Tikka T3 A1 / Barrel - Yuck

[vivianonj]

I bought a Tikka A1 308 from my LGS awhile back. Have taken it to the range a couple of times and it functions fine but the groups were a bit big - Well over 1MOA

, but didn't think too much about it since I was shooting crappy ammo

Took it over to a buddies after shooting last weekend to work on it. While there he ran his bore scope down the barrel - Can't say I really know what I am looking at but it doesn't look good - Yuck!

Is that pitting? Rust?

How would you suggest I proceed with this barrel? Thoughts?

 

[oldrifleman]

Check your action Mount screw torque, scope mount tightness, and alignment. I would then try some Federal Gold Medal 168 grain. If the gun still does not shoot have buddy try it. After all of this I would maybe think of a new barrel.

 

[Harman117]

1) You shouldn't be shooting "crappy ammo" through a "precision" rifle. Kind of defeats the purpose, no?

2) Shoot good factory ammo and see how it performs. Ignore bore scope for now

 

[Yoteski]

I would hit it hard with some JB bore paste and reassess; plus better ammo.

 

[oldrifleman]

Just shoot better ammo, ignore the bore scope

 

[Btrain]

Agree with the above - Shoot better ammo if it matters

On the learning side from those who know... Is that what pitting looks like? Are rough patches like that somewhat typical?

 

[m1match]

That’s a lot of corrosion, usually indicative of poor maintenance practices, poor storage conditions, corrosive ammonia, etc

I’d also suggest cleaning with an abrasive cleaner like JB Bore Paste and seeing how it shoots. Sometimes barrels that look bad still shoot well.

 

[Bemoni]

What's the history of that rifle, was it NIB or slightly used?
Anyway, it could use a thorough cleaning and some better ammo.

 

[Rodney65]

Just shoot better ammo, ignore the bore scope

One of my gunsmiths said he loves borescopes because his customers see something with them and immediately want it fixed when there is no real issue.

That said he says a lot of stuff but this sounds at least partially true.

 

[Basher]

Follow these steps closely:

1) Throw your borescope in the trash.

2) Clean the barrel very well.

3) Verify all fasteners are properly torqued (action bolts, scope rail/base, rings, muzzle device, cheek rest, bipod, etc.).

4) Go shoot it with quality match ammo.

If the rifle groups, quit using subpar ammo and be happy.

If it doesn’t group, have someone who REALLY knows how to shoot try it. Kinda joking, kinda not lol, be honest with yourself and your abilities here.

If it still won’t shoot with quality ammo and a known shooter, then re-barrel it. Let the rifle tell you what it needs. A bore scope is either a diagnostic tool for experienced smiths, or a sales tool. Just depends on the situation lol.

 

[jbell]

I agree completely with a thorough cleaning and torque check then re-test with better ammo, but if I were you I would also get a barrel on order. You will need it anyway.

 

[diggler1833]

I'm a big fan of borescopes for cleaning, carbon ring inspection, and diagnosing issues *after* everything else is checked first.

I'd suggest that the OP re-check every screw, and clean that barrel back to bare metal...then give it one last try. It costs nothing other than time and 20ish rounds of ammo.

If accuracy still sucks and a subsequent borescope of the barrel shows heavy pitting...then a new barrel is certainly better than the time and money to chase your tail.
FWIW though, I had a heavily pitted .223 barrel a few years ago that went from a solid half-minute performer to a 3/4 - 1MOA performer...and it looked far worse than the pictures above. Borescopes can be your enemy too if used incorrectly.

I think that the hated of borescopes by some is largely because they do have a tendency to get misused. But if you've ever had a damaged barrel, or wanted to know about cleanliness...they are a fantastic tool.