Model 19-7 bore question

[texasjarhead]

I recently acquired a model 19-7, four inch barrel. It's in really great condition, except there is a very slight scratch or pitting on one of the lands and one of the grooves, about 1/2 inch long. Basically, there is a "dark spot" in an otherwise mirror finish barrel. I don't think it adversely affects accuracy. Is there anything that can be done for this, or am I focusing on something unimportant.

 

[Pisgah]

>am I focusing on something unimportant.


Pretty much. I've had guns with rifling flaws, tool marks, pits -- sometimes plenty of pits -- that I don't believe would have shot a bit better if they were perfect. The one thing you might encounter is fouling build-up at that spot, which can cause accuracy deterioration as it accumulates. The best cure for that is lots of shooting (and cleaning) -- it'll smooth up eventually. Some will recommending hand lapping or firelapping, but if you are seeing no problem I wouldn't do such things. Lapping is nothing but prematurely wearing the bore in a controlled manner, and you can go overboard with it.

 

[Alk8944]

It's really hard to tell what you are seeing. It could be a minor gouge, pitting or a spot of leading from what you describe. If it is in the corner of a groove along the land then it is probably leading and dhooting will make it worse or go away.

My bet is it's leading. If it is something else then don't worry about it. If it is a gouge or pitting it probably won't cause any problems, and the only way to fix it would be to replace the barrel. The chances of finding a replacement barrel for a Model 19 of any length are pretty slim as all replacement barrrel stocks have been depleted.