Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
4/29/2007 4:41:59 PM EDT
looking into buying a 20" upper and have the choice between chrome moly barrel or chrome lined.  what is the pros cons?  may be dumb question but don't know much about barrels.
4/29/2007 8:21:44 PM EDT
[#1]

Quoted:
looking into buying a 20" upper and have the choice between chrome moly barrel or chrome lined.  what is the pros cons?  may be dumb question but don't know much about barrels.


all std (non-stainless) steel barrels are made of chrome moly ordnance steel, typically either type 4140 or type 4150 -- the latter is slightly better quality.  

chrome plating, or lining, is a post-machining step which simultaneously decreases surface friction and increases resistance to corrosion.   these are good things.  some would argue that chrome plating, due to the slightly varying thicknesses along the length of the barrel, very slightly reduces overall accuracy of the barrel.

that said, i recommend that you get a chrome lined barrel.

ar-jedi

4/30/2007 2:29:16 AM EDT
[#2]
Here is a theoretical comparison:

4140 steel unlined: shoots 2 MOA lasts 5K rounds before it gets to 3 MOA
4140 chrome lined: shoots 2.1 MOA lasts 10K before it gets to 3.1 MOA

Which barrel would you choose?
AR Sponsor