Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders Dark bore...

Just bought a rifle with what was described as a dark bore. It is worth what I paid for it, in other parts, and I have a good barrel for it, but I'm curious to see if I can save the bore. Heck, just some cleaning and a polish might do it. Crossing my fingers. It's a crap shoot, I know. Already a .54. Guess I could go .58...

Get one of the Teslong bore scopes off Amazon for $50, and you will know for sure. That being said many bores that look bad actually shoot quite well.

This make no sense and sounds like a bunch of internet BS.

That said, I have found it to be the case sometimes, and have no explanation for it. I have a 22 with a crap bore but it shoots, and I have had 2 ML with disgusting bores, one did fine and the other shot lights out.

It makes no sense. But it is what it is.

I have a drop in bore light, that works good, won't have the rifle for a few days, though. Just took a chance. I have 2 other barrels that will fit it. Probably end up using bore paste and kroil.. has some rust around the nipple, too. Not too bad there, but gives an idea what the inside may look like . One of my Investarms Hawkens is 21 years old. Looks almost new, and it's been shot an awful lot. I guess people don't understand you have to clean the silly things! Like I said though, all the rest of the rifle is real nice. Worth what I paid. Worst case, I just toss an extra barrel on it.

I agree here, I have a Teslong Borescope in which I REALLY LIKE!! But they are for “Fine detail” with the Angled mirrors, Up close and Personal is where the Teslong i have Shines!! And is precisely why i Went with it. But If you want something to Look Straight down a Large Bore such as Muzzleloaders Without the Fine Detail angle Mirrors, i would look Elsewhere! This Teslong STRUGGLES at that, Not what it was designed for. I would look for a Larger Camera Head Borescope for that Purpose

I have also seen Rough Muzzleloader Bores Shoot REALLY well, The Problem is trying to Maintain a Rough Bore, It is a Nonstop, Losing Battle! Fouling gets inside every nook and cranny, such as Pitting, There is simply no way to Thoroughly Clean and get Everything in a Rough Pitted Bore, The best you can do is Slather it Full of Oil after Cleaning the Best you can. I gave up messing with Rough, Pitted Bore Muzzleloaders, No matter how well they Shot

Really good advice, based on experience. Appreciate it. I haven't actually seen down the bore. I guess it could be anywhere from not pristine, to who drove the 4x4 down there. Just trying to prepare a plan of action. I do have another, very good shooting barrel.

Got the rifle. The bore is nearly new. A light cleaning, is all it needed. Actually got 2 rifles, both left hand Cabelas Hawkens. A Sporterized, and a traditional. Dont think they've ever been more than test fired. Got lucky

Those Cabelas sporters were usually investarms barreled . Many of those were chrome lined. Some were stainless. Most shoot!

Yeah, all of mine are investarms. Just found a NOS .54 carbine barrel. They have a few other parts if you need something...https://www.ar-7.com/investarm-hawken-rifle-carbine-stocks-parts.html