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7/12/2026 6:03:43 PM EDT
[#1]
Well, I'm a smartass, douche bag poser, and I probably wouldn't have even noticed it or cared.
You asked, many have answered.
Now, you need to make the choice to use it or send it back.
Anger is a Gift
7/12/2026 6:18:50 PM EDT
[#2]
A 15% restocking fee plus shipping back to the supplier doesn’t sound worth it to me.  I don’t have any experience with colt parts but it sounds like the barrel you received is par for the course in colt land.  The ding and scratches won’t affect the performance, muzzle damage would be a different story.  A premium price should reflect the condition of a part when it arrives but apparently not for colt.

At the end of the day the rifle is just a tool, I say use the barrel.  I don’t roll around playing soldier either but a rifle will get dings from being used.  Get some Rapco paint and have some fun customizing it.  Rattling canning a rifle is very relaxing.
7/12/2026 7:00:07 PM EDT
[#3]
If it's a colt clone it wouldn't be correct without a few dings and marks.
7/12/2026 7:24:15 PM EDT
[#4]
If is supposed to be a clone piece, it should have a bit of "weathering" . . .

7/12/2026 7:38:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

First off, I was warned about this site because of douche bags
, first off, I paid alot of money for it, I am not going to war and gonna be throwing my gun around like a fool, especially when I paid alot of money for it, yes it's a tool, but when I pay good money for a barrel and it shows up looking like shit and all banged up, yeah that's a problem.
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Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Originally Posted By kwb377:
Why did you ask us if you should keep it or send it back if all you're going to do is rebut anyone that says it's acceptable and defend your desire to return it?

First off, I was warned about this site because of douche bags
, first off, I paid alot of money for it, I am not going to war and gonna be throwing my gun around like a fool, especially when I paid alot of money for it, yes it's a tool, but when I pay good money for a barrel and it shows up looking like shit and all banged up, yeah that's a problem.


Way to make a name for yourself early OP. Maybe this isn't the site for you after all.

That said, you asked for opinions and you got them. If you were expecting everyone to march in formation with you I don't know what to tell you.

If the external appearance is that important to you then pay the extra money, send it back and hope the next one is better. If I were putting the rifle together as a gift I'd want something nicer. If I was doing it for me I wouldn't like it, but I'd use it.
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."

Song dynasty poet
7/12/2026 7:57:18 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Strela:


Way to make a name for yourself early OP. Maybe this isn't the site for you after all.

That said, you asked for opinions and you got them. If you were expecting everyone to march in formation with you I don't know what to tell you.

If the external appearance is that important to you then pay the extra money, send it back and hope the next one is better. If I were putting the rifle together as a gift I'd want something nicer. If I was doing it for me I wouldn't like it, but I'd use it.
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Originally Posted By Strela:
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Originally Posted By kwb377:
Why did you ask us if you should keep it or send it back if all you're going to do is rebut anyone that says it's acceptable and defend your desire to return it?

First off, I was warned about this site because of douche bags
, first off, I paid alot of money for it, I am not going to war and gonna be throwing my gun around like a fool, especially when I paid alot of money for it, yes it's a tool, but when I pay good money for a barrel and it shows up looking like shit and all banged up, yeah that's a problem.


Way to make a name for yourself early OP. Maybe this isn't the site for you after all.

That said, you asked for opinions and you got them. If you were expecting everyone to march in formation with you I don't know what to tell you.

If the external appearance is that important to you then pay the extra money, send it back and hope the next one is better. If I were putting the rifle together as a gift I'd want something nicer. If I was doing it for me I wouldn't like it, but I'd use it.

People don't want your opinion; they want affirmation of their own opinion.
If you aren't representing Jesus in a way that makes people want to hang out with you, you're doing it wrong.
7/12/2026 9:27:54 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

Well yeah people are douches when they say get over it,it's a tool, well might be a tool but my money i am spending, I don't abuse my shit, especially when i spend alot of money on my guns. Would you still buy a brand new car if the paint was scratched up or had mechanical issues?  Pretty sure you wouldn't.
View Quote


You're comparing a $300 barrel to a 30,50,70 etc thousand dollar car?


