What to do with a pitted bore?

[vintovka]

As we go thru the estate items some perplexing things come up. One is a like new, Walnut stocked .50 New Englander that someone obviously shot once or twice and didn't clean. It now has moderate patches of pitting in the bore but looks like it just came out of the box. I guess it can be used the way it is but the pitting is a concern. Options that came to mind include a) replacement barrel, b) a drop in shotgun baarel or c) boring the barrel out to 20 gauge (approx .625) and making a shotgun out of it. I have the tools but losing the skill to do the latter. What do you think? Its so nice and the barrel is thick but kinda short.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Minor pitting may not adversely affect the accuracy, but it may get fouling in the pits that will require some cleaning between shots. Bobby Hoyt can open the bore to a larger caliber rifle or make a smoothbore out of it.

I would try shooting it to see if still has some accuracy left.

 

[bubba.50]

First thing to do is clean it up & shoot it. Then base your next decision based on the results of that experience.

 

[bang]

Should you decide to fix it PM me. I just did repair on 2 barrels a couple of months ago. I can send you the info.

 

[rich pierce]

Button rifled barrels are tough to recut. The bore is usually work-hardened.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Just shoot it and stop worrying.

 

[nkbj]

Think about how shallow the rifling in a TC really is. It can be rebored with very little increase in bore size, very little metal removal.
As concerns what a New Englander is, such a stout little hunting rifle with thick wall at the 1 1/16" diameter breech and the pretty tapered round barrel, well, there are always .515" diameter bullet molds available from Lee, Lymans, all the other mold companies and always on auction sites. So yeah, I'd lean towards keeping just as is except new rifling.

 

[Griz44Mag]

Send it to Bobby Hoyt, get your barrel back that is better than the original.

 

[Kansas Jake]

Vintovka, the above suggestions make good sense if you plan to keep the rifle. If you are selling it, then I think you may want to clean it well and sell as is without extra expense but being up front with the buyer about condition.

 

[bprflmkr]

I’ve a rifle with pitting, just shoot it. If it’s not too close to the muzzle, won’t make a bit of difference in accuracy. Just make sure to clean it well after to keep them from worsening.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I love the New Englander. I have one and my father also has one. I gave one as a graduation gift to my son with the additional second barrel in 12 gauge.

Bottom line is you're fine.

Take it out and shoot it and see if the pitting matters. If not, no worries. IF it does matter, then you can sent it to Bob Hoyt and turn it into a 28 gauge (.55 caliber smooth rifle).

LD

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

You could also take the time and run some cleaning patches with valve grinding compound gradually
increasing the patch thickness as you go along.
It will not make it brand new but it may bring it to where it is a good shooter.
Depends on how bad the bore is.
I own one. 25 years later still going strong.

SM