Bore condition questions?

[Alfonso]

This might not come as a surprise, but I have been collecting milsurp for many years and am still hazzy with the terms related to bore conditions.

Can someone give me a bore inspection 101 course (short version):

My understanding is that it's better to have a dark bore?
Obviosuly you want to make sure that there is still plenty of rifling left!
What about pitting? ---When do you back away?
What to look for when using a bore light? How best to use a bore light? Using paper to disipate the light!
What are the instant signs of walking away from a deal?
What passes as acceptable, good and very good?

Thanks

 

[tiriaq]

A dark bore has pitting.
A pitted bore might shoot OK.
A throat that is washed out indicates a barrel that has been shot a lot.
A fine bore will be smooth, shiney and crisp, with sharp rifling end to end and a clean crown.
It can be hard to judge a bore when it is dirty and fouled.
Look through a brand new rifle. That's what a bore should look like.

You see phrases like "strong rifling". I have no idea what that means. Maybe it hasn't completely rusted away.

 

[svt1940]

This might not come as a surprise, but I have been collecting milsurp for many years and am still hazzy with the terms related to bore conditions.

Can someone give me a bore inspection 101 course (short version):

My understanding is that it's better to have a dark bore?
Obviosuly you want to make sure that there is still plenty of rifling left!
What about pitting? ---When do you back away?
What to look for when using a bore light? How best to use a bore light? Using paper to disipate the light!
What are the instant signs of walking away from a deal?
What passes as acceptable, good and very good?

Thanks

Have a look here,maybe could help

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=573280&highlight=milsurp+bore+condition&page=5

 

[purple]

A dark bore has pitting.
A pitted bore might shoot OK.
A throat that is washed out indicates a barrel that has been shot a lot.
A fine bore will be smooth, shiney and crisp, with sharp rifling end to end and a clean crown.
It can be hard to judge a bore when it is dirty and fouled.
Look through a brand new rifle. That's what a bore should look like.

You see phrases like "strong rifling". I have no idea what that means. Maybe it hasn't completely rusted away.

Can't add too much to this, except to say that pitting and crown condition can be examined visually. Judging bore wear requires the use of gauges of a known diameter, except in the case of the Swedish Mausers where the stock disc will actually show bore diameter and condition-at least at some point in the military inspection process.

For The M1 Garand, M14 and M1903 Springfield you can find gauges which will show the extent of throat erosion. Muzzle wear on a .30 cal bore can be seen on a plug gauge which is graduated from .300 to .303 diameter.

Here's an extract on bore pitting from US Army TM 9-1275 on the M1 Garand;

1. In the hands of troops- pitting less than the width of land or groove and less than 3/8 inches long is acceptable
2. To accompany troops overseas- fine uniform pitting but with sharp lands is acceptable
3. To be placed in storage for re-issue- a few pits but with sharp lands are acceptable