Ripple Marks in Barrel Bores

[eclector]

Two S & Ws bought new in the last year have significant ripple marks in the bores, apparently caused by tool chatter. One is a Performance Center 1911 and the other is a JM.

While visually displeasing, I cannot say the the marks are detrimental to accuracy.

Two revolvers bought 5 years ago, a 629 and a 686 have flawless bores.

Any other members noticed this phenomena?

Some day I will call S & W and ask about it.

 

[kscardsfan]

My 1911PD has a bore that's just smooth as silk. Is it causing more fouling of any measurable amount?

 

[wyatte]

I have a model 657-3 41 magnum that also has some pretty noticeable chatter marks in the bore. From people that I have talked to, I think this is not too uncommon. Mine seems to shoot fine. wyatte

 

[Alk8944]

I don't know what the source of barrels is for the S&W 1911, but they may be out-sourced so I can't say about it.

On the JM, all the revolver barrels except some Performance Center ones are manufactured in-house by EDM. They are not "Cut". It has been this way for several years. That one should be mirror smooth unless something went seriously wrong during the EDM process.

In both cases I would contact S&W about re-barreling just because it isn't right.

 

[log man]

I also found the use of EDM to be a surprise as the older models I had where clearly cut. I had picked up a new 640 and didn't notice the bore at the shop or would not have purchased it. There appears to be an uncut flag area in 3 of the five groove areas. Got a shipper and got it back in 9 days total. Form letter said these areas where normal for the process used and had a line that said your barrel was not replaced. That was crossed out and hand written, Barrel replaced. Here's a picture before sending it in.

LOG

 

[Sixgun Southpaw]

I had a post a while back about this. Those flags are normal for their new process. But my barrel apparently had the reamer break inside of it, it looked like a car wreck. I didn't notice until after I shot it. Let's just say the point of impact was set on random. Called S&W and shipped it free and had it back with a new barrel in seven days. Now I make shots at 250 yards.

 

[eclector]

Thanks all for the feedback. At least now I know I'm not hallucinating. I don't mind it so much in the JM, but a $2500 1911 should look prettier.

I will say that performance is not compromised. This PC 1911 is as good a performer and looker as any Ed Brown or Les Baehr.

I do, though, intent to call S&W and will post what I am told.

Regards