Hello All,

I just picked up a new Ruger M77 MkII VT. I looked over everything on the gun at the gun store on the gun that I could think of, and when I got the rifle home I noticed a small nick in the crown. Other than being a frustration, will this effect accuracy? I should stress that the nick is small. I will probably not get a chance to test fire the gun for some time so I though I would ask you guys your opinion. Next time I buy a rifle I will remember to look at the crown!

Thanks,
Ben

wait to shoot it and see. Anyway, crown jobs arent expensive.

Ben,
If the bullet can contact a burr at the muzzle or if there is a big enough nick to disturb the escaping gases as the bullet exits the bore it will most definately effect the accuracy. Jim

Yes it does matter. If it is a new and not a used gun I would take it back to where you got it. A recrown job is fairly cheap but why should you do it on a new weapon? I would have them look at it before I even shot it. It would take some of the chance of it being your fault out of it if you know what I mean. It may or may not affect your accuracy but why take a chance?

Ben Wazoo--

Here's the rule of thumb on crowns.---If you can see a defect with 30X magnification, it makes a difference. Sometimes a BIG difference.

A good crown on a factory rifle is as rare as a twenty dollar gold piece under the butt plate.

Ben,

Considering the crown is the last to touch the bullet I would have to say yes it is critical to accuracy.

Malm

Jack is exactly right. Of course it will make a difference. Wait a minute, considering how crappy most factory crowns are, a slight nick might help.