Rifle safety

[Wanderer]

I had to un-safe my rifles recently and noticed some odd bangs and wear around the barrel area. Before I shoot again, should I be worried about barrel damage? What quick checks do you run to confirm a barrel's integrity and safety before firing?

 

[Doc_Ock]

I'd check for visible cracks, bulges, or erosion inside and outside the barrel, run a cleaning rod through gently, and inspect the crown and rifling. If anything seems off, have a gunsmith look before firing

 

[Stumpkiller]

It would take some real force to damage a barrel . . . with the exception of the crown. A little damage there can ruin accuracy.

Bore-sighting can detect surprisingly small bulges or uneven spots.

 

[Mr_Fantastic]

I had to un-safe my rifles recently and noticed some odd bangs and wear around the barrel area. Before I shoot again, should I be worried about barrel damage? What quick checks do you run to confirm a barrel's integrity and safety before firing?

That sounds sketchy as hell...simply pull the bolt and look straight down the bore for any weird rings or shadows, and gently hit the muzzle crown with a Q-tip to feel for snags. If the cotton catches, or if you see a bulge, do not send it. Take it to a gunsmith..

 

[Wanderer]

It would take some real force to damage a barrel . . . with the exception of the crown. A little damage there can ruin accuracy.

Bore-sighting can detect surprisingly small bulges or uneven spots.

Cool, I'll check the crown closely and try bore-sighting to catch any issues

 

[Wanderer]

That sounds sketchy as hell...simply pull the bolt and look straight down the bore for any weird rings or shadows, and gently hit the muzzle crown with a Q-tip to feel for snags. If the cotton catches, or if you see a bulge, do not send it. Take it to a gunsmith..

Yeah, you're right, I am not taking chances with this. I'll do the bore check and Q-tip test on the crown. If anything feels off, straight to the gunsmith, thanks for the reality check