How to judge my Mosin barrel?

[Marquand]

I put close to 50 patches down the barrel of the last two 91/30s I bought and not one of them came up clean. I was frustrated as hell. After some research and advice from Calgunners I finally accepted that is the price you pay for a rifle that's older than most of us and designed for and used by conscript peasants who didn't know or care about proper care of their weapon.

Vlad 11 is right...rifling depth and crown condition are more relevant to a good shooter than a mirror shiny bore. If your rifle shoots within expectations then don't give another thought to that dark bore. Chances are that old warhorse came by it honestly.