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Posted: 3/19/2014 8:07:15 PM EDT
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Probably a stupid question.
If you buy a Parkerized barrel and decide to chrome line or Nitride the bore would the bore size be compromised. In other words with this extra coating after the bore is done you would think it would change the inside bore diameter. 
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What about Chrome lining?
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Quoted:
If you chrome line after they'd have to drill the bore oversized to apply the chrome. Nitriding on the other hand does not change the bore dimensions as it is just a surface treatment that penetrates/changes the metal. Meloniting the same as Nitriding in regards to bore dimensions? |
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I think nitride (Melonite, WASP and other brand names for the same process) has several advantages over chrome lining. Because it is not a plating, which can go on unevenly, it has greater accuracy potential. Also, it is a treatment of the entire barrel assembly, inside and out. Thus, it protects the exterior surface far better than Parkerizing. Better scratch resistance and corrosion resistance.
But, frankly, if you have a good barrel that is regular 4140 steel, that is what 99% of the barrels for non combat steel rifle barrels have been made from for probably 100 years. I have a big gun safe full of those rifles. Some if them have been shot regularly for over 40 years. I am 63 years old. Those rifles shoot as well as when new. I'm not going to be nitriding those barrels, even though my current AR build has a nitride barrel. Just shoot your rifle and don't worry about it. If you are buying a new barrel, get nitride. |
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