Kinda like the wrench argument no?

It's obvious you're not happy with it which I get, I'd be like 2 percent annoyed but it wouldn't be worth me sending it back personally.
7/12/2026 10:00:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: CheemsK1500][Edited] [#8]
In the 60+ years Colt has built ARs, aesthetics and perfect fit/finish have never been top priority. In the eyes of the pony, if a part is “usable,” and “in-spec” that is good enough. If you end up with a gun that has matching anodizing on the upper and lower and no rough assembly marks, that’s just an added bonus. To answer your question OP, if the rest of the barrel looks fine, I’d use it.
7/12/2026 10:40:45 PM EDT
[#9]
Pretty common on colt parts. Just shoot the piss out of it.
7/12/2026 10:54:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: tet493][Edited] [#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
You're comparing a 5 dollar wrench to a 300 dollar barrel
View Quote


The dollar amount of tools dragged through crawl spaces is much greater than $300. Expensive tools get used, scratched, broken, etc. That’s why we buy them.

The rifles we are talking about are also meant to be dragged through the dirt and used as a spear. Lol
7/12/2026 10:56:45 PM EDT
[#11]
My thought is yeah he can return it and get a new one but he’s going to still be pretty pissed when it has different scratches on it, maybe worse than that.
7/12/2026 10:57:03 PM EDT
[Last Edit: tet493][Edited] [#12]
Dupe
7/12/2026 11:10:22 PM EDT
[#13]
Annoying, yes. Acceptable, also yes. I have to assume that since you bought a Socom 14.5 barrel, you didn't buy it to be an heirloom. It's a tool.
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
7/12/2026 11:14:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Capt_Destro:
I get that it's a.tool, and it's going to have wear.


But it's pretty sad when it's the norm to pay a premium for something and it has defects on it off the assembly line and we have to deal with it. Reminds me of Gibson these days lmao. I love the modern business model.


I'd just run it though my complaint aside.

3ACR Makes a good point.
View Quote

"has defects" is not the same as "defective." The exterior of the barrel is purely cosmetic. I could understand the complaint if the chrome lining were flaking off, or it came rusted, but we're talking about something that has absolutely zero effect on its performance.
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
7/12/2026 11:23:54 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

Not really worried about the scratch, it's the dent you can see in the pic. I know its nothing, but for a new barrel.
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Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Originally Posted By Marksman14:


"How is this finish" threads bring out some interesting replies here, that's for sure.  Tech here has been pretty lousy lately, things that used to get moved or locked are now commonplace here.  So yeah, you're probably right about the douche thing...I guess thats why members get the ignore button...and its been useful as of late.

From what I have seen, the wear and the ding on your barrel is consistent with colt parts that I have gotten and used, that have performed as I expected them to.  

Even during resale, most people seem to be aware of this and I haven't had it stop me from being able to sell an otherwise good barrel.


Not really worried about the scratch, it's the dent you can see in the pic. I know its nothing, but for a new barrel.

The first time you shoot it, it's not a new barrel any more. Just shoot it. I've bought tools a lot more expensive than a 350 dollar barrel, and cosmetics do not factor into whether or not I'm glad I bought them. I care about whether or not the tool can do the job for which it's designed.
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
7/12/2026 11:25:01 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

Well yeah people are douches when they say get over it,it's a tool, well might be a tool but my money i am spending, I don't abuse my shit, especially when i spend alot of money on my guns. Would you still buy a brand new car if the paint was scratched up or had mechanical issues?  Pretty sure you wouldn't.
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Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Originally Posted By NTXGlocker:
Return it.

What other questions might you have.

After all, you’re asking a bunch of douche bags.

Lots of laughs


Well yeah people are douches when they say get over it,it's a tool, well might be a tool but my money i am spending, I don't abuse my shit, especially when i spend alot of money on my guns. Would you still buy a brand new car if the paint was scratched up or had mechanical issues?  Pretty sure you wouldn't.

