Options For a 22-250 BLR

[Bruce]

Well, it finally happened. I had previously traded for a 1987 Browning BLR in 22-250. I really did not have a use for that caliber, but I wanted a BLR to play with and they don't show up around here very much. The gun had seen better days, but it was not too bad. I actually shot it three times before I would trade and everything seemed fine as far as functioning. I shot off hand so grouping was not a thought.

It set in the safe until I got ready to clean it real good today. Guess what? A small ring (internal only - no external sign) in the barrel about one inch back from the muzzle. I don't know how I missed it, but I did. I am not sure how much it is going to effect the accuracy. If it does, I know I can have the barrel cut back and recrowned, and put some new type of front sight on. From my quick research it looks like getting a new barrel is out of the question as Browning will only sell receiver/barrel combinations.

My next option (?) would be to have it rechambered and reamed out to a larger caliber. Are there any gunsmiths out there who do this work on BLR's. If so, any comments on what caliber would be a good option?

Now for the kicker, I handled this gun a different occasions over a period of about two weeks. I also found out today that the stock had a repaired split in the tang area.

Yes - It does appear I had my head sufficiently stuck somewhere it did not belong.

[Blaine]

You might be worried about nothing.....Just try 'er out.

[mescalero1]

Ask one of the re-bore guys if you have enough to re-bore to 7-08 that would be a useful critter.

[marlinman93]

With the bulge that close to the crown, I doubt if it will have any detrimental effect other than your own knowledge that it's there. I'd shoot it as-is, and not worry unless it wont group well. I know things like that can really work on me, but once the gun shoots well, I tend to push them to the back of my mind.

[Bruce]

Vall, the funny thing is - there is no bulge in the barrel. Just a slight ring inside. It is right under the front sight ramp - which is sweated on. Actually, this has got me to thinking - what could have caused the ring and not bulged the barrel? I have an old Winchester 1906 that has two rings and two bulges and those are from a .22. You would think a 22-250 would have made a big bulge or split the barrel if there was an obstruction.

I am going to shoot it tomorrow for accuracy and see what happens.

[Lastmohecken]

Another option if it doesn't shoot, accurately might be to counter bore back inside the barrel, past the ring and recrown. You wouldn't have to change the front sight or anything.

[Bruce]

I solved the problem. The more I thought about it, the more I knew that I could not accept it. I am a PIA when it comes to my rifles. I carried it back to the shop this morning and explained the issue. The shop owner agreed and allowed me either full trade value on anything else or cash back. I looked at some more rifles and nothing got my attention. So, I came home with a heavy box full of ammo, reloading supplies and other goodies. It is good to have an honest shop to deal with.

[Tycer]

I solved the problem. The more I thought about it, the more I knew that I could not accept it. I am a PIA when it comes to my rifles. I carried it back to the shop this morning and explained the issue. The shop owner agreed and allowed me either full trade value on anything else or cash back. I looked at some more rifles and nothing got my attention. So, I came home with a heavy box full of ammo, reloading supplies and other goodies. It is good to have an honest shop to deal with.

Yes it is!