Weatherby Vanguard question

[brl0301]

Just last week I picked up a new Vanguard in 308 and when I went to clean it I noticed that there is a discolored area in the grooves between the rifling right near the end of the muzzle. I was just wondring if this is normal or if it is a production defect that I should be worried about. The pictures dont seem to be working but Id appreciate it if you guys/gals could take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks a ton http://www.flickr.com/photos/28028881@N02/5929515306

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28028881@N02/5928977303/

[hollowpoint]

My weatherby came test fired from the factory along with a target in the box w/ a three shot group and my brand new rifle was dirty right out of the box. Did the marks come off when you cleaned it?

[brl0301]

Nope. Its still there after a pretty complete cleaning.

[hollowpoint]

Attach both photo's in an email to Weatherby and see what they say. If there is an actual issue they will take care of it for you.

[brl0301]

Ya thats what I was thinking. I checeked their website and there doesnt seem to be any email address available so I guess I will just give them a call tomorrow

[brl0301]

I finished talking with a super nice lady at Weatherby and sent them the pictures. She had one of the repair techs look at the pics and he said as long as it doesnt affect accuracy then I shouldnt worry about it, kind of an ambiguous response but what can you do. The only thing that bothers me about it is that he said that it looks like someone tried to push something into the muzzle and scratched it, which means that it happened either when it was made or the shop that I bought it from. Im going to take it out again tomorrow and see how it shoots. It did well the first time with occasional flyers, but it was also my first time shooting anything bigger than a .223 so it may have just been me.

Another question for all those more knowledgable than myself, is the verticle scratching/streaking that runs in the grooves normal? It seems to be in all of the grooves.

[5.56Geo]

I own a Vanguard VGL in .308Win. You made me run to the safe to take a look down the barrel! What You are seeing is NOT normal. You will have two trains of thought here at Calguns, first is "no big deal if it shoots straight" and the second "send it back!". Here are some pictures of mine, don't know if it will help (two different angles).

[toby]

Personally I would not worry, it looks cosmetic. If you decide to send it back you best call them and then place a letter inside of the box as well as a packing slip explaining the problem or they will just send your rifle back to you unchecked.. I can promise you that!

[brl0301]

Thanks a ton for taking pics. I scoured google today looks for pics of other peoples barrels but couldnt find anything. Your bore looks dark and I have a feeling that once I shoot my rifle a little more it will start to look like yours(other than the stainless part of course ) Im going to take it out tomorrow and see how it does.

I appreciate the help. Ya it shot well the first time doing a few sub-moa groups with my handloads. I was using nosler cc 168gr and hornady amax 168gr over 39-41 grains of n140 seated at 2.800 oal . The noslers worked well but the hornadys not so much. I have since learned that the amaxs have a very long ogive and have seated them out much further. Ended up with the amaxs at 2.875 oal, which is .015 off the lands. Hopefully that will help them shoot a little better. Also ended up seating the noslers at 2.835 which is also .015 off the lands