What happened here? (.44 magnum issue)

2112Lifeson

2112Lifeson

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I was cleaning my model 29 today and noticed this in the barrel. two deep scratches in the barrel that go half way around the inside. I didn't notice any drop in accuracy. I was hitting a cookie sheet at 100 yards with it today with no issues. Is this a warranty issue?

http://s1304.beta.photobucket.com/user/2112lifeson/library/44%20barrel
 
I tried to follow the link you left on your first post but for me it does not work so I can not see what you are talking about. Have you been shooting lead bullets or jacketed?

Graydog
 
Here, I copied the IMG link and posted it to get the picture to show on the thread. That's how you get pictures into the thread.

IMG_0211_zpsb369b8c9.jpg


There's definetly visible marks. If you drag something like a toothpick along the bore and over the marks does it catch against the marks? If it doesn't then it's not an issue. If it does catch on the marks then something should be done. You mentioned warranty so I'm guessing that it's a new gun. If it's an older one but new to YOU then you might be limited to other options.

One option I'd be tempted to use is a fire lapping kit. It involves using fine grinding compounds that you press into a few soft cast lead bullets then shoot down the bore. Once you shoot a few from medium to fine grit bullets the bores and rifling are supposed to take on a nice shiney look. And from the looks of your picture above this woudn't be a bad thing at all. The scratches or scuffs you noticed are the worst but the rest of the bore seems to have a lot of tooling marks as well. To me this appears to be a gun which would be likely to lead up due to the marks catching and shaving lead.
 
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am i seeing more scratches other then the large ones? TAKE IT BACK! (if you can).. looks like the bore did not receive the finish polishing/honing.. wow!!!
 
Did you by chance clean it before you shot it? If so do you remember if they were there or not? I am not expert by any means but it looks to me like there may have been something in the bore when you pulled the trigger. It does not take much to do this, I am told that the smallest of things can do this.

Also are you sure that it is a scratch or could it be something like leading that can be cleaned off with work?

Graydog
 
Sometimes the factory will put a coating in the barrel like a preservative of some sort. Knew one old timer who ran boiling water thru the barrel of any new gun he got to get it loosened but that was years ago.
 
Its not a Squib mark or a ringed barrel

Looks like a barrel pilot mark (used to center barrel for turning)

I would not be happy with it
Send pictures to manufactuer / with sn ask about what you can do what do they recomend -- Even if you do not it get it fixed it will be on record that you reported it
What can they do for you ?

are you shooting Jacked or lead loads

Since it is made I USA can you get it fixed in Canada ? How long will it take ?
Does it affect your groups
Can you live with it ?


Just shoot it!
Fire lap it!
and several other options
 
BCRider said:
Here, I copied the IMG link and posted it to get the picture to show on the thread. That's how you get pictures into the thread.

IMG_0211_zpsb369b8c9.jpg


There's definetly visible marks. If you drag something like a toothpick along the bore and over the marks does it catch against the marks? If it doesn't then it's not an issue. If it does catch on the marks then something should be done. You mentioned warranty so I'm guessing that it's a new gun. If it's an older one but new to YOU then you might be limited to other options.

One option I'd be tempted to use is a fire lapping kit. It involves using fine grinding compounds that you press into a few soft cast lead bullets then shoot down the bore. Once you shoot a few from medium to fine grit bullets the bores and rifling are supposed to take on a nice shiney look. And from the looks of your picture above this woudn't be a bad thing at all. The scratches or scuffs you noticed are the worst but the rest of the bore seems to have a lot of tooling marks as well. To me this appears to be a gun which would be likely to lead up due to the marks catching and shaving lead.
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yes a toothpick does get stuck in them. Theyre so deep they touch the grooves as well. I called Murray Charlton today and they said i probably picked up a chip that scratched the barrel. So im sending it away to to be repaired. I just bought it from Wanstalls in January. I just dont see how it could have happened because i cleaned it before taking it out, and i was only shooting S&B 240g jacketed ammo in it (no hand loads), and its been in the case the entire time ive had it and it's never been dropped on anything or banged off of something.
 
Thanks for the input everybody. How long does a gun take to be repaired generally speaking? They said i'm probably going to need a new barrel. I'm going to miss this one while it's gone, i was just starting to get good with it at 100 yards haha
 
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Eesh. S&W quality these days, right?

Unfortunately you'll be waiting at least 3~6 months if S&W agrees to warranty it... really sucks on a new gun. Been there, done that.

Good luck though. Keep us posted.
 
It's been about a year and a half since I sent my 629 to murray after the first 25 rounds messed it up. I'm not sure what's going on anymore with it. If my experience is an indicator I wouldn't expect it back very quickly. best of luck with it
 
Bile said:
It's been about a year and a half since I sent my 629 to murray after the first 25 rounds messed it up. I'm not sure what's going on anymore with it. If my experience is an indicator I wouldn't expect it back very quickly. best of luck with it
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My gawd... That is completely unacceptable. What is being done about this? I'm not happy and it's not even my gun!
 
Russell_D said:
My gawd... That is completely unacceptable. What is being done about this? I'm not happy and it's not even my gun!
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I am not entirely certain. I spoke with the english sounding fellow on the phone last week. He promised me a call back. I assume since I havent gotten one it hasent been resolved. Or perhaps they are overly busy.

I do hope you dont get to have the same experience as I am having regarding this.
 
Bile said:
It's been about a year and a half since I sent my 629 to murray after the first 25 rounds messed it up. I'm not sure what's going on anymore with it. If my experience is an indicator I wouldn't expect it back very quickly. best of luck with it
Click to expand...

that's insane!! i just sent mine away today and i hope to god it doesn't take that long. I probably have a shorter temper than you though haha they would be getting numerous angry phone calls if that was me
 
smith and wesson doesn't use cut rifling, they edm it, any marks you see in the barrel are not from the machining. I wouldn't fire lap, once you do, your warranty is null and void. i'd get it inspected by the warranty center nearest you..
 
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