New NEF barrels, What's Up?

[MarkA]

Just got my NEW 204 Ruger barrel in from NEF.  I am not disappointed, yet, but I am concerned.  It, the barrel, is VERY dirty, VERY.  In fact I ran 'Wipe Out' in it last night and the first patch through it was absolute 'Dark Blue' (indication of strong copper fouling).  How is this possible?  They could test fire it all day and not foul it that badly!  Is this the normal new barrel experience?  Not a warm fuzzy!

[ajj]

I wouldn't worry just yet. There are a lot of variables. A little roughness in the throat could pick up substantial copper with just a few rounds of a high-pressure, high velocity load like this. It may smooth out with shooting and even if it turns out to be one of those barrels that just collects more copper than others, that doesn't mean it won't shoot well. Don't let the color of the patch spook you. Keep us posted.

[hellacatcher]

Most all my barrels when new had the same blue- black  coloring when cleaning even before used. It is parable something to do with the manufacturing process the all work for me. Let us know how the 204 works out. :-)