question about marks on rifling Mod 17-6

islandguy · #1 02-09-2010, 02:02 AM

Hi guys
I just took delivery of my Model 17-6 last week (full-lug, 6" bbl, 6-shot, 1990-91 mfg, see attached pic). Its my first S&W firearm, and the first revolver I've owned since inheriting a non-operational Remington New Model Army .44 back in the 60's. I've had the Model 17 to the range 3 times, run ~200 rds through it, and am pretty pleased with the operation and accuracy so far. I gave it a thorough cleaning over the weekend, and upon inspecting the bore closely noticed that there are some marks that run at right angles to the rifling near the muzzle (see attached pic taken from muzzle end). Can anyone tell me if these are manufacturing marks made during the rifling process, or was the previous owner a bit too heavy handed with the cleaning brush? Should I be concerned about these marks?
Thanks
IslandGuy