The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - How Do I Determine the condition of a 220 swift barrel and throat?

Scorch · April 29, 2010, 05:34 PM

Clean it well, dry patch it, and shine a bright light down the barrel from the muzzle end. Look into the breech end and see if you can detect any smudged looking areas in the throat. The leade should be bright, the ends of the lands sharp, and the grooves shine from one end to the other. Without a bore scope, that's about all you can do.

FWIW, I have seen rifles with the throat burnt out for 5" that shot very well, and I have seen rifles with very acceptable throats not shoot worth a hoot. Go figure.

April 29, 2010, 05:34 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Clean it well, dry patch it, and shine a bright light down the barrel from the muzzle end. Look into the breech end and see if you can detect any smudged looking areas in the throat. The leade should be bright, the ends of the lands sharp, and the grooves shine from one end to the other. Without a bore scope, that's about all you can do. FWIW, I have seen rifles with the throat burnt out for 5" that shot very well, and I have seen rifles with very acceptable throats not shoot worth a hoot. Go figure. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services