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.