BLUF: Is it possible that I’ve worn out my stainless B92 barrel in 17,000 rds?
If so, would a chrome-lined steel barrel be a longer-lasting replacement?
I’m still having problems with keyholing out of my B92 LTT Elite.
I was pretty sure it was caused by the substandard coating on a couple of lots of Gallant bullets, but it’s re-emerged on yet another lot with coating that looks fine visually. The keyholing is happening on about 10-15% of rounds fired, and is especially noticeable in IDPA matches, as the cardboard targets really emphasize an oblong tear.
As an additional factor, my group size for 10-yd slow fire on a B-8 is somewhat degraded from the same load when the gun had only a couple thousand rounds through it.
I’m starting to wonder if it’s the gun, as my son is shooting the same ammunition out of his (mostly) stock B92, and we haven’t seen any keyholing from that gun. This is in regular IDPA matches that we shoot together, so I see all of his results.
The primary difference between the guns is that my gun has a stainless steel barrel with just over 17,000 rds through it.
His gun has a conventional chrome-lined steel barrel with an estimated 5000 rds through it.
LTT stainless barrels have been out of stock for months, so getting at 1 for 1 replacement isn’t simple.
I have an unfired stainless barrel on hand, and am contemplating having it cut and crowned to make a replacement, if required. That would run $40-70, plus shipping each way.
Or, I see a source for a 4.7” (stock length for LTT Elite) 92X chrome-lined steel barrel. That would be about $230
I know I could try his barrel, and different ammunition, but if I need a new barrel, I need to act ASAP, as I’d like to avoid degraded performance in a major match that’s in about 3 weeks.
Thoughts from those more experienced than I?