How worn is worn?

[Icebox Bob]

I am looking at a top break .44 revolver that is at least 75 years old with the expected "patina" and the price is reasonable.  It is in the hands of a reputable dealer/gunsmith who assures me that with a little work it will be a safe shooter.  However the barrel is described as worn with some pitting.

My question is - with black powder loads, soft lead and CAS distances how worn can the rifling be before it is a lost cause?

Thanks,

Icebox

[Fox Creek Kid]

Pitting = leading. No two ways around it. If I were looking for a shooter I'd pass. Just my 2 cents (from a man who has cleaned bad leading before).

[Cuts Crooked]

Pitting = leading. No two ways around it. If I were looking for a shooter I'd pass. Just my 2 cents (from a man who has cleaned bad leading before).

Ditto!

[St. George]

Out of curiosity - what is it?

At 75 years old - a Webley comes to mind.

Shooting it in C&WAS means a 'lot' of cleaning - but shooting a jacketed round for fun means just that if the price is right.

And - if the price 'is' right - the barrel can be lined.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Icebox Bob]

Out of curiosity - what is it?

At 75 years old - a Webley comes to mind.

Shooting it in C&WAS means a 'lot' of cleaning - but shooting a jacketed round for fun means just that if the price is right.

And - if the price 'is' right - the barrel can be lined.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

DA 44-40 S&W 1st model copy made in Belgium.  Looks like the one half-way down the page - http://www.neaca.com/Smith%20&%20Wesson%20Firearms%20page%20.html

I was speculating that using soft lead might actually work with less than ideal rifling.  The pitting is described as minor. 

Thanks for the thoughts.
Icebox