Buying used .22

leadrollerz

I looked at a used Winchester Model 290 .22cal yesterday that is for sale. The gun looked to be almost mint. On the other hand the barrel looked as though it has been shot quite a bit, but well maintained. Is there a fool-proof way of checking a barrel before purchase? What other things should I look at on this gun. Is a Model 290 even worth having? Already own a 10/22 and an old bolt-action Savage.I've heard of used .22's having barrel's that are "shot out".Any advise?Thank for your time!

talon

.22rf barrels are ruined more thru cleaning than thru shooting. The 190/290 Winchesters are very inexpensive autos, and your 10/22 is much better. From a practical standpoint, the only thing you can check a barrel for at the time of sale is to look for rings, crown nicks, and leading. If you know what you are doing, you can check for a bent barrel (not always obvious to the untrained eye. In my opinion, unless the seller offers it for a VERY fair price, pass.

leadrollerz

I'm probably going to pass on it anyway's, but for future reference what is leading and crown nicks?Appreciate the advise...thank you!

BoltactionMan

Leading is caused from lead particles from the successive bullets traveling down the barrel. This accumulates until accuracy suffers. A thorough cleaning will make a lot of .22's shoot much better. The crown of the barrel is the finished end of the muzzle. It is the last point of contact between the barrel and the bullet. If it is damaged, it will cause the bullet to not fly true. Hope that helps a little.KC

leadrollerz

Thank YouThat does help. Appreciate the info.