New barrel????

[josebd]

I bought this .308 criterion, supposed to be a new barrel, I ran a oil patch through after I got it to store it for a while and this is the patch

 

[DShortt]

Doesn't mean much. A bore scope is what you need if you think it's been fired.

 

[rijndael]

I wouldn't assume it's burnt powder, it could also be remnants of lapping.

 

[243Lapua]

Don't worry. Stainless also rusts. Run a couple of patches until clean. Run some dry patches and shoot.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I bought this .308 criterion, supposed to be a new barrel, I ran a oil patch through after I got it to store it for a while and this is the patch
View attachment 1500728View attachment 1500729

This is not unusual for new barrels as they usually need to be cleaned after their machining and/or lapping where the manufactures tend not to remove all the residue from the process (I guess as a form of protection against any erosion). New barrels should always be cleaned before use. . . if for no other reason than to be sure there's no foreign objects (like machining chards) left in the barrel.

 

[swd]

Here’s a patch out of a barrel I’m pretty sure hasn’t been fired, lol

 

[Dgd6mm]

I bought this .308 criterion, supposed to be a new barrel, I ran a oil patch through after I got it to store it for a while and this is the patch
View attachment 1500728View attachment 1500729

I truly believe your concern is for nothing.
My money is on, unfired and new. You'll be the one to send the first round down it.

 

[DShortt]

I mentioned a borescope earlier and I like them for multiple reasons. I bought a pre-chambered Shilen for a Savage a few years ago. When I inspected it with a borescope it was obvious that the throat and leade were NOT cut concentric to the bore. Contacted the supplier who accepted the return and replaced it without any trouble. Second barrel was fine and shoots very well.
How much time, components and trouble might I have wasted trying to get that first barrel to shoot? Plus a return would have been more difficult with a barrel that had been fired quite a lot.
Borescopes are obtainable on Amazon for less than $70 these days and are definitely worth having to evaluate bores and check your cleaning process. I'll never go without one in the future.

 

[Catfur]

Is it possible that a maker selling pre-fit barrels has to fire a proof round?

 

[4xforfun]

So....run a patch of copper solvent down and wait 15 min. If it is blue, you'll know!!

 

[Bill Norris]

All new barrels should have a patch run down the bore. It is possible that some residue from machining is left over.

 

[DShortt]

All new barrels should have a patch run down the bore. It is possible that some residue from machining is left over.

Exactly. Not to mention debris from the packaging material and handling.

And if it's going on the shelf for a bit cleaning and oiling are just common sense.

 

[bozo699]

All new barrels should have a patch run down the bore. It is possible that some residue from machining is left over.

Not just a possibility Bill, I would never fire a new chambered barrel without cleaning it. My Smith is one of my very best friends and meticulous with his gunsmithing skills and when he’s done it’s clean but he would think I was a idiot if I didn’t double check by cleaning it myself before I shot it.
Wayne

 

[Bill Norris]

Absolutely same with my builder.

 

[Bill K]

Residue from the machine work and/or a proof test round.