What is meant by a "dark" barrel?

[G26man]

I remember reading in a thread recently where someone posted that they were dissapointed in the surplus rifle they had ordered because it had arrived with a dark barrel, and I'd like to know what that refers to. As far as I know a barrel is damaged beyond repair only by being worn out (not enough rifling left) or pitting, but anything other than that I figure can be solved with the right cleaning method (not talking about crown or chamber problems here). So just what is a "dark" barrel and is it an unrecoverable condition?

[Steve in PA]

I believe its from corrosive ammo. Its also refered to as a "frosted barrel". I have a German 98k that came with a dark/frosted barrel but it shoots great.

[G26man]

Hmmm sounds like my recently purchaced 91/30 post war sniper might fit that description. The bore has very good rifling and no obvious defects but its not shiny. I'm hoping this won't affect the way it shoots but it will probably make it foul more quickly.

[sharpshooter]

A dark or frosted barrel means that it has or had rusting and/or pitting in the barrel from corrosive ammo and poor cleaning practices. It doesn't always ruin accuracy, but I'm sure it makes cleaning it a bear.

[G26man]

If the barrel on a 91/30 is not shiny does that mean its frosted? In other words, should it be shiny?

I'm using foaming bore cleaner on it, no blue (copper) coming off like comes out of my AR, just black/grey stuff. A couple of treatments got most of it. That stuff is awesome, no more brushing bores to death! :)

I don't doubt this rifle saw lots of corrosive ammo since it was built in 1929!

[sharpshooter]

Yes. Any clean barrel should be shiny. I got my 91/30 in super good condition with a *perfect* bore. :)

[390ish]

Dark barrel, if properly diagnosed means shi** for end to end. Run away. Many clean up well.

[Steve in PA]

Found this target pic from last year. It was fired from a 1942 K98k German Mauser with a dark or frosted barrel. The load is a 150gr Hornady bullet over IMR-4895 fired at 100yds. The first group was low, then I adjusted the sight. Not bad for a mil-surp :supergrin:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p9cfbb71efea2aa866045abbd79283368/eed273bc.jpg