Paint scratched up? No, I wouldn't buy that car. Mechanical issues... what mechanical issues does your barrel exhibit?
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
7/12/2026 11:29:05 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

Well their is a difference in answering a question then their is a difference of being a smart ass and a douche because I asked a simple question, but I guess that's the posers on here who have to bitch about something. Sorry but I spent good money on that and shouldn't look like it has been dragged behind a truck.
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Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Originally Posted By WUPHF:


This wasn’t you?



Yep, people are such “douches” for answering a question you asked.  

Well their is a difference in answering a question then their is a difference of being a smart ass and a douche because I asked a simple question, but I guess that's the posers on here who have to bitch about something. Sorry but I spent good money on that and shouldn't look like it has been dragged behind a truck.

My friend, you did ask a simple question. You received a lot of simple answers, most of them saying the same thing.

Nobody called you names, nobody got angry at you, nobody cursed at you. If you want to return it, then return it. You don't need to justify it to strangers on the internet.
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
7/12/2026 11:35:39 PM EDT
[#18]
LOL
"I miss the days of being able to shoot all commies" G.B.
7/13/2026 12:11:28 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Capt_Destro:
I get that it's a.tool, and it's going to have wear.


But it's pretty sad when it's the norm to pay a premium for something and it has defects on it off the assembly line and we have to deal with it. Reminds me of Gibson these days lmao. I love the modern business model.


I'd just run it though my complaint aside.

3ACR Makes a good point.
View Quote


It’s always been this way with Colt. I’ve been buying Colt ARs and parts since the 90s. There’s a high probability of factory “chew” marks because of how they store the parts all stacked up like cord wood.
7/13/2026 12:15:33 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

Exactly, I don't spend thousands of dollars just to roll around on the ground and pretend I am soldier in combat and mess my guns up. It's the point I bought it brand new and looks like it has been dragged behind a truck.
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Well, return it already, you big baby. Why you keep responding to the douchebags?
7/13/2026 2:04:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Brawnydog][Edited] [#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Not worried about the finish, it's that little dent
View Quote
Bruh
And I'm not a douchebag.
I am, however, an asshole.
"Do what you do, just do it less shittily." Ben "The Realest" Stoeger
7/13/2026 5:33:49 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

First off, I was warned about this site because of douche bags, first off, I paid alot of money for it, I am not going to war and gonna be throwing my gun around like a fool, especially when I paid alot of money for it, yes it's a tool, but when I pay good money for a barrel and it shows up looking like shit and all banged up, yeah that's a problem.
View Quote

Goodness….
7/13/2026 5:38:02 AM EDT
[#23]
I don’t think Colts or GD are for you….
7/13/2026 7:44:59 AM EDT
[#24]
Play Colt games, win Colt prizes.

I bought a KAK 14.5 Socom barrel for significantly less that was pristine. Wrapped in the blue bag with the bore protector and everything.
7/13/2026 9:52:50 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Originally Posted By bluedog82:
I would probably be annoyed but run it anyway. After a few shooting sessions it would look like that probably.
View Quote

100%
Just choke it down.  The juice would not be worth the squeeze.
7/13/2026 9:57:41 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
For a new barrel to me that's unacceptable.  And plus I don't beat my guns, yes I know they are tools but expensive tools I work had to buy. Probably jjst gonna return because a new barrel that's ridiculous.
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Okay, then why are you asking questions here?
7/13/2026 10:12:51 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By CatBacker:

Okay, then why are you asking questions here?
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Originally Posted By CatBacker:
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
For a new barrel to me that's unacceptable.  And plus I don't beat my guns, yes I know they are tools but expensive tools I work had to buy. Probably jjst gonna return because a new barrel that's ridiculous.

Okay, then why are you asking questions here?

He was probably driven off of reddit because they wouldn't side with him.
Why is the sky blue?
What makes the green grass grow?
7/13/2026 12:38:36 PM EDT
[#28]
I dont purposely abuse my stuff but life happens.

