What does bore is dark, bright, white, etc., mean?

[Skycarp33]

Greetings folks,

I have no idea what they mean. I did a forum search without success so I thought I would reach out to the experts!


Thanks!

[T38Carbine]

If the description is on a CMP hang tag…it basically means it was observed as bright or dark. They don’t have time to clean every rifle bore, so they inspect and report. Many times the dark bore is from firing blanks, and the bore will clean up with a little elbow grease.

[Skycarp33]

Thanks fellas!

[krdomingue]

Too add to the discussion: You mention white, a chamber "in the white," is referring to it not showing signs of being blued or parked. Typically an original barrel that has not be reparked is going to more desirable to a collector. There are exception to that as Winchester M1s had chambers that were parked in some/most/all(?) cases.

[wfo87]

I list guns for shop on gun broker. Here is our terms. Consider these stages of corrosion. Worst to best.
Bore is dark=Sewer pipe
Bore is dark with visible rifling.
Strong rifling dark grooves.
Frosted
Bright bore.

Light pits will cause dark appearance. Usually starts in grooves. Frost is tiny pits throughout. Yes this can be caused by blanks.........don't count your chickens that it will clean up.