Barrel Inclusion

[Mike Franzen]

I'm posting this pic of an inclusion in my barrel that was discovered as they were being prepped for coloring. These are twist barrels. The inclusion is 13" from the breech. I would like some thoughts on this.

[Dean Romig]

If it were mine I wouldn't be especially concerned about it. I had a Ruger Red Label that had a mildly defective seam where the barrels were sleeved to the breech block and the weld wasn't complete... not that you could actually see the fault, but whenever I shot the gun a small amount of oil (from the previous cleaning) would seep from the pressure of the discharge of the shell, through the seam. Ruger actually told me it was nothing to worry about and refused to replace my barrels.

When I magnify your picture I can see several other such "inclusions" and I really wouldn't worry. It has lived this long without 'unwinding' and it will most certainly live longer than any of us (if reasonable care is used in the shells you shoot).

Just my 'humble opinion'.

[Dean Romig]

Oh, here it is...

[John Campbell]

Mike:
I agree with Mr. Romig. If it hasn't failed yet, it probably won't. Just feed it light loads and all will most likely be well.
But don't blame me if I'm wrong.

[Mike Franzen]

Thanks to both of you. I've never shot this gun yet and the inclusion wasn't visible until the barrels were being prepped. I guess I'll go ahead with the project. The rest of the gun is turning out nice. I'm hoping to have it ready to shoot at the Southern. My dream is to qualify for the Parker team.

[Harry Collins]

My Uncle Taylor's Lifter 10 gauge with Twist barrels had an in inclusion in one barrel about five inches from the muzzle. In fact there was an empty spot. Dale Edmons redid the barrels and when they were returned it was gone. I asked Dale about it and he said it evened out when he prepped the barrels as he didn't remember it. I shot the gun before and after the barrels were refinished without ill effect.

Mike, how deep are the pits inside the barrel? Could a groundhog hide in them or just speckles?

Harry

[Drew Hause]

I don't think that is a 'grey'. Have you examined the barrel under magnification?
The barrel requires a hands-on evaluation by a barrel specialist, but I'm concerned that the line seems to follow a weld line, and may represent an impending fracture.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/16082038/247636155.jpg

More information here
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1LFnSG34k3mBhLEjEgU267wAlIa215MNVQZhIiY62H x4

[Drew Hause]

If it is a superficial flaw, and not a microscopic fracture (weld failure) it's likely a decarburization line. Tom Flanigan's D3 barrel

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/18015717/278327235.jpg

[John Campbell]

Mike:
If any of this gives you pause, it would probably put your mind at ease to send your barrels to Kirk Merrington. He can give you a professional barrelmaker's opinion.

Best, Kensal

[Mills Morrison]

When in doubt, get an opinion from a qualified gunsmith. Emphasis on qualified - someone who is well known and respected in double gun circles. Most gunsmiths and shooting "experts" I have dealt with will take one look at Damascus barrels and tell you not to shoot them

[Mike Franzen]

[QUOTE=Drew Hause;96293]I don't think that is a 'grey'. Have you examined the barrel under magnification?
The barrel requires a hands-on evaluation by a barrel specialist, but I'm concerned that the line seems to follow a weld line, and may represent an impending fracture.


Does that imply unsafe to shoot?

[Mike Franzen]

I'm not sure Harry.

[Justin Julian]

I would be especially concerned about the location of the flaw, being both where pressure peaks and where the shooter's forward hand is located.

[David Dwyer]

Hands and fingers get real troublesome to replace. I would get Kirk to examine it before evan considering shooting it. JMHO
David

[Mike Franzen]

I'm sending the barrels to Kirk Merrington for evaluation