TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
I purchased a KAK Industries 7.62x39 18" barrel last year, and was getting ready to install it to replace a Bear Creek barrel which was not grouping well. I got their VALUE-LINE 7.62X39 18 INCH MID MELONITE BARREL for $150, and had hopes it would be a good shooter. I cleaned the barrel in preparation for swapping the barrels out. Decided to look at the bore with my Teslong Borescope, to check out the "before" being shot rifling, and make sure it was indeed clean.
What I found at the muzzle end was disturbing. It appeared the last 1/8" or so was bead-blasted when the barrel exterior was bead blasted by they people who do their Melonite work on their barrels.
Called the company, they said to take photos and send them in, so I did. They then said the barrel was purchased too long ago, and that they would not replace it. I called and talked to the manager of the customer service, and she indicated the bead blasting on the inside of the front of the barrel is a normal part of their manufacturing process, so if they sent a replacement it would be the same. Hmmm
I have looked at my other aftermarket and original AR barrels from all my other rifles, and the crown areas are in perfect condition. The manager Jenny said the Owner of KAK, Kurt, stated I should mount it, shoot it, and it should be fine.
Anyway, looks like I'm SOL with working anything out with the company, on this unshot barrel.
Here's some photos of the barrel, first of the inner smooth part of the barrel, then the transition where it started getting sandblasted, then the final inside muzzle, showing the pitting and rough surface. Does this seem like an acceptable way to make a barrel? Never seen anything like it. Interested in feedback.
Smooth bore, what most of it looks like.

Where it transitions, starting to get blasted

Another pic of the transition, pretty severe pitting to my eye

And what the end looks like at the crown area.

another

What I found at the muzzle end was disturbing. It appeared the last 1/8" or so was bead-blasted when the barrel exterior was bead blasted by they people who do their Melonite work on their barrels.
Called the company, they said to take photos and send them in, so I did. They then said the barrel was purchased too long ago, and that they would not replace it. I called and talked to the manager of the customer service, and she indicated the bead blasting on the inside of the front of the barrel is a normal part of their manufacturing process, so if they sent a replacement it would be the same. Hmmm
I have looked at my other aftermarket and original AR barrels from all my other rifles, and the crown areas are in perfect condition. The manager Jenny said the Owner of KAK, Kurt, stated I should mount it, shoot it, and it should be fine.
Anyway, looks like I'm SOL with working anything out with the company, on this unshot barrel.
Here's some photos of the barrel, first of the inner smooth part of the barrel, then the transition where it started getting sandblasted, then the final inside muzzle, showing the pitting and rough surface. Does this seem like an acceptable way to make a barrel? Never seen anything like it. Interested in feedback.
Smooth bore, what most of it looks like.

Where it transitions, starting to get blasted

Another pic of the transition, pretty severe pitting to my eye

And what the end looks like at the crown area.

another
