Rifling in Barrel

[DDCD]

I have a well used 642-1
with a 1 7/8" barrel.
I do not see any rifling in the barrel.
Is this normal for a short barrel?
Accuracy seems to be fine.
Thanks
Dave D

[TAROMAN]

Certainly not normal.
If, in fact, it's a smooth bore, the Feds would not approve.

[LoboGunLeather]

I think there is a good chance that what you are seeing is a bore that needs a good cleaning to remove fouling build-up (leading, jacket metal, or both). I suggest a new bronze bore brush, use it dry for about 20 or 30 passes, you may see lead particles dropping with each pass and the rifling begin to emerge. When the rifling becomes clearly defined you can then complete a regular cleaning with solvent and patches.

The barrel steel is much, much stronger and harder than either lead or jacketed bullets. The bronze bore brush can cut through the fouling without damage to the bore.

I have purchased quite a few used firearms with bores that looked horrible, but restored to near pristine condition with a good cleaning.

Not everyone who buys a gun knows how to properly clean and maintain it.

[robertrwalsh]

I suspect Lobo is right. It is very unlikely the gun left the factory with no rifling (not impossible) and very, very unlikely the barrel was "shot out." Now that most ammo has non-corrosive priming a lot of people think they don't have to bother to clean them.

[rockquarry]

Lobo gave good advice. If you haven't already tried it, shine a bright flashlight beam into the muzzle end and look at the other end which will be strongly highlighted. If there is a leading problem, you'll easily see it.

[pantannojack]

I looked thru some NIS ( new in shop) j frames marked +P a few years ago and could barely see any rifling in them. It looked like lands and grooves were drawn with a pencil. I figured that was how the kept the pressure down to justify the rating.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by pantannojack

I looked thru some NIS ( new in shop) j frames marked +P a few years ago and could barely see any rifling in them. It looked like lands and grooves were drawn with a pencil. I figured that was how the kept the pressure down to justify the rating.

That may be the newer funky-type rifling S&W uses. As for accuracy, it's fine as long as your bullet fits. It's at least as good as anything else they've used, but it looks odd.

[DDCD]

This one is rated +P. After thorough brushing and cleaning, all that I see is straight lines end to end. Could this be rifling? I am not familiar with smooth bore rifling

[H Richard]

If the brush doesn't get it, try strands of Chor-Boy copper pot scrubber, wrap a few strands around that brush, and it will cut the build up out with no harm to the bore. Also use plenty of Hoppe's to get under the build up.

[Jim Watson]

I have read of guns getting out of the factory without rifling but I figure this is just a case of well fouled shallow ECM rifling.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by H Richard

If the brush doesn't get it, try strands of Chor-Boy copper pot scrubber, wrap a few strands around that brush, and it will cut the build up out with no harm to the bore. Also use plenty of Hoppe's to get under the build up.

Chore Boy will work pretty well if you have nothing else. A Lewis Lead Remover will work better and easier and the Brownells "double tuff" brushes also do a good job.

[stansdds]

I'm guessing it's ECM rifling and it is not as deep as broach cut or button rifled barrels.

[LoboGunLeather]

Also keeping in mind that the rate of rifling twist is about 1-in-18, so with a 1-7/8" barrel there won't be very much twist to see.

[tws3boys]

The rifling in my 642-1 is pretty fine and it's a very short barrel so there is not much to see. Clean it and run a brass brush through it a couple times. It's in there somewhere.
All j frames are ECM rifling.

[Alk8944]

Your gun is rifled! In the short barrel the 1/"18.75" twist rate results in the total rotation being only 1/10 turn. This is only the width of a single land or groove! You simply are not looking closely enough!

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Pictures! Helps with a light at the other end of the barrel