M14 Forum

ArmyCPT

From what I understand, the corrosion resistance is significantly greater than chrome. Think Glock (similar process to the Tenifer treatment).

Coffindancer

I talked to person from Krieger Barrels and he said that a SS barrel would hold accuracy for more rounds than a chrome molly barrel. I'm basically trying to build a Walter Mitty, so I want accuracy but the main priority is dependability, meaning the barrel will remain accurate enough for the longest duration, under potentially sever conditions. I read Gus Fisher, in one of his stories, talking about recommending military rifles be SS barreled. But I also read him say that chrome lined is the way to go for Walter Mitty. Chrome Molly is a totally different thing, a metal alloy, and not the same as chrome lined. But I have been interested in this topic as well, and would love to hear some of you knowledgeable guys explain the difference in the chrome lined vs stainless. I hope I'm not hijacking the discussion, but adding to it.

MistWolf

If you're talking about a "Walter Mitty" rifle for fighting and defending Hearth & Home and want the best barrel life for the money, look for 4150 CMV, cold hammer forged, chrome lined barrel. It will also serve you well when you take a good carbine class.

Chrome lining may not give you the best accuracy but it will easily give you 2-3 MOA performance and often deliver half that. Think about it- 3 MOA at 100 yards is 3" but at 10 yards, further than the distance across your living room, it's .3".

Get a good CL barrel and don't sweat the little stuff

dprice3844444

check criterion/green mountain barrels they sell match quality chrome lined barrels

cz777

ok the two ways to chrome the barrel ....cheap or costly one ! the first is bore/chamber is made ,next it is washed with agent which roughs it ,plated or flashed a frosted look ...next bore etc is over sized and flashed to size ...

Albud3

Good question. Couple of answers depending on the use of the rifle.
1) For a SHTF/EOTWAWKI rifle, a good mil-spec chrome bore is the best way to go. Reasons: durability; bore will last longer than either chrome-moly or stainless steel under substained rapid-fire conditions. Chrome is much harder than the steel it covers so friction and gas wear is greatly reduced compared to bare steel. Corrosion resistance; barrel will not rust if circumstances prevent you from cleaning it for a while. Plus, you don't have to oil a chromed barrel to prevent rust; good if you might have supply problems. As an aside; if you can afford it and find them, get a chromed bolt and carrier as well. Stoner originally designed the AR-15 with chromed bolts and carriers and to use IMR type gunpowder. With the original components and correct ammo, the AR is pretty much a "self-cleaning" rifle. You are able to go a lot longer between cleanings with no loss of reliability. Plus, cleaning is much, much easier and quicker. Carbon does not cake as hard as on a Parkerized bolt and carrier so it's pretty much wipe-off vice scrape-off. IMR loaded ammo is pretty much a re-loading proposition as the vast majority of factory ammo is ball loaded. The Army removed the chrome and used ball powder to save money, regardless of the lives that move cost.
2) Target/Sniper rifles: a Chrome-moly or Stainless steel barrel is better as tolerances are closer without the chrome overlay. The type of steel used is pretty much a personal preference, as unless you are a highly ranked competitor the rifle will shoot a lot better than you can. Same with barrel profile; a heavy barrel is best (heat dispersion and rigidity), but fluted or un-fluted is a personal choice. Free-floating the barrel is also recommended to prevent barrel flexing. BTW, I own a Colt AR-15A2 HBAR with a chromed barrel and standard handguards that shoots under 1/2 inch at 100 yards all day long with 69 and 75 grain bullets.
Whichever way you go, just remember one thing about the AR rifle: you can always have extra upper assemblies on hand to customize your rifle to what you need when you need it in just seconds. Try that with any other rifle!

Lennyo3034

My barrel is chrome lined and I am quite happy with it's accuracy.

Vira gets glass (Range Report)

buzzard

I have two Patriot Ordinance AR15's. One has chrome lined barrel and
the other has a nitrided barrel. I was really disappointed in the accuracy
of the chromed barrel and bought the nitrided one at maker's suggestion.

Where the chromed barrel would group 1 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards at it's best the nitrided barrel shot under 1/2 inch consistently (in both cases shooting was done off lead bags on a shooting bench using a Leupold 3X 9 scope).

It is my understanding that the nitrided finish is as wear resistant as the chrome but have no data to back that up. What struck me was the match grade accuracy of the second AR. My best group was .161 inch at 100 yards.

I had never seen that small a group before and sure hadn't shot one before. I hope this helps, buzzard