I dont even care about scratches in my jeep.

If that ding bothers you return it. Just expect everyone here to laugh at you for it.
Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
7/13/2026 12:59:53 PM EDT
[#29]
Absolutely.  I probably wouldn't have even noticed it.

Then again, I use my gear.
Point shooting will give you monkeypox. - John_Wayne777

The Emu War could have been won if the Australians used red dots on their handguns.
7/13/2026 1:06:50 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

Right and that's the point I am getting at, brand new barrel and it looks like that is ridiculous. I get what people are saying to forget about and run it, but I don't abuse my guns, especially when I spends thousands and thousands on them, then if I gotta resell it, you don't get nothing for it.
View Quote


I get it. Looks like they got you either way with a 15% restocking fee and all the other hassel, and who pays return shipping? Then, getting another that may or may not start the whole thing over again. I'd keep it and work on it. Then, I would not buy from anywhere that charges restock unless they described that condition is a possiblity.
7/13/2026 1:44:05 PM EDT
[#31]
this guys a fucking troll. give them the ban and lock the thread lol
7/13/2026 3:03:52 PM EDT
[#32]
Any other brand and people would've said send it back. Lol
7/13/2026 3:20:30 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ban-hater:
Any other brand and people would've said send it back. Lol
View Quote



Any barrels iv'e purchased on my own (3 DD) have always come to me in very good shape, maybe something minor I didn't notice. Colt has a reputation of not putting out immaculate items visually. Would I return it? Probably not, would I be semi annoyed? maybe a little.

The time/money spent on returning plus the restocking fee wouldn't be worth it to me.
7/13/2026 3:23:06 PM EDT
[#34]
OP, I'm not being an asshole but was this your first build or are you new to AR's or 1911's?  Because that would explain a lot.  I've built and bought a bunch of AR's and 1911's and Colt is legendary for having scuffs, scratches and dings in their parts.  It should be expected.  If you want a barrel with top notch fit and finish there are many companies to choose from.  Craddok, Proof, Geissele, even FN or BA does a nice job.  I'm just not sure why you would buy a Colt SOCOM barrel and not expect cosmetic issues unless you are new to this.

Regards.
7/13/2026 4:19:16 PM EDT
[#35]
Does Colt make socom 14.5 barrel not pin and welded as a factory option?
7/13/2026 4:34:37 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By smarcus:
OP, I'm not being an asshole but was this your first build or are you new to AR's or 1911's?  Because that would explain a lot.  I've built and bought a bunch of AR's and 1911's and Colt is legendary for having scuffs, scratches and dings in their parts.  It should be expected.  If you want a barrel with top notch fit and finish there are many companies to choose from.  Craddok, Proof, Geissele, even FN or BA does a nice job.  I'm just not sure why you would buy a Colt SOCOM barrel and not expect cosmetic issues unless you are new to this.

Regards.
View Quote


The only Colt products that look consistently pretty out of the box, are the revolvers. The 1911s and ARs are a coin toss on overalll fit/finish quality, but everyone I’ve purchased worked out of the box, so I don’t complain. I’d rather a Colt with sharp edges that works than a Kimber with smooth edges that doesn’t.
7/13/2026 5:20:38 PM EDT
[#37]
What did you pay for it Op? If its a good price, sell it to a member who doesn’t care about the imperfections, & pass on the deal to them. Take their cash & put it towards your new barrel🤷🏻‍♂️
7/13/2026 5:22:24 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ssimo:
Does Colt make socom 14.5 barrel not pin and welded as a factory option?
View Quote

Yes.
7/13/2026 5:24:09 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

It's not really scratch that bothers me, what bothers me is that don't and the bur, something must have hit hard to have dented and put a bur in steel.
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What it more than likely hit was another barrel when it was tossed in the bin. Yes they’re expensive for us non government organizations types to buy. They were designed and produced for government contracts first and foremost, as long as it passes tech, Colt does not, has never, nor will ever care about cosmetic blemishes because their prime customers don’t. The barrel’s value lies in its function not its appearance. Send it to John Thomas to have the protrusion from the ding stoned out and re-parked then you’ll have a good looking tack driver.
7/13/2026 5:33:39 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ssimo:
Does Colt make socom 14.5 barrel not pin and welded as a factory option?
View Quote



