Rescuing an Old Barrel

IMPERFECTIONS must be expected when viewing an old and possibly abused rifle. When the bore is held up to the light for examination, the ravages of age may present in several ways and it might appear beyond hope of repair. However, these shortcomings should be tempered by awareness that veteran and even some antique firearms may be made to shoot surprisingly well, whether merely for amusement at the range or for more exacting use in historical shooting competitions. I have seen riflemen win medals with remarkable scores at such events using geriatric and certainly imperfect rifles.

It is rewarding when an old military war horse with a distinguished past, or an old classic hunting piece, perhaps made by a bespoke maker, is returned to service to give pleasure to its owner. Most firearm actions fare quite well to age and neglect. More often, the state of the bore is the only impediment limiting an old rifle’s potential for reasonable shooting, in which case much can be done to restore