Gun store around the corner from me has a Belgium made BAR sitting on the rack. It was made in 1969 and has not been fired as per the owner. There is not a mark on this rifle except a ding on the stock, there is no indication scope mounts have ever been put on it as well. My question concerns the bore on the rifle. When these rifle would have been proof tested back then would they have been cleaned and then the bore coated with cosmoline as well? I would hate to buy this gun and then find out there is pitting in the bore.

I doubt the bore would have been coated with anything of substance, but it should have had an oiled rag run through it.

Will the gun store not let you inspect it visually yourself?

Sempre Elk, I'm with Mark, I'd just ask to have a look, if access to a borescope isn't available, just run a couple of clean patches through and take a look towards a decent light source, it may not matter but it seems like sunlight is great & pitting is pretty apparent, if present.

Good Luck, Don.

Be careful SempreElk, earlier version of BARs were not so reliable. Some of them suffer from extraction problems. Since, the gas port system has been improved (BAR II). It could be a good idea to try the rifle at the range (if possible).

I went back yesterday to give it a really good look and the bore is very rough. The owner will not allow an inspection on it. I decided to pass it up. Thanks for the feedback everyone

quote:

Originally posted by SempreElk:
...and the bore is very rough.

Now you know why the owner will not allow an inspection on it.

That, plus his bullshit about it being unfired, should dissuade you from ever visiting that shop again.

George