Mine had what I believed to be the original 4 of 56 SA barrel. I suspected that CMPhad it refinished but I could never find out for sure. One thing for certain, it did not have that finish when it was still a NM rifle. The rifle was built up from a barrel & receiver using a mix of late parts. All the parts had the same black finish so I believe that whoever built up the rifle applied the finish. My guess was that either CMP or someone contracted by CMP did the refinish but never could find out for sure.