 25 yards, not bad for a snubbie.

I'll have to give Taurus a call about this. I didn't notice these until last weekend, and I've had the gun for ~6 months. I've shot it (and cleaned it) maybe 5-6 times. So it's possible they've been there all along...I just haven't noticed. Plus, as I mentioned, I can't see how these would form during normal (and relatively light) use.
 
The porting is done before finish reaming and the reamer picked up a chip from the porting. FWIW, I think it is strictly cosmetic and I don't think there is or will ever be any real problem or any effect on accuracy or safety. The grooves are cut later, and so have no marks.

I have seen worse, but if it bothers you I am sure Taurus will swap out the barrel.

Jim
 
I have seen similar marks in other Tauri. The final QC station must be closing the box and stacking. I agree that it is strictly cosmetic and shouldn't impair accuracy. Shoot it and live with it. No problem.
 
I wonder if they are using a jig or "backing bar" when drilling the ports??? If yo that might have caused the striations on the lands. Definately contact Taurus. If it needs to be repaired is will only cost you shipping. I think current turnaround time is 5 weeks.
 
Definitely a manufacturing defect and not damage.

Look closely and you'll see that those lines are actually a high spot in the grooves, not cracks or gouges. How they managed to do that is beyond me.

I agree with others. Send the photos to Taurus and see if they offer to replace the barrel if it bothers you. I'm pretty sure they will if it means keeping their customer happy.
 
Look closely and you'll see that those lines are actually a high spot in the grooves, not cracks or gouges. How they managed to do that is beyond me.
Click to expand...

I think the photo must be a little misleading. They are definitely grooves (indentations), not raised sports.
 
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