Damaged crown?

Hi Guys. I have a question about barrels and accuracy, and I hope the Experts (you all) can help.

I bought a 7mm-08 encore barrel a while back, and I just can't get the thing dialled in. I bought it used, frame and all, and there are 'chips' in the barrel, on the outside of the dangerous end. They are not in the rifling, but the outer edge and it is obviously damage and not an intentional alteration.

When we talk about protecting the Crown of the barrel, are we talking exclusively the rifling part, or can these dings/chips on the outer circumferance cause innacuracy? I have admittedly only taken it to the range a couple of times, and I do have a new scope on it so that is a variable.

I am flumoxed.

MattC,

Mike Bellm, an extremely knowledgeable and experienced gunsmith, that deals with Contenders and Encores, states that many Encore crowns are not cut in line with the bore and hence poor accuracy. He is the man to contact at: http://www.bellmtcs.com or his son at: kurt@bellmtcs.com

Doc

I agree, while I was still doing the work I found many factory crowns that were out of whack. Mike is a good friend and I highly recommend him for anything T/C.