Sure, got mine a couple of years ago without issue from Brownells
7/13/2026 5:38:50 PM EDT
[#41]
How do we know it even left the factory like that? This could be on the retailer.
Originally Posted By bradpierson26:
So I know you're a SF whore . . . . .
7/13/2026 7:03:35 PM EDT
[#42]
OP comparing this to a car is ?  I hope you don't  own Chevrolet truck with a 6.2 and paid $70,000.  Chevy did the wazoo sticking to lots folks.  The barrel isn't  that bad.   Sell it on ebay and go to a gun show and look for a colt barrel.
Look at Specialized  Armament #AR6526BA.  Colt 16" heavy barrel $499.  Pricey but I've  never bought anything bad from them.
7/13/2026 7:04:08 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TheTacticalCoyote:
How do we know it even left the factory like that? This could be on the retailer.
View Quote


Valid
7/14/2026 12:00:28 AM EDT
[#44]
As long as the threads  and crown are good and the feed ramp and lugs are smooth I would shoot it.
" Don't cry, nobody shoots Glocks anymore."

"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."

"is like C Class in IPSC!"
7/14/2026 12:05:06 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:

First off, I was warned about this site because of douche bags, first off, I paid alot of money for it, I am not going to war and gonna be throwing my gun around like a fool, especially when I paid alot of money for it, yes it's a tool, but when I pay good money for a barrel and it shows up looking like shit and all banged up, yeah that's a problem.
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Quote History
Originally Posted By Foxtrot2-13:
Originally Posted By kwb377:
Why did you ask us if you should keep it or send it back if all you're going to do is rebut anyone that says it's acceptable and defend your desire to return it?

First off, I was warned about this site because of douche bags, first off, I paid alot of money for it, I am not going to war and gonna be throwing my gun around like a fool, especially when I paid alot of money for it, yes it's a tool, but when I pay good money for a barrel and it shows up looking like shit and all banged up, yeah that's a problem.

Dang man you’re the one that asked if it would bother people, they told you no.
You need to relax.
Pay the money and send it back if you’re that unhappy about it.
" Don't cry, nobody shoots Glocks anymore."

"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."

"is like C Class in IPSC!"
7/14/2026 1:54:03 AM EDT
[Last Edit: fadedsun][Edited] [#46]
If it's for a clone that's perfectly acceptable.

For comparison, this is how a real m4 would be treated in the wild:


Attached File
connoisseur of fine Soviet and European armored vehicles since 2007.

We are all dogs in God’s hot car of life

Thank you UKjohn for the membership!
7/14/2026 2:12:26 AM EDT
[#47]
Don't expect any appreciable level of fit/finish from Colt.

They're good barrels, but nothing they put out is pretty, it's all rack grade stuff for military/LE contract. Slap it together and run the piss out of it.
7/14/2026 3:02:00 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TGWLDR:

Yes.
View Quote

Ok Thanks, but they don’t make socom rifles with 14.5 non pin and welded barrel as a factory option right? You have to
Buy the barrel and then put it on a 16 pin and welded socom rifle of you want to get it right?
7/14/2026 7:48:01 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ssimo:
Ok Thanks, but they don’t make socom rifles with 14.5 non pin and welded barrel as a factory option right?
View Quote

They have sold those in the past (not sure if they’re regularly available), but that’s a short barreled rifle (SBR) in the U.S., so it’s regulated under the NFA. I see you have Italy on your profile as your location. Not sure if you live there, but if so, you may have different laws. The pin and weld 16” barrel alleviates the need for the NFA transfer process and other SBR-related restrictions on the rifle.
7/14/2026 8:37:45 AM EDT
[#50]
OP, you’ll never be happy with that barrel.  It’ll always bother you.  Send it back and hope for a better replacement.

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