Barrel irregularity/scratches/gunk?

[mehfisto]

I have what appear to be either deposits or some kind of scratches/rough patches on the inside of the barrel of my USPf .45. They seem to follow the rifling (I know that's probably not the correct term, but bear with me) of the barrel, and go up about 1/3 of an inch into it, looking from the chamber end.

I've swabbed it out with Hoppes, let it soak, and used the bronze bore brush numerous times, but it doesn't seem to be something that's coming off. It doesn't appear to affect the operation of the gun, but I'm no expert shooter, so I don't know for sure.

I tried to get a picture, but I'd need a macro lens or something to get a good focused shot inside the barrel.

Someone I know mentioned "compressed powder" but when I google that I get nothing.

I shoot factory reload and WWB mostly, dirty I know. I clean after every range visit however.

Could it be copper fouling from the slugs? Or possibly damage?

Thanks for any assistance.

Rob

[dhysk]

I too have the same exact thing with my P2000 .40 and am wondering if i have done something dumb. The exeption is mine lookes like little dots, pissibly pits, and are at the last 1/3 inch of the barrel.

[Thray]

Probably powder residue stuck in the corners of the barrel. Polygonal barrels are hard to clean. There are some topics about it if you hit search.

[Big Bore]

The inside of the barrel has a finish on it when it leaves the manufacturing plant. I'm not sure if it is the HE finish but it is not bare metal. Now, guess what happens when they test it and then you get it and start shooting? The finish wears off. If you have used a good bronze brush, powder remover, and copper remover and it is still there dollars to doughnuts you are seeing nothing but the finish being worn off the inside of the barrel. I've seen this dull gray streaking on every one of my HK pistols that get shot and in time the inside of the barrel evens out to a relatively even color since all the finish that is going to wear off has.
It is usually first seen near the chamber end and the muzzle but I suspect it occurs throughout the barrel but it is just easier to see at those two places.

[mehfisto]

The inside of the barrel has a finish on it when it leaves the manufacturing plant. I'm not sure if it is the HE finish but it is not bare metal. Now, guess what happens when they test it and then you get it and start shooting? The finish wears off. If you have used a good bronze brush, powder remover, and copper remover and it is still there dollars to doughnuts you are seeing nothing but the finish being worn off the inside of the barrel. I've seen this dull gray streaking on every one of my HK pistols that get shot and in time the inside of the barrel evens out to a relatively even color since all the finish that is going to wear off has.
It is usually first seen near the chamber end and the muzzle but I suspect it occurs throughout the barrel but it is just easier to see at those two places.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on it over time.

As an aside, I found this 10 page thread on cleaning polygonal barrels.

http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43470&

Thanks Big Bore!