Hmmm, I got the factory 223 barrel today. The factory tech guy I talked to was wrong. The barrel is in fact a bull barrel.
So, I retract all previous statements made if they were even remotely derogatory in nature towards any T\C user. (New motto: always trust the T\C user, always question the factory T\C guys).
The good thing is the forend I ordered I don't need, the bad thing is I gotta pay shipping again to send it back.
Thanks for your help.
Dave.