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Posted: 7/24/2005 5:11:39 PM EDT
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Looking at building a rifle. Kit does not offer chrome lined but they do offer stainless barrel option. What are the pros and cons of stainless barrels compared to others. I know they say chrome lined is more durable than chrome-moly but less accurate. Where does stainless fit into the barrel hierarchy? Thanks.... FGC |
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Stainless is supposed to be softer than other steel's. This seems to yield more accuracy (as evidenced by groups I have seen on here) but the barrel life supposedly suffers and the barrel wears out quicker. I really don't know. I'm just throwing ideas, and things I've heard, out there. WIZZO |
First off, if the "kit" you are looking at doesn't offer a chrome lined barrel (if that is what you want) then look for a different kit. C4 |
Thanks for the reply. What I want to build is a mid-length. So far I have only found one place offering a "kit" for a mid-length(M&A). A chrome-lined mid-length isn't an option from them. This is the first AR I am building from a stripped lower and prefer to go with a "kit" for the first one. I may piece one part by part in the future after I get one under my belt. From what I am hearing, a standard chromoly barrel will probably out live me. I am just a recreational shooter and I always clean my guns after shooting them and put a heavy oil coat in the bore before storing. I was just trying to get an idea if the stainless barrel had an (dis)advantage to a standard barrel. From what I see surfing the forums, more stainless barrels are used on varmit style AR's than on the carbines. Just wondering what the pros and cons were. Thanks, FGC |
Rate of fire will dictate barrel longevity -- if you like to dump mags barrel life will be shortened regardless of which material your barrel is made from. If you treat them with respect, both will give good life. 416 SS is softer so it machines easier. The end result is it's easier to produce good SS barrels, both from reaming the barrel, cutting/buttoning the rifling, and reaming the chamber. That's not say that CM can't produce good barrels, but ultimately if you want a good barrel, get one from a good mfg that has a reputation for quality. You can luck out with a cheaper barrel, but it's kind of hit or miss. |
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don't buy a poopy kit... dood... its a waste o' money... if your going to buy a flip'n AR15... by a good quality AR... you don't have to spend a million dollars to do it either... get a RRA midlendth Chromelined barrel.. or someone... www.adcofirearms.com |
Good news for you, Bravo Company Manufacturing (board dealer) is coming out (couple of months) with a Chrome Lined, MP tested 1/7 twist, 5.56 NATO, 16" GOVT Profile barrel. It will feature a M4 barrel extension and an F marked FSB! There will be a group buy on them and expect the price to be in the low $200 range. C4 |
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For casual shooting I doubt any of us would notice any more of a difference between a chromed bore and a SS/Chrome moly than we would comparing two chromed barrels or two other unlined barrels to each other. ANother thing, (although I love chrome) you don't NEED it for your rifle to function properly. I have an upper from the 80's I bought off an aquaintence. It has a colt marked C-7 type upper, with a HBAR profile olympic SS 16" barrel on it. I once went through a little over a case of ammo before getting guilty and cleaning it. Last weekend I mated it on my friends class 3 lower, and burned a case of wolf 62 gr. fmj, mostly on full auto. I had no failures to feed or fire, and this was WOLF  in a .223 chamber in a SS barrelBottom line, get whatever you want for your reasons and your likes/dislikes. |
You should call Rob at Talon Arms. The barrels are due in this week! They are made by Sabre, and may have the features you're looking for. Last I heard he had a few that were not spoken for, ofcourse I was second in line Bottom line, get on the EE and piece it together, they're really a breeze to assemble. Good luck with your decision.
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