I picked up a used Colt MatchTarget LightWeight rifle. It was dirty when I bought it and I was unable to fairly evaluate the condition of the barrel. I would say there are at least 3000-5000 rounds thru it based on the condition of the BCG. The issue is that there appears to be pitting in the barrel. After a thorough cleaning, I can clearly see pitting in at least the the last two inches of the barrel. This rifle is not threaded so the barrel was not used with a suppressor. I have never seen this with a CL barrel, even the shot-out barrels of my basic training rifle.
I shot it and it shoots well and considering the cost, I am still very comfortable with the purchase.
Has anyone seen this before and what do you think would cause this?
Are you sure it’s chrome lined? The match target I had was not. What are the markings on the barrel.
Thanks for the reply.
Barrel markings are as follows: C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7—Barrel Dated 6/99
It also has a ring around the chamber at the extension which looks like a normal ring from chrome lining.
At first I thought it may be copper build up, but after running a brush and solvent (including copper solvent), they marks are still their. I may have a camera at work that may be able to take pictures, but it would be a few days before I could post those.
I don’t think yours is chromed. Mine was marked the same way and it was not chromed. Here is a link to a site that list barrel markings.
Most Match target Colt’s built in the post ban years only had the chromelined chamber but not barrel
Sometimes fouling occurs that’s so heavy that it needs serious cleaning and a few passes with a brush won’t do. You may have to resort to overnight soakings and repeated scrubbings. Sometimes you have to clean a bore with different solvents to remove all the different types of fouling that might be in there. If the rifle was fired with a 22 LR adapter, it could be lead fouling.
If you want to know what’s up with your bore before investing in a heavy duty cleaning regimen, see if you can have it inspected with a bore-scope