I need a bit of advice. I'm looking over a George Gibs non-ejector .470 double rifle. The problem is the bores are not good. They've had a good clean and there is fairly visible pitting. This rifle is really a restoration project. It's in pieces at the moment so I can't even test fire it.

I guess my questions are what can be done about the pitting? How likely is this to affect rifle acuracy, remembering this is a .470 double not a target rifle?
Would reboring, re-chambering and re-regulating be a feasible option?
Any other advice?

TIA,

Stu

I had a Gibbs that had some pitting in the barrels and Chambers so pitted that the shell would expand into the pits and would not eject. Despite this it would shoot into 4" at 100 yards.

I had the chambers sleeved and rechambered to .470. Left the barrels alone. the rifle still shot into 4" but ejected again. I don't think that slight pitting is a problem nor is worn rifling a deterent at the velocities used. If the price is right and you know a gunsmith that understands Doubles and can reassemble it properly than I would not worry about it.

I'd pass, plain and simple!

Offer $500.

Stu C,

Re the pitting - is it pitting from non cleaning / corrosion OR cordite burn in the groves of the barrel ?
If "cordite burn" but the lands are still clearly visible, should not be a major problem.
Generally the larger bores (400 +) are much more forgiving of pitting and bad barrels.
I would stay away from any double that has pitting in the chambers for the reasons stated by Mickey1
Why is it in pieces ?
This also stops you from being able to tell if the gun is loose.
However, it is all relative to what they are asking for the overall gun, your level of experience with doubles, do you have a gun smith you know but who knows doubles well.
Hope this helps.
500 Nitro