Savage 24P - .22LR Barrel is Bent - Seeking Gunsmith/Barrel Maker services

[Javel]

Hi,

Just acquired 1975 Savage 24P O/U .22LR/20ga. .22LR barrel is bent slightly, but barrel exterior has not been damaged. 20ga is straight and also has no exterior damage. This model 24 has been in storage for 10+ years. The bend in the 24" barrel is between the 60-70% point from the frame.

After some homework on Savage and other forums, I don't want to DIY the barrel straightening.

I'm seeking a gunsmith or barrel maker with a commercial barrel press and the patience/experience combination to adjust the barrel.

Who do you recommend?

I recognize the secondary issue after straightening will be to regulate the 2 barrels back to the same POI. The original owner is unsure if the barrels were regulated to begin with.

Thank you in advance.

[J.Baker]

If the exterior of the barrel is straight then it's not bent. The bore of all drilled & button rifled barrels will have some bow or bend to it, it's just the nature of the process, and smaller calibers are more susceptible due to the smaller diameter bit being able to flex more easily. Just because a bore has a bow in it doesn't mean it won't shoot well - in fact I've seen some pretty impressive groups shot from bores that had significant bows in them.

First thing I would do is take it out and shoot it. If it has adjustable sights, sight it in at 25 yards and then pattern the shotgun barrel to see where the regulation is.

More than likely you'll be worse off if you try to straighten the bore.