Would you consider this notable crown damage?

[JadedC]

I’m a relatively new person in regards to air guns and firearms as a whole. I know a good crown on a barrel is essential for accuracy. Today I decided to clean my air rifles and when I took one of my barrels out I noticed that crown was slightly damaged, as if dropped on the floor before installing. I was wondering if this small amount of damage could have any negative effect on accuracy. Outside of the small ding on the outer edge of the barrel the actual hole and groves look pristine. Any opinions/thoughts would be welcomed. I’m just hoping that I’m overthinking this and it’s fine.

 

[ackuric]

Referring to that nick on the outer edge of the barrel? IMO it likely has little to no impact, as its as far away from the crown as can be while still being on the face of the barrel. Just my 2c though.

 

[vinny]

I wouldn’t be concerned at all 

 

[TarheelScott]

I agree it would not concern me either .  JMHO

 

[Windmill01]

Put it back together and shoot it, you’ll soon see if accuracy has been affected.

Gary

 

[Why]

Can you shine a light when taking pictures? 

 

[Winchester777]

I would have to agree, outer edge, any turbulence created would be well after the projectile has already left the building. IMHO, center 50% or inside edge of the barrel, definitely would cause an issue with accuracy, but unless I'm missing something in the pics that's a big *no*.

 

[mtnGhost]

Put a Q-Tip in the muzzle, bend it out of the way while inserted and take more macro photos. The Q-Tip will illuminate the crown like a magic trick.

 

[elh0102]

Yes, if I'm looking at the right place, that's really not the crown, and should not be an issue. The crown is the portion that is in contact with the pellet when it exits the barrel, literally, the end of the lands and grooves. I suppose one could suggest that a major ding very close, but not touching the actual crown could cause some air turbulence on exit, but I've never heard of it occurring. The importance of a good, uniform crown is proven, but it can sometimes be overstated as well. I've seen a couple of tests in which gunsmiths cut barrels and did no crown work at all, and even used a grinder to make a terribly damaged and uneven crown. Most of the barrels actually shot pretty well after such abuse. With uneven crowns, the POI was changed significantly, but the precision of the groups was, in most cases not bad. So yes, it's important to precision accuracy, but it's not often as egregious as we assume. If you look at a random sample of rifles in the average deer hunting camp, I expect you would see a good many dings that have been long ignored. 

 

[JadedC]

Thanks for everyone who posted their thoughts/opinions. Right after I took these bad photos I put the barrel back into the gun. I got out this morning and it seems like the majority was right and it’s nothing to worry about. At 25 yards I was able to punch out multiple 1/4 inch ctc groups and considering the overall length of the barrel is a tad under 10 inches I would say it’s shooting great. The cleaning actually seemed to slightly tighten the groups up marginally, so I doubt the unnoticed nick ever had an impact. I’m sorry for the couple of you guys who asked for more pics, once I took the original pics I was eager to just get out and shoot the gun and now that I’m sure everything is solid I don’t want to risk messing anything up lol. Thank you for the quick responses.

 

[cea1960]

it shouldn't affect the accuracy at all, unless you lose a competition to a buddy. then it's at fault.  

 

[Raden1942]

I agree withcea1960. You should leave it there. A ready excuse for ineptitude is worth its wieght in gold. 

 

[oledawg]

See above