How much barrel pitting is too much?

R

Rufus T Firefly

Moderator
I have a S&W Model 10 on the way. The only description I have is that there is some pitting in the barrel. I am told it only has 8 rounds thru it. (from a very reliable source). It was an Naval Pilot Officer Sidearm. Most likely from about 1943-1944. I don't have any info on the SN and markings yet so it could be worth $100 - $1200. Just don
t know yet.

Like I said, only 8 rounds for qualifying but it has not had any upkeep that I know of. "Some Pitting" is very vague, I know, I am wondering what is too much and I am chomping to get it.

I am using a semi-auto now so what I currently know about revolver up keep could be written on the head of a pin.

I am under the assumption that since lead is weaker than steel, it may not be very accurate, but it would not be a safety hazard.

Thanks for any info.
 
Brush out

the barrel with ATF to break up any rust left. Shooting it will be fine as far as pits go, as to accurcy it's all in the testing. The pitting may have been cause from not cleaning it very good in war time as a lot of ammo then was corrosive primed. I had a 22-250 that had been treated bad with a lot of pitting but it shot Nickol size groups for the next 500 rds that I used it to kill woodchucks.
 
I shoot a Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25 made in 1917, the entire barrel is pitted badly. I have no problems shooting my 1 inch targets at 40 feet.
Maybe if the pits were near the muzzle and only on one side, it would shoot differently?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top