Were old time .22 Rimfire cartridges ever a smaller diameter than they are today?
I ask because: My neighbor's old Colt Lightning .22 rifle has been visiting at the LGS for a tune up. The LGS called to tell him the gun was ready; but, a .22-Short wouldn't easily fit into the chamber, and he didn't want to force it. Were .22s smaller 100-years ago, or does my neighbor need to clean/polish his chamber?
I ask because: My neighbor's old Colt Lightning .22 rifle has been visiting at the LGS for a tune up. The LGS called to tell him the gun was ready; but, a .22-Short wouldn't easily fit into the chamber, and he didn't want to force it. Were .22s smaller 100-years ago, or does my neighbor need to clean/polish his chamber?