M77/17 Crown Problem? Please Advise

[Patriot_1776]

I wanted some advice on a (possible) small defect on my gun; I noticed it after I got it home.  Funny, you really don't find out about this sort of stuff 'til then, do you?  I decided it wouldn't be a problem, but I got too curious and wanted to bring the question to light.  On the crown of the gun, there is what could be called a microscopically sized scratch.  It starts at the edge of the bore, and goes for about 4mm. or so out.  I meant microscopically because of the shallowness.  I can't feel it w/ my fingernail, and it takes a little close looking to see it in general.  BUT, a very sharp pin with which I used very carefully to graze over the surface of the metal, I can feel a small bit of catching on the supect area.  I don't know if that would affect accuracy or not, as yesterday (Sat.) at the range a 50yd. 10-shot group measured 15/16".  So any help on this would be greatly appreciated, and if it does pose to be a possible problem, I won't mind the sacrifice of a few $$ to get the crown re-done.  I do want to get the most accuracy out of my 17 as possible.   Patriot

[DWARREN123]

I don't think it is a problem but if you do it will possibly ease your mind to get it recronwed.

[KN]

I had a bad crown on a TC that looked perfectly normal. The gun wouldn't hold 1" at 50 feet. Re-crowned it and it now shoots MOA 100meter groups consistently on a calm day.  KN

[jh45gun]

Take it back to  where you bought it they should take it back and give you a other one or if they will not do it:

Send it back to Ruger and tell them to recrown it. It could have happened there or the gun shop but since it is a new gun Ruger should take care of it .   Either way you should not have to pay for a new crown job on a new gun. Jim

[Patriot_1776]

I can't say it is that new; I got it a few months ago, and put at least 450 rds. though it.  In terms of $$, how much could a standard re-crown run?  I don't think I could at this time still press it as having come from the factory like that.  As I said, I didn't think much of it when I first saw it, and with the above-said use it's had, they could suspect me being careless w/ a cleaning rod and trying to weasle a free re-crown job from someone.  But when I hear of the groups peole are getting with all different brands of 17 HMR rifles, that got me wondering.  I of course may just have a re-crown job done anyway (whether it's free or not), just as a precaution for accuracy.  Would a re-crown one way or another have a better effect on my accuracy?  I've heard many people have even better groups after a re-crown even though it was not necessary.  Kinda gives it that custom touch, I guess.  Thanks for the tippers, and in advance for answers to my currently presented questions.  Patriot

[ajj]

Crowning should not be expensive, say $30 or so. If it doesn't improve accuracy you'll know that the scratch wasn't causing a problem.