What am I looking at? Model 52 barrel

This barrel has me curious. I found it for sale on E-bay but the dark line in/on the barrel has me worried. Is this a normal wear mark or something a person should be concerned about. My 52 was so new it has no wear marks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BARREL-5-for-Smith-Wesson-38-model-52-Pistol-158/253094315057?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150520070957%26meid%3Daa11fd7691dd49c78acfbf593a532827%26pid%3D100277%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D162628056441&_trksid=p2060778.c100277.m3477

Well, it doesn't look like a Keefer!!

Assume it's not just a sludge mark.

Ask for pictures of the bore.....look for any bulge.

Could it be where the end of the slide would be with it locked back?

That ring is the mark left by the front bushing.  This tells me the barrel has been shot a lot.

I would buy a new one with supposedly improved twist rate from Clark.

Greetings,

S&W Chrome plate the outside of the barrel from the muzzle to about where that line appears.

It is possible that it is discoloration at the point where the Chrome ends and bare steel meet.

eBay has a money back guarantee if the product is defective.

Bear in mind that you need to fit the barrel to the bushing. Best case scenario is that your bushing is too small and will only need a little honing/lapping to fit the new barrel.

Also consider this. Will your slide stop fit the barrel correctly? The slide stops were ground on top to fit the barrel lugs.

Cheers,

Dave

Archer Gravely wrote:I would buy a new one with supposedly improved twist rate from Clark

I'm on the waiting list for an M52 barrel from Clark. Have been since before Jim, Jr's passing.  So far it is all speculation as to when, if ever they produce them.

AllAces wrote:

Archer Gravely wrote:I would buy a new one with supposedly improved twist rate from Clark

I'm on the waiting list for an M52 barrel from Clark. Have been since before Jim, Jr's passing.  So far it is all speculation as to when, if ever they produce them.

im on wait list too. the price of barrel is $269.95

SW-52 wrote:

AllAces wrote:

Archer Gravely wrote:I would buy a new one with supposedly improved twist rate from Clark

I'm on the waiting list for an M52 barrel from Clark. Have been since before Jim, Jr's passing.  So far it is all speculation as to when, if ever they produce them.

im on wait list too. the price of barrel is $269.95

I was recently added to the list and was told that prototypes were in process.