How bad is this barrel?

[Symbolic]

I always wanted a K98 with a side rail mount and scope. So I bought the least expensive one I found on Gunbroker and I think I may have made a poor choice. How bad is the barrel on this thing based on these pictures? Do you think it will be a fairly accurate shooter still?

 

 

[Fourtyfive]

Need to see inside lands and grooves .....

[Symbolic]

The lands and grooves look OK. I tried taking a picture of them, but my camera cannot focus down the barrel. I'm also a terrible photographer. I am concerned over barrel wear. Here is a picture to illustrate why I am concerned. ETA: This is not my rifle in the picture. This picture was taken from http://gimmeguns.com/cust_98

 

Edited December 16, 2015 by Symbolic

[mikegideon]

Need to see inside lands and grooves .....

 

If the case neck fits inside the muzzle, it may be pretty bad :)

[DWARREN123]

Muzzle may be counter bored due to wear. Need to see if it looks so.

[mikegideon]

It's almost like the muzzle is belled. You need to take a bullet and see if it's loose all the way. My guess is that it's not.

[Fourtyfive]

Only a range test will tell ....

[Sidecarist]

I've seen some like this in the past. It's hard to tell how it will shoot. Looking at the bore with a scope would tell more. It is likely that the rifle was shot with corrosive primed ammunition the bore may look like the surface of the moon...

With the cartridge fitting in the muzzle like that two things come to mind. 1. The bore is heavily worn by cleaning from the muzzle with the military rod. 2. Confirm that the cartridge you have is the correct caliber.

It would be best to have the gun checked by a gunsmith to ensure safe operating condition, headspace, and caliber. Those old rifles lead a hard life!

Bob

[Symbolic]

Are you suggesting to pull a bullet and see if it slides all the way through the barrel?

[Symbolic]

This is a picture the seller sent me.

 

[Fourtyfive]

This is a picture the seller sent me.

 

If true adjust the sights and enjoy .....

[mikegideon]

Are you suggesting to pull a bullet and see if it slides all the way through the barrel?

 

I'm suggesting see how far it will go. 

[Sidecarist]

Looking at that group if true then the muzzle may have been counterbored to re-crown the barrel. If so you should be able to see a distinct step not far from the end of the barrel when looking from the muzzle end.

Bob

[Clod Stomper]

It's either counterbored or the muzzle is severely worn from a soldier with a cleaning rod.

Or that is the wrong round.

I'm hoping for counterbored. And if that target is true, that's probably the case.

[Symbolic]

You know what? You're exactly right. Taking a closer look at it revealed a counter bore about 1.5 inch from the muzzle. And to add on to that, the rifle is a Russian capture and I've read they were notorious for counter-boring K98s. Thanks guys!

[Sidecarist]

Glad I could help. I hope it shoots as good as that target looks!

Bob

[frankmako]

You can slug the barrel to get the real size.

[Symbolic]

That's out of my realm. Maybe another time. Thanks anyways

[Sunfish]

That PPU ammo is decent shown with the target. That Romanian stuff is stinky and the bullet is light. Locate some 70's Yugo or M75 sniper ammo and you will realize your rifles potential.  You have to clean up with warm soapy water before putting it up.