I got a Bushmaster upper with a 14.5" barrel and pinned Vortex. I've had it for a couple of months, but just noticed when cleaning it today that there's what appears to be a scratch/groove in the barrel.

It's on the very bottom of the barrel, and looks to be a about a half inch or so inside from the crown.

And it goes against the rifling (sideways instead of forward). I've cleaned it twice with a USGI cleaning kit, but can't imagine it would have caused this.

So is it from the Vortex being pinned on, or what. And if so, will this hurt accuracy?

And if not, does Bushmaster warranty their barrels?

Any opinions appreciated. Thanks.

it sounds as if they driled the pin hole a tad bit close to the rifeling. i sure would send it back. a friend of mine had a black powder rifle with the dovetails in the barrel cut to close. the rifle blew up at that weak point and he lost his left hand and part of his face.
willy

Man, freewilly that's a pretty scary story. I'm glad that hasn't happened with this barrel.

Well I guess I'll call Gunsmoke and Bushmaster first thing Monday see what they have to say. I'm definetely not shooting it again for the time being.