The last part of the gun that the bullet sees is the end of the barrel, called the crown. The crown should have no nicks or dents or holes or any damage and it should be perpendicular to the bore. You should examine the crown with a magnifying glass.

Crowning the barrel should only be done when it is needed, when there’s an obvious defect.

Crowning a little won't make the gun shoot a little better; it's a case of good or bad, a damaged muzzle or undamaged muzzle.

• I crown a barrel only when the damage is obvious.

• Try to avoid crowning your barrel.

• If the barrel must be crowned, get a competent gunsmith to do it.

• If you must do it yourself; here's how to do it.

GO EASY, A LITTLE AT A TIME! Get some fine valve grinding paste from the auto parts store and a round head slotted brass screw from the hardware store. A quarter inch round head brass screw has a head diameter of .450” and is suitable for calibers up to about 35. Above that caliber use a 3/8” screw. Chuck the threaded end of the screw in an egg-beater hand drill or an electric hand drill, put some valve grinding paste on the round head of the screw, and go to work on the muzzle. Move the handle of the drill around in a circular motion while grinding. Clean frequently, and inspect the muzzle with a magnifying glass under a good light. Stop when the end of the rifling is clean and free from damage.