Taurus Thunderbolt

[W.E. Snatchem]

     All you folks who own a Taurus Thunderbolt, do any of your guns have a deformity or discoloration inside the barrel just under the front site?  I just purchased a brand new one and upon close examination found what looks like the metal inside the barrel deformed from the cutting process of the front dovetail.  Dealer said he has seen several like this (not just Thunderbolts).  Also said not to worry about it, accuracy would not be affected.  Any thoughts or comments on this?  Thanks!  Serial # starts with Z.

[44caliberkid]

I'm hardly an expert, just a bubba gunsmith, but I'd say it sounds like heat from the milling process discolored the steel.  They probably cut 'em fast with no water or oil to cool the cutter.  Probably won't hurt the performance.

[Montana Slim]

It could just "look" odd, but you can investigate further by (1) running a tight fitting patch/jag from breech to muzzle to feel for it hanging up, etc and/or slug the bore by manually push a bullet from breech to muzzle. If there is a tight spot at that point or the bullet is deformed from the "spot". Be sure to oil the barrel well before slugging it. If no problem noted, I'd next shoot from a bench at 25yds and see if the group is reasonable.

Let us know how things work out.

SLim