Barrel damage quesion

[Greasemonkey]

I was curious if this barrel would be safe to fire, seems to be shrapnel damage. This is from the '39 Finn capture, the handguard "looked" Finnish based on the finish. So I can't confirm or deny that it was replaced by the Finn's or importer to cover the damage. One side of me doubts the safety, other side of me figured it's far enough from the chamber to be in a lot lower pressure area, and shoot it. It is pretty deep compared to most scratches and gouges, even rust pitting I've seen. If it's not safe, I'll just pull the firing pin and put one with a broke tip in it to prevent firing by anyone.

Just figured I'd get a second opinion or three, for safety sake

[tjtM38]

I guess there are times when a reputable gunsmith is worth his salt. I would say take to one and verify safe or not.

[Greasemonkey]

The ones around here won't or don't want to make a judgement, they are basically deemed as a junk Russian rifle. If it's not black, plastic or a Remchesterby, forget about getting an answer Or they will gladly consider drilling and tapping one, that's about their limit.
Been down that path in the past.

[MN Fan]

I am obviously not a gun smith, but it appears to me that the damage isn't enough to be of concern. Having said that, I like you. I want you to stick around. Plus, I know that you have a boat load more guns besides this one! I think she is an amazing piece and should be kept, cherished and displayed. But until you run out of other firearms to shoot, I'd reserve this one as a "last resort".

There is always a possibility of stress fractures that you can't see. Also, there may be some slight protrustion inside the bore...I doubt either is the case, but both are possible. Personally, I would love to own this rifle

[desdem12]

I think there was someone on here that had a gun scope, not sure if it would help but it couldn't hurt. Maybe a tire test and then another scope after that.

[Greasemonkey]

I didn't feel any unusual tight spots when cleaning with a tight fitting patch(I know, not a true reliable test), it was more just a curiosity question. I'm by no means in no rush to fire it at the moment.

As for the history aspect, it was shocking to first see, really added to the wonder of what the poor fellow carrying it experienced. Defiantly something I've never seen on one.

[knssrtrd]

I would play it safe and hang her up, you are worth more to folks than a old rifle. I bought a well used M39 once with a bent barrel and questionable marks that was restocked. That gun took a major hit, was off to the scrap bin with it. I don't fiddle with dangerious things if there is a doubt don't do it.

[millman]

It is up to you, but it looks cosmetic to me.

[Junk Yard Dog]

If it's got the SA on it then the Finn armorer gave it the once over before it was passed into Finn service. My bet is that it's been shot a lot just the way it is, the damage don't look that bad.

[Rongo]

It is up to you, but it looks cosmetic to me.

Ditto.

[mogunner]

I'd slug the barrel and as long as it passes, shoot it. Probably wouldn't shoot it every day, but as an occasional shooter I'd say it'd be fine. If that concerned about it drop down to the 46 grain "plinker" rounds.

[zeebill]

The only thing I would worry about there is the barrel could be restricted by the damage and that would be a real problem. I have rifles with rust and corrosion damage that deep and fire them with no worry. The difference is that damage has compressed the area it hit and could cause a restriction to the barrel or a fault in the metal close to the damage. I have never said this before but I think that one would be a bystander when I went to the range for safety purposes. Bill

[Jumperwire]

I'd sell it to Jumperwire, Then you know it will never be shot

[mosinjunkie]

As mogunner said, slugging the barrel would put to rest any doubt about a restriction in the barrel. Also, as far as the depth of those dings, the rear sight mount holes on a Mosin go deeper into the metal than those dings do. If you're worried about cracks, take it to a machine shop and have it magnafluxed.

[SA1911a1]

I think that all of you crooks are trying to get the owner of this rifle killed.......

The rifle is totally destroyed. Send it to me, and I will dispose of it properly.

[Greasemonkey]

Borrowed the Magna-flux setup from work, I will check it for cracks, then slug the bore, just to be sure.

Besides, I would feel absolutely horrible if I sent it to someone and it possibly hurt them, I mean seriously, that person could have a family, I'm making the ultimate sacrifice, I'll hang on to it for everyones safety.

[Junk Yard Dog]

You could always send it to a worthy charity, I have a list of worthy charities that would accept it, but since I am the president of all of them it's best to just send it to me and I will see to it

[Sgt. Rob]

Resurection night at the forum!!!!!!!!!!! Greasemonkey, I have to say I am on board with zeebill in reguards to this one. The shrapnel damage is a huge cool factor to gun nuts like all of us on the forum and definately a score! But I would not chance shooting it considering there are many more in your arsenal that are perfectly safe.

Semper Fi, Rob

[Themosinkid95]

The ones around here won't or don't want to make a judgement, they are basically deemed as a junk Russian rifle. If it's not black, plastic or a Remchesterby, forget about getting an answer Or they will gladly consider drilling and tapping one, that's about their limit.
Been down that path in the past.

Remchesterby, i like that word

[Greasemonkey]

I found no cracks in it, but like you said, I'll keep it for the coolness factor. Seeing it, really puts history into prospective, what the poor fella carrying it must have went through.

I have many other toys to play with, so having a few that don't get used is acceptable to me.