Slight pitting?

jeffcarr88

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Hey there,

I am in the market for a SxS shotgun and many of the ones I am looking at have slight/minor pitting as they are older models. I have never dealt with this as all my shotguns have been "new" in the past. What causing the pitting? Is it cause for worry?

Thanks,

- J
 
Minor pitting in a scattergun is really a non-issue unless you are shooting slugs. Even then, the pitting would have to be in the moderate range for me to not fire a slug. If you're just using shot.....not a problem. I'd not shoot any modern full brass loads if it's a damascus barrel though especially if it's pitted.
 
Minor pitting in a scattergun is really a non-issue unless you are shooting slugs. Even then, the pitting would have to be in the moderate range for me to not fire a slug. If you're just using shot.....not a problem. I'd not shoot any modern full brass loads if it's a damascus barrel though especially if it's pitted.

i would not shoot any modern ammo out of damascus barreled gun most are 2 1/2" chamber and ment for BP

also high or low brass does not mean high or low pressure BTW
 
Hey there,

I am in the market for a SxS shotgun and many of the ones I am looking at have slight/minor pitting as they are older models. I have never dealt with this as all my shotguns have been "new" in the past. What causing the pitting? Is it cause for worry?

Thanks,

- J

Are you talking the bore or exterior metal???
 
The pitting is "light" and it is in the bore. The barrels are NOT Damascus. I plan to be shooting 99% bird and buck loads...do not see much of a point with slugs in a SxS gun unless it is at point blank range just for giggles.
 
The pitting is "light" and it is in the bore. The barrels are NOT Damascus. I plan to be shooting 99% bird and buck loads...do not see much of a point with slugs in a SxS gun unless it is at point blank range just for giggles.

chamber length will come into account but birdshot and buckshot should be ok
 
What exactly about chamber length do I need to worry about? Sorry..new to SxS shotguns, only have had pumps.
 
Minor pitting in the bores will make no difference. Pitting is the result of corrosion, which is the result of neglect.
Length of the cartridges should equal or be shorter than the length of the chambers.
 
Ohhh okay...so what your saying is because its an "older" shotgun make sure to ONLY shoot proper length shells? I believe it is only chambered for 2 3/4" shells but I will verify this before I buy.
 
Some of the older shotguns particularly doubles were chambered for shorter shells. The 2 inch and 2 1/2 inch 12 gauge, the 2 9/16 inch 16 gauge and the 2 1/2 inch 20 gauge in particular. Many are not marked as such on the outside but European guns will usually be marked on the barrel flats or the water table by the various national proofhouses.
A 2 3/4 inch European gun will be marked 70mm for 2 3/4 inch except for English guns which will be in Imperial measurement. Pitting in the bore is not much of an issue with the plastic shot collars which most modern shells are loaded with. The collar prevents the shot from contacting a rough bore and leading it excessively.
 
What do you mean by an "older" gun? You can get guns from the 90's that only have 2 3/4" chambers. Or you don't want to shoot 3 1/2" shells in a 2012 gun designed for 3" shells. Regardless of age, find out what the chamber length is. What gun are you looking at?
 
What do you mean by an "older" gun? You can get guns from the 90's that only have 2 3/4" chambers. Or you don't want to shoot 3 1/2" shells in a 2012 gun designed for 3" shells. Regardless of age, find out what the chamber length is. What gun are you looking at?

there is chamber shorter then 2 3/4" in 12ga and 16ga these tend to be made before the 1920's
 
Light pitting in the barrels is almost inconsequential. It's not a bullet that is seating hard against the steel barrel, but either a soft plastic, paper, or fibre wad. Soak it with good penetrating oil or CLP and let it work. You could chuck a brush into a drill and 'hone' the barrel to get the worst off. Otherwise just shoot it and keep the barrel lightly oiled.
 
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