Who, if anyone, could counterbore a rifle barrel?

[raftman]

I have a very unusual rifle (Indonesian M1954 in .303 British) in my collection but have found the muzzle is apparently shot out (doesn't pass the so-called bullet test, for example, and not because it's already counterbored). The rifling otherwise seems in ok condition. Since counterboring was a common practice that some militaries relied on to remedy shot-out muzzles, I was wondering if there are any gunsmiths that do that kind of work.

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[Pepe-lepew]

I sure any with a lathe can or any machine shop if you are willing to wait while they do it.

Just because it is worn and swallowed a bullet doesn't mean it won't hit a man sized target at 100 yards. I tested four old milsurp rifles yesterday for function and accuracy. The one with essentially no rifling the last three inches shot about the same as a new barrel. The others that looked better with much less wear grouped 2-3x larger. I would only counter bore as a last resort if I could find no other way to fix tumbling bullets. It causes a loss in value over just a worn out barrel.

 

[Member 34319]

I'm curious, what does a "shot out" muzzle mean? Is the last portion of the rifling is gone? Or is this something to do with the crown?

I have seen counterbored rifles, I have one, I always thought it was performed to fix a beat up muzzle. Not rifling. Like military rifles that bounced around for 10-20 years and the front ends were all but destroyed.

 

[kmk1012]

I've got a steady hand and a sweet cordless drill. Always willing to help a friend in need.

 

[Mikej]

I have a very unusual rifle (Indonesian M1954 in .303 British) in my collection but have found the muzzle is apparently shot out (doesn't pass the so-called bullet test, for example, and not because it's already counterbored). The rifling otherwise seems in ok condition. Since counterboring was a common practice that some militaries relied on to remedy shot-out muzzles, I was wondering if there are any gunsmiths that do that kind of work.

Where do you live? A resident Gun Smith up around Estacada could likely handle that.
@Velzey "Tim Copeland Gun Works"

 

[raftman]

I sure any with a lathe can or any machine shop if you are willing to wait while they do it.

Just because it is worn and swallowed a bullet doesn't mean it won't hit a man sized target at 100 yards. I tested four old milsurp rifles yesterday for function and accuracy. The one with essentially no rifling the last three inches shot about the same as a new barrel. The others that looked better with much less wear grouped 2-3x larger. I would only counter bore as a last resort if I could find no other way to fix tumbling bullets. It causes a loss in value over just a worn out barrel.

I suppose I should have added it does keyhole, so it isn't just a question of larger groups than I'd want.

 

[coop44]

Had a few m1 carbines that I bought cheap because of " shot out" muzzles, actually the result of vigorous use of sectional cleaning rods. Cut them back 1/8 to1/4 inch and recrowned them, passed the bullet test after that and returned them to accurate little carbines. Had one that I cut back to 16", of course recut the front sight keyway and put a non baynet lug carbine band on it (type 2). It was pretty cool.
Back when you could buy a carbine cheap, oh well.

 

[bionic knees]

lots will blame a shot out barrel for poor shooting skills

 

[Will_White]

lots will blame a shot out barrel for poor shooting skills

Unless you're Angelina Jolie, poor shooting doesn't keyhole.

 

[raftman]

lots will blame a shot out barrel for poor shooting skills

My shooting skills are nothing to boast about but can't be worse than some people's reading skills.

 

[cigars]

lots will blame a shot out barrel for poor shooting skills

I blame global warming.

 

[red442joe]

I have a Winchester 190 that had a bulged barrel.
I was able to make a bore size (.218) pilot for a 5/16ths counter-bore, and cut the bore in a little over an inch. As the bulge was about four inches down, I then used a new 5/16ths drill bit to cut the bore past the bulge; the bit cut a clean new crown.
It shoots exceptional well now!

Joe

 

[HelloKitty187]

Unless you're Angelina Jolie, poor shooting doesn't keyhole.

But what if you're Iranian Zombie Angelina Jolie??

 

[HelloKitty187]

Unless you're Angelina Jolie, poor shooting doesn't keyhole.

But what if you're Iranian Zombie Angelina Jolie??

 

[Mikej]

But what if you're Iranian Zombie Angelina Jolie??
View attachment 1206092

WTH?

 

[Ifishsum]

JES Reboring in Cottage Grove seems to be very highly regarded.

 

[Pepe-lepew]

If you reload, you might be able to use light bullets that will be more resistant to being perturbed by poor bore or muzzle crown condition.

 

[HighlandLofts]

I blame global warming.

No not Global Warming,
We all know it's TRUMP'S FAULT.

 

[coop44]

My shooting skills are nothing to boast about but can't be worse than some people's reading skills.