New 16fhss - chip in muzzle crown?

[drumminj]

Recently picked up my first rifle - the weather warrior 16fhss in 223. When cleaning my new toy, I noticed a "chip", for lack of a better word, in the crown of the muzzle. I'm curious if this is something that will affect the accuracy and should be sent back to Savage? Honestly, I'd rather just keep the gun and shoot if it won't affect the performance - I had to send my last gun back to the manufacturer immediately, and not looking to repeat that if possible.

It doesn't look like the rifling is affected. Things just aren't nice and smooth around the edge.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

<img src="http://www.pbase.com/drumminj/image/132151105.png"><br>
<img src="http://www.pbase.com/drumminj/image/132151104.png"><br>
<img src="http://www.pbase.com/drumminj/image/132151102.png"><br>

[NeverNoLuck]

Well you could try shooting it and see but from what I "think" I am seeing it doesn&#39;t look good. Have a gunsmith around you look at it

[ellobo]

Send it back immediatly. That "dent" will effect accuracy by allowoing gasses to escape and tip the bullet off. The other alternative is take it to a gunsmith and have him recrown the barrel. Call Savage and they may send you a tag for postage free return shipping.
El Lobo

[sha-ul]

I wonder if a local gunsmith could lap the crown to polish out the damage. also was this brand new, or used?

[drumminj]

also was this brand new, or used?

This is a brand new gun. I&#39;ve not shot it yet.

I guess I&#39;ll call Savage on Monday. What a PITA - twice in a row to have guns new from factory and both have to go back immediately (the other was a Ruger revolver with a canted barrel/front sight). Not what I wanted to hear, but it is what it is. Thanks guys.

Anyone know if Savage is good about paying shipping back to them? Curious how big of a fight to be ready for on the phone on monday.

[drumminj]

Just wanted to update this thread with status in case anyone finds themselves in the same situation...

I called Savage, and they said "send it in". It took a bit of prodding, but I finally got them to send me a pre-paid shipping label so that I didn&#39;t have to pay up front and worry about them re-imbursing me, which is the route they originally tried to send me down. It goes in the mail tomorrow.

I did take it out to the range, but didn&#39;t bring a rest with me - just wanted to at least fire it once before sending it out, and didn&#39;t want to waste time sighting-in the rifle just to take it apart and ship it out. With just a few shots hand-held (this was my first time firing a rifle since I was a kid, so don&#39;t expect me to be a good shot!), none of the shots were terribly errant at 15 yards (yes, I know that&#39;s a very short distance - it&#39;s an indoor range and I wanted to make sure I stayed on the paper). So it looks like any effect it might have is relatively minor, but obviously would be multiplied at longer distances.

Guess we&#39;ll see what Savage says. The estimate given to me on the phone was about 2 weeks turnaround, obviously not including time in transit.

[blom]

Don&#39;t doubt yourself, you did the right thing. That would have been a disaster at any decent range.