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Posted: 10/19/2013 7:36:39 AM EDT
| I am currently building my first AR and its time to purchase a barrel. I have always been told I need a chrome lined barrel but ive been looking at chromoly barrels. I will be using this gun for varmit and target shooting. It will be a semi auto. I wanting a 16" barrel with the mid length gas chamber. Do I need a chrome lined barrel? |
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chromoly is a type of steel completely unrelated to chrome lining This is correct. I disagree with those who say "don't waste your money on chrome lining". If you live in a humid environment and aren't nice to your guns chrome lining is nice to have for corrosion protection. Plus, what are talking about? An extra $20-30? If you're looking to skimp on the barrel for a beater rifle consider a nitro-carb'd barrel like the Mossbergs that AIM has on sale for ~$110 at the moment. |
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AIM Surplus
To my knowledge, this is your best bet at the moment. Site sponsor to boot. |
| Wonder how that Mossberg barrel compares to an AR-Stoner barrel that has a chrome lined chamber and bore. $15 dollars more for the Stoner barrel and it's 1 in 9" rifling. I'm building 2 rifles on for me and one for my daughter, they are not gonna be tier 1 weapons due to budget reasons. Just looking for the best bang for the buck. Here is the Stoner barrel http://www.midwayusa.com/product/750829/ar-stoner-barrel-ar-15-556x45mm-nato-m4-contour-1-in-9-twist-16-chrome-lined-chrome-moly-phosphate |
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This is correct. I disagree with those who say "don't waste your money on chrome lining". If you live in a humid environment and aren't nice to your guns chrome lining is nice to have for corrosion protection. Plus, what are talking about? An extra $20-30? If you're looking to skimp on the barrel for a beater rifle consider a nitro-carb'd barrel like the Mossbergs that AIM has on sale for ~$110 at the moment. Quoted:
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chromoly is a type of steel completely unrelated to chrome lining This is correct. I disagree with those who say "don't waste your money on chrome lining". If you live in a humid environment and aren't nice to your guns chrome lining is nice to have for corrosion protection. Plus, what are talking about? An extra $20-30? If you're looking to skimp on the barrel for a beater rifle consider a nitro-carb'd barrel like the Mossbergs that AIM has on sale for ~$110 at the moment. +1000. I've seen unlined chromoly barrels rust like mad on a humid day of hunting. I'll take chrome anyday of the week. |
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Chrome-lined is easier to clean and maintain than non-chrome-lined. Humidity is a consideration.
You've probably noticed, but both the AR-Stoner and the Mossberg barrels linked above have carbine-length gas ports. Your original post says you're looking for a mid-length. That being said, I wouldn't worry about a 1 in 9" twist, unless you're shooting heavier rounds or tracers. I don't know how they would compare in quality. My guess is that they're both decent barrels, and the prices are attractive. Hopefully someone who has one of either of these will let us know. 
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Melonite is a form of nitrocarburizing. Quoted:
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^^^ or consider a Melonited barrel which has better corrosion and wear resistance than Chrome lined and zero potential to effect accuracy. Melonite is a form of nitrocarburizing. Correct. Sometimes I forget the term, while not an exact description because there are many forms of nitrocarb (ion plasma for instance), is interchangeable. |
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Also the usefull life of chrome lined is higher than just chromemoly, and a nitrated barrel lasts even long than chrome lined. In some cases twice as long. So think of it as buying an extra barrel for maybe $50 more in some cases. Also a good way of viewing it. In my opinion, if "Milspec" did not still require chrome lined it would have been supplanted by QPQ Melonited which is superior in almost all measurable categories. |
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I'll be the first to just come out and say it...
BUY THIS: BCM 16 inch mid length CMV, and Chrome lined |
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How does this barrel compare to chrome?
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=719&name=ICE+Arms+Melonite+AR+1%3a7+Barrels |
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How does this barrel compare to chrome? http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=719&name=ICE+Arms+Melonite+AR+1%3a7+Barrels No first hand experience with that particular barrel, but it should be superior to a chrome lined barrel. Nitrated barrels have been out a long time, it has been standard in glock handguns since the beginning and I have never heard of anyone wearing one out. Granted handguns and rifles are very different as are the stresses the barrels are subjected to, but the next AR I build is going to have a nitrated barrel. |
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I used the "budget" AR Stoner barrel from Midway ($104.99) on my budget build. OP mentioned a mid length gas system. This one is a carbine length. Fit my PSA upper without any issues. Headspacing was perfect. It was a budget build.....no regrets.
AR Stoner http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa409/Quags1/AR%20Project/IMG_4865_zpsc11761e7.jpg |
| Just go with the Mossberg. I've had a few in my hand and they looked pretty decent. I'll probably try one to finish a beater build I have pending. I know your looking for middy but carbine gas will do you fine. Run a M16 BCG, H2 buffer and a Wolff XP spring. Free float it with a 12" or 13" rail. |
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