Punch marks around muzzle

[tom in nc]

I should know but if I ever did, I've forgotten, is there a reason for punch marks like these on my .36 cal barrel. Decorative or a guide for centering precut patches?

 

[Mulebrain]

I had a rifle with the muzzle done like that. I think it is decorative only

 

[leadhoarder]

Some people took scalps. Some people punched muzzles.

I kid of course. I assume that it is just decorative.

 

[TDM]

It’s decorative, some even have scroll work around the dots. Too tedious for me.

 

[Sun City]

Well they're certainly not there to eliminate rust!!

 

[duca]

Lol, Really. Scrub that Bore!!

 

[Songwriter]

<<< This dog... sometimes I have to punch her muzzle.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

Decorative. I was told by a long time gun collector that the decorations were called witching and according to folklore it was to make the rifle shoot true.

 

[tom in nc]

Interesting responses, keep 'em coming.
Personally I don't think they add any appeal to a gun, unless inlaid with gold or silver!

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

FYI, I put a TON of muzzle decoration deigns in this post here:

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/muzzle-decorations.148412/

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Decorative. I was told by a long time gun collector that the decorations were called witching and according to folklore it was to make the rifle shoot true.

Yep, Hex Marks, popular in PA.

 

[64Springer]

The English always saw Stonehenge as a symbol of good luck and applied those circular designs at the muzzle to ensure a successful hunt.

 

[springfield art]

Yep, Hex Marks, popular in PA.

Never realized that hex marks made it onto barrel muzzles. Is that true?

 

[user 31232]

Decorative. I was told by a long time gun collector that the decorations were called witching and according to folklore it was to make the rifle shoot true.

Well there may be some truth in that

 

[user 31232]

<<< This dog... sometimes I have to punch her muzzle.

 

[Songwriter]

Only lightly... very lightly.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Never realized that hex marks made it onto barrel muzzles. Is that true?

It's true. You will also find them on stocks and inlays from time to time on old original longrifles.

 

[user 31232]

Only lightly... very lightly.

 

[Mulemauler]

These hex marks were supposed to keep evil spirits out of the bore. I was always told that they needed to be done before the rifle was ever fired or the sulfur smell would attract them and once in could never be got out. Don't know if it is so but why take the chance...I always put them on.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Only lightly... very lightly.

I have heelers, too. I know exactly what you mean. Folks that don't have them just won't understand.