Gee, I don't know but I bought my RRA for fit, finish and accuracy. Reliability was important to me but if you take moderate care of your rifle the chrome barrel and loose chamber are not needed. In the Complete AR15 Source Guide the author (one mans opinion) indicates the chrome barrel was not really needed by the time they got it perfected but they kept it anyway and it does make for easier cleaning. A custom carry gun would have the same problem as the RRA rifle but tell that to the guys that carry them. They prefer the tight fit, match accuracy and reliability of their pistols. I guess it is like comparing the mil-spec version of the 1911 with a Kimber, Nolan, or any other custom job. The mil spec 1911 is a good gun, maybe a great gun but is the great custom 1911's out there a POS. The FBI as switched over to a custom .45. I think they know what they are doing. Sure the customs fit tighter, sure you have to know the gun and ammo, sure you have to clean, inspect and repair it carefully. But it is THEIR gun. They know what it takes to care for it and wring the maximum level out of it. They don't have to pull it off a rack and hand it to the next Gomer that walks in for range time or "police actions" in some other country. If I was looking for maximum reliability in harsh environments I would opt for my FAL or AK. If I'm picking off blue helmets at range I might prefer my RRA.