10g Barrel Dent

[ssapach]

I noticed a small dent in the barrel of my Winchester 1901, about 10.5" down from the muzzle. It's noticeable to the touch on the outside, and barely noticeable when I felt with a cleaning rod from the inside. It's about 0.030" or 0.75mm deep from what I can measure, and that's being a little generous.

Is this something to seriously worry about or have repaired? I have used the gun with the dent, as it's likely been there since before I got it, but should I quit using it and have it fixed?

 

[thepolinator]

The dent will affect the way the gun patterns, but if your just using shot (especially if its only lead) it should still be safe. If your worried contact your local gunsmith to have him/her look it over.

 

[gunsaholic]

Mamy double barrels are being used that have small dents with no problems. However, one can't dictate over the net if your gun is safe without examining it. It is not difficult for a gunsmith to remove a dent.

 

[ssapach]

I'm only using lead shot, but I was mostly curious if I should be concerned that it might wear that spot out.

As far as pattern, haven't actually checked it to see how it does, but it knocks birds down so far so I'm still happy with it.

 

[9.3mauser]

You need to get the dent fixed. Eventually it will cause a thin spot in the barrel wall. It shouldn't be too terribly expensive to repair.

 

[kamlooky]

That Harry Potterfield at Midway USA has a video on getting the dimples and lumps out.
Simple and interesting if you have the proper tools.

 

[ssapach]

Thanks everyone! I can park this one for a while and use a different gun if needed.

I'll check out the Midway video one of these evenings. If it's not something I can do myself, I might have to find a gunsmith to tackle it.

 

[gunsaholic]

Not too many people have the proper tools laying around to remove a dent the correct way,especially if it is something you hardly ever do. While it is not rocket science, you can create worse damage if you don't have the proper tools or know how on how to do it. In my opinion, I would have someone remove it who does this on a fairly regular basis. Doesn't necessarly have to be a gunsmith, just someone who has the means to do it properly.

 

[lejarretnoir]

There is a special tool used to remove barrel dents, but it's not cheap.
Find a smith who specializes in shotguns and he can do it probably for $50.

 

[struff55]

It will not wear thin and it will not affect the pattern u should only be shooting lead and lead is softer than steel I have seen trap guns with dents and bulges in the bbl's guys have shot 1000's of rounds through them with no adverse effects on the pattern I would be more concern Ed on who u get to do the work not many smiths have the tools or the experience to do the work .

 

[sp-10]

^ what struff55 said. Don't worry about it and shoot away.

 

[Fudge Monkey]

I saw a rem 700 at a nearby smith.
The owner fell forward on the gun, then used a twig to clear the tip of the barrel.
When the owner shot it, the barrel split in two from the tip to the receiver, peeled like a banana.
It looked like something out of a cartoon. You'd have to see it to believe it
The owners eardrums burst, and died a few days later.
I share that story when barrel conditions are debated. If you're in doubt about the barrel my advice is have it professionally checked.
(Yes I know barrel obstructions and deformations are 2 different things, butthe result can be the same)

 

[Winchested]

they aren't the same. You're talking about a thin walled shotgun barrel versus a plugged heavy wall barrel.

I'd check your pattern at 30 yards, If the dent isn't in the choke very unlikely it will effect your pattern.

 

[9.3mauser]

It will not wear thin and it will not affect the pattern u should only be shooting lead and lead is softer than steel...

^ what struff55 said. Don't worry about it and shoot away.

If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe Gerald Burrard...

" A dent on the outside of a barrel means a small lump sticking up on the inside; and every shot that is fired helps to wear this lump down. This makes the barrel thinner at the site of the dent and thus weakens the barrel."

... or Robert Churchill...

"Repeated use of a dented barrel tends to wear the internal bulge thin. In extreme cases, it may push it out and so turn the dent into a bulge. Both render subsequent repair more difficult and involve the removal of important metal in polishing."