Bare metal under the forearm of my Browning

jdnspae · April 9, 2005, 08:08 PM

Recently bought a used Browning Citori Lightning O/U at a gunshow. Checked it pretty closely, EXCEPT for removing the forearm. After I shot it for the first time the other day, I dutifully disassembled for cleaning, only to find that there were small, but notable places where the forearm engaged the lower barrel and removed portions of the blueing down to bare metal.

Is this common (it's my first O/U)? Is it serious? Do I need to get the barrel reblued/something else?

Any help appreciated!

Jason

Shorthair · April 11, 2005, 09:45 AM

I think this is pretty common. I have a 20 ga White Lightning that shows some witness marks on the barrel down near the receiver, and up at the end of the fore-end. The blue is worn away, but I think those are contact points intended to give the barrels/forearm support and stability.
Mine gets the snot beat out of it from Sept - Nov in the grouse woods of northern Michigan every year, and I've never seen a speck of rust on it. Just take it down and clean and oil it regularly.

April 9, 2005, 08:08 PM	#1
jdnspae Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2004 Location: PACNORWEST Posts: 8	Bare metal under the forearm of my Browning Recently bought a used Browning Citori Lightning O/U at a gunshow. Checked it pretty closely, EXCEPT for removing the forearm. After I shot it for the first time the other day, I dutifully disassembled for cleaning, only to find that there were small, but notable places where the forearm engaged the lower barrel and removed portions of the blueing down to bare metal. Is this common (it's my first O/U)? Is it serious? Do I need to get the barrel reblued/something else? Any help appreciated! Jason __________________ Browning Citori Lightning 12 ga Winchester Defender 1300 12 ga Ruger 10/22 Beretta Cougar 8000 9mm S&W .357 Magnum "Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." -- G.K. Chesterton

April 11, 2005, 09:45 AM	#2
Shorthair Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 348	I think this is pretty common. I have a 20 ga White Lightning that shows some witness marks on the barrel down near the receiver, and up at the end of the fore-end. The blue is worn away, but I think those are contact points intended to give the barrels/forearm support and stability. Mine gets the snot beat out of it from Sept - Nov in the grouse woods of northern Michigan every year, and I've never seen a speck of rust on it. Just take it down and clean and oil it regularly. __________________ Earth First! We can hunt the other planets later.