Type 53 rusted and pitted barrel question

[chaser001]

So I finally got around to cleaning the type 53 I got from the last group buy and I found the barrel is heavily pictured pitted under the hand guard. Do think this is too far gone to safely shoot?

 

[NinerMaine]

It is really hard to tell by looking at the pics. A gunsmith would be able to answer. You could also just proof test it.

 

[45collector]

The newspaper is better in focus than the barrel!! Work on your camera skills!

The first picture is a little more clear, and from what I can see, I'd probably shoot it.

 

[Sir_Macadoo]

Looks fine to me.

 

[bfm]

Looks fine to me.

Agree, unless the pitting goes a good percentage or the barrel thickness, I would not worry at all about running factory loads.

 

[Sir_Macadoo]

It looks like you can still see the grooves on the outside of the barrel under the pitting, hard to tell, but doesn't look that bad.

Hit it with some steel wool and a good cleaner/oil and see how deep it is.

 

[chaser001]

Thanks guys - there are a couple of spots that flaked off when i hit it with steel wool and those 2 spots do go slightly deeper than the machining groves, but not much beyond that.

 

[Larry Legend]

Just close your eyes for the first shot.

I would expect the bolt to fail before the barrel would, especially on old military rifles.


If you're hesitant, I know a guy who will take it off your hands.

 

[Feral]

use a bench rest and string for the first shot