Hole Through the Barrel

[Splitear]

I bought this TC .50 cal barrel at auction last month, and since I didn’t need it, I sold it to a fellow member of the forum. When he received the barrel, he asked me to call him and he explained that upon taking out the sight screws on the top of the barrel, the “extra” hole went through, into the bore.

I never even thought to take the screws out of the barrel, just thinking they were fillers for where the rear sight used to be. I’m thankful that the buyer checked before he shot it.

My question is, is this just someone’s “oops”? Is the barrel safe to shoot with the filler screw in the hole (I lean towards no). I’m really not sure what to do with the darned thing now.

The buyer was refunded by the way

 

[oldwood]

No , don't shoot it.

 

[SwampBilly]

In my most unprofessional opinion, I might consider just spot welding it closed.

I would put the screw in it and cut it below flush and weld from there

 

[Phil Coffins]

You have the results of amateur gun smithing. It will also have a flaw in the bore that plugging won’t help. It would be scrap to me.

 

[SDSmlf]

I bought this TC .50 cal barrel at auction last month, and since I didn’t need it, I sold it to a fellow member of the forum. When he received the barrel, he asked me to call him and he explained that upon taking out the sight screws on the top of the barrel, the “extra” hole went through, into the bore.

I never even thought to take the screws out of the barrel, just thinking they were fillers for where the rear sight used to be. I’m thankful that the buyer checked before he shot it.

My question is, is this just someone’s “oops”? Is the barrel safe to shoot with the filler screw in the hole (I lean towards no). I’m really not sure what to do with the darned thing now.

The buyer was refunded by the way

With a properly tapped hole and a plug screw installed, likely not dangerous, and I imagine there are other guns out there with the same ‘feature’, some that are shot on a regular basis without incident. Still not desirable and something most folks avoid nor want to shoot.

 

[Splitear]

Fortunately I didn’t pay a whole lot for it. I’ll consider it tuition for my continuing education

I’ll probably cut the end off and use it for a teaching tool to demonstrate rifling.

 

[SDSmlf]

Fortunately I didn’t pay a whole lot for it. I’ll consider it tuition for my continuing education

I’ll probably cut the end off and use it for a teaching tool to demonstrate rifling.

Maybe time for a short rifle (or handgun) or two?

 

[wiscoaster]

You didn't know; it was someone else's "oops", and you did the right thing by your buyer. Kudos to you.

 

[SDSmlf]

You could sleeve it, but that would put at least $200 more into it. Not sure what a sleeved TC barrel with an extra or plugged sight hole in it would be worth.

 

[Splitear]

You didn't know; it was someone else's "oops", and you did the right thing by your buyer. Kudos to you.

I’m just that no one was hurt by being equally as naive as I was. It’s a good lesson in diligence for future purchases and sales.

 

[nkbj]

I'd consider it an opportunity to have a(nother) small bore target barrel.

 

[Boatncamp]

Sell it for pistol barrels maybe?

 

[Rebel bull]

Fortunately I didn’t pay a whole lot for it. I’ll consider it tuition for my continuing education

I’ll probably cut the end off and use it for a teaching tool to demonstrate rifling.

weld it up then rebore it to a 54, 56 smooth bore is where I'd go with welding won't effect either of these options

 

[sportster73hp]

Use the breechplug on another barrel in a caliber of your choice.

 

[Wncman]

I bought this TC .50 cal barrel at auction last month, and since I didn’t need it, I sold it to a fellow member of the forum. When he received the barrel, he asked me to call him and he explained that upon taking out the sight screws on the top of the barrel, the “extra” hole went through, into the bore.

I never even thought to take the screws out of the barrel, just thinking they were fillers for where the rear sight used to be. I’m thankful that the buyer checked before he shot it.

My question is, is this just someone’s “oops”? Is the barrel safe to shoot with the filler screw in the hole (I lean towards no). I’m really not sure what to do with the darned thing now.

The buyer was refunded by the way

 

[jdw276]

Heck take em out and they will act like a touchhole pressure relief valve. Be a fun pic to take. Your face is not over the holes as they are in front of the hammer. Why are we worried about the barrel blowing up? The holes release pressure not increase it...

 

[andy52]

There are a lot of old single barrel shotguns out there where the front bead in drilled through the barrel, I've never seen one that was damaged in any way. I would be a little concerned about any ragged edges on the inside if bullets were shot out of it.

 

[Johnny Too-Tall]

This would make an awesome smoking pipe - just saying

 

[ronaldrothb49]

I always try to err on the side of caution when dealing with anything. I would never try to shoot it.

 

[smoothshooter]

In my most unprofessional opinion, I might consider just spot welding it closed.

I would put the screw in it and cut it below flush and weld from there

The repair you mentioned would be a good one.
I don’t think there would be a safety issue, but the edges of the hole in the bore could be a patch-cutter.