I have a hastings barrel and there is a visible ring before the choke threads.If you look at it in the light just right you can see it,its about 1" wide and seems the metal is more shiny in that area.Any ideas? Do the barrels get bigger in diameter before and after the choke?

We had a Hasting 870 barrel in not long ago. The OD of the barrel around the choke tube was greater than the OD right behind the choke (and for several inches back from that area) The barrel is machined like this to reduce overall weight but still leave enough wall thickness for the choke tube installation. If this "ring" is what you are seeing then its normal.

On the other hand....If the "ring" you are seeing swells and then return to normal diameter prior to the choke tube then it sounds like the barrel may be swelled (or "ringed") most likely due firing it with an obstruction in the muzzle (mud, snow, stuck wad).

Quoted:
We had a Hasting 870 barrel in not long ago. The OD of the barrel around the choke tube was greater than the OD right behind the choke (and for several inches back from that area) The barrel is machined like this to reduce overall weight but still leave enough wall thickness for the choke tube installation. If this "ring" is what you are seeing then its normal.


Guncat,

I think it is normal,the metal seems to not bulge out in any way more like the metal is indented