r/canadaguns • u/Bobba_cs • 3d ago

Fix my gun SKS barrel pitting question

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Is this safe to shoot long term? I dont want the pitting to lead to a larger failure down the line. I’d like to use this rifle long term as it is my go to semi right now.

Also, would normal cleaning and oiling prevent it from worsening?

Thanks!

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u/EngineeringRuinedMe 3d ago

Engineer here. There is no way to repair this. Even thought putting has appeared in certain areas, the entire surface is finished. Gonna have to replace this barrel unfortunately. Do not shoot this…

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u/EngineeringRuinedMe 3d ago

I should add that what this pitting does is create stress riser within the steel itself. When stress is put on the barrel (when it’s shot) this can lead to crack propagation. You CAN care for it in its current state, however, grind the pits out to reveal fresh steel underneath, than coat with a similar steel (needs to be similar grain and steel)

Best advice is take it to a gun smith or someone who specialized in working on gun barrels

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u/Bowmann-94 2d ago

You wanna try that again? We in the metal working field (you know the guys that actually build the stuff you designed on paper but couldn’t build yourself as in welders and machinists) call the process of “coating in new steel” welding and is in no way a coating as welding actually bonds with the base metal. As far as stress risers and “crack propagation” if there’s enough metal in the barrel wall regardless of the pits it’s not going to crack particularly way out by the gas block as the pressure is less there. Having worked on and rebarreled a few skses now the wall thickness at the gas port is still thick compared to lightweight pencil barrels.