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5/16/2014 4:22:23 PM EDT
Gents,

New build is taking form. Need help on a barrel. Optic is selected (Burris XTR 1 X 4). Just put my hands on it today... will purchase in near future.

So for months now, I have been leaning hard towards a spikes FN 16 inch Middy Optimum Profile CHF double chrome.... anyone out there had any experience with these barrels? Accuracy? Quality?

I am having second thoughts on a 16 inch....  starting to think that 18 is optimal for my SPRish rifle.... who makes one that is LONG LASTING and accurate... yet not a million dollars? Anyone have any experience with stainless barrels that have been nitrocarbonized?

Any help will be great

Thanks
5/16/2014 4:26:49 PM EDT
[#1]
For an SPR themed gun I would skip the double chrome FN barrel. Double chrome is better for a fighting style rifle. For an SPR style, but with good long lasting barrel life I'd get a Daniel Defense CHF. If you plan to carry it around or have it be a dual role rifle (precision but capable of using in tighter spaces) go with 16". If you plan to do mostly accuracy shooting from a supported position and not carrying it much, go 18"
5/16/2014 4:35:15 PM EDT
[#2]
Alright, we need to get rid of this idea that the FN barrels are "double chromed". They are not. They are single chromed. It's just thicker than what would be considered a standard chrome lining.
5/16/2014 5:58:09 PM EDT
[#3]
at 1-4x the spikes barrel will be plenty accurate.
5/16/2014 6:15:01 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Alright, we need to get rid of this idea that the FN barrels are "double chromed". They are not. They are single chromed. It's just thicker than what would be considered a standard chrome lining.
View Quote



+1mm
5/16/2014 6:16:21 PM EDT
[#5]
Your on the right track with CHF barrels...very few actually make them and their all top notch.    You coukd get a PSA CHF upper and sell the receiver to reduce cost even more.  Their CHF barrels are made by FN.
5/16/2014 6:22:12 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:



+1mm
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Alright, we need to get rid of this idea that the FN barrels are "double chromed". They are not. They are single chromed. It's just thicker than what would be considered a standard chrome lining.



+1mm


Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is a significant increase in chrome thickness.
5/16/2014 6:37:36 PM EDT
[#7]


Quote History
Quoted:



Alright, we need to get rid of this idea that the FN barrels are "double chromed". They are not. They are single chromed. It's just thicker than what would be considered a standard chrome lining.
View Quote
I don't get why you people get all worked up when somebody says double chrome and not double chromed as you stated.  I haven't run into anybody yet that thinks FN actually chromes a barrel twice.  They just apply it twice as thick.  That said, those FN barrels are super accurate.  They are not .25 MOA barrels though.  

 






I would consider waiting on an ARP 18" to come into stock if you want a superb unlined barrel that should last.  




Might consider a Daniel Defense S2W 18" barrel, if you can find one.  They are nitrided.  

 
5/16/2014 7:26:25 PM EDT
[#8]
+1 on the ARP although he's out of the 18" at the moment.
5/16/2014 8:10:10 PM EDT
[#9]
Daniel Defense or Bravo Company.
My son did a build with a BCM upper and it is the most accurate AR I have ever shot.
If I had not shot many, it would not mean much...but on the other hand.. I have shot a lot of ARs.  I have more than a few myself. I have one I picked up yesterday that I have not had a chance to shoot yet.
I have some 20" heavy bbl ARs that will not outshoot that BCM.
5/17/2014 11:00:49 AM EDT
[#10]
I have 14.7 and 20 FN chf double chrome barrels. Both are super excellent. You are most good to go. You wont be unhappy with said barrel and it should last a long time.
5/18/2014 9:17:58 AM EDT
[#11]
Why chrome lining at all?  On an SPR?  Chrome lining just adds the accuracy variable of uneven coating, especially when applying it even thicker.

Black nitride (Melonite) is superior in just about every way.  First, it is not a coating:  it is a surface hardening at the molecular level.  No undersizing and uneven application of chrome to build back up to final dimensions.  Nitride treatment allows precision boring and rifling to be undisturbed, enhancing accuracy potential.  Second, it is extremely hard and will stay that way.  Third, it is applied to the entire barrel, both inside and out.  This provides both wear protection and scratch resistance to the exterior as well as the bore.

On an SPR, where precision is a high priority, given a choice, go with the most accurate rifling, 5R if you can get it, and cut rifling, too, rather than either CHF or button rifling, and nitride treatment.

If you can't spring for cut rifling 5R, at least stay clear of chrome lining and go nitride.
5/18/2014 6:02:01 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
Why chrome lining at all?  On an SPR?  Chrome lining just adds the accuracy variable of uneven coating, especially when applying it even thicker.

Black nitride (Melonite) is superior in just about every way.  First, it is not a coating:  it is a surface hardening at the molecular level.  No undersizing and uneven application of chrome to build back up to final dimensions.  Nitride treatment allows precision boring and rifling to be undisturbed, enhancing accuracy potential.  Second, it is extremely hard and will stay that way.  Third, it is applied to the entire barrel, both inside and out.  This provides both wear protection and scratch resistance to the exterior as well as the bore.

On an SPR, where precision is a high priority, given a choice, go with the most accurate rifling, 5R if you can get it, and cut rifling, too, rather than either CHF or button rifling, and nitride treatment.

If you can't spring for cut rifling 5R, at least stay clear of chrome lining and go nitride.
View Quote


Know of any place to get a quality 5R melonited 11.5 barrel?
5/18/2014 7:09:53 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:


Know of any place to get a quality 5R melonited 11.5 barrel?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Why chrome lining at all?  On an SPR?  Chrome lining just adds the accuracy variable of uneven coating, especially when applying it even thicker.

Black nitride (Melonite) is superior in just about every way.  First, it is not a coating:  it is a surface hardening at the molecular level.  No undersizing and uneven application of chrome to build back up to final dimensions.  Nitride treatment allows precision boring and rifling to be undisturbed, enhancing accuracy potential.  Second, it is extremely hard and will stay that way.  Third, it is applied to the entire barrel, both inside and out.  This provides both wear protection and scratch resistance to the exterior as well as the bore.

On an SPR, where precision is a high priority, given a choice, go with the most accurate rifling, 5R if you can get it, and cut rifling, too, rather than either CHF or button rifling, and nitride treatment.

If you can't spring for cut rifling 5R, at least stay clear of chrome lining and go nitride.


Know of any place to get a quality 5R melonited 11.5 barrel?


CMMG lists a 12.5" nitride carbine gas port location barrel.  Don't know if it is 5R.

CMMG 12.5 Nitride
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