Barrett M99 damaged receiver lug holes

[ipsullivan]

Hello,

This post is meant to objective in regards to the rifle. Not looking for feedback on the transaction or seller.

I recently purchased a use M99 (.50 BMG) . I was aware of paint wear/tear upon purchase, but not receiver damage. The seller is willing to make it right through full refund and return. But, I figured I would ask around for input on the rifle.

The front receiver lug holes are oversized, ovalized, and mushroomed. The detent pins cannot be retained properly. Trigger assembly (lower) holes are all fine. I have reached out to Barrett regarding this and I am awaiting a response.

Looking down the repair route I thought of a few options, all have risks/concerns:
-oversizing the holes on the receiver and lower, larger pin (most straight forward)
-oversize holes and ad a bushing (don’t like this idea at all, not enough wall thickness)
-weld repair and re-machine holes on receiver (most difficult to get right)

I don’t really like the thought of any of these on a .50 BMG. The ultimate decision will be made under advice of the manufacturer. Hoping Barrett will have black/white advice.

Anyone ever seen something like this on a M99?

Photos attached.

 

[BuLLet]

Really the question should be what could have caused this, that's my worry. Return it, it's potentially an ugly rabbit hole.

 

[jbuck88]

That sucks. I can't really see why that would wear like that unless someone got pissed off during assembly or disassembly. All of the recoil forces I can see are contained in the bolt and barrel extension. Although I guess the previous owner might have locked the grip into some kind of lead sled maybe to transfer the energy to that pin.

The detented pin only serves to hold the trigger assembly to the receiver. For 75cents you can go get a machine screw and nyloc nut to do the same thing. I've owned a m99 and always wanted to replace those pins anyways. So you get to decide what the diminished value is.