Was looking in Brownell's at the chromed bolts they had for AR's.  Does anyone have any experience with these?  Do they work as well or better?  Was thinking that they would cut down on cleaning time, while lasting much longer.

Can't comment on the Brownell's version, since I've not used one, but I had an early hard chromed Colt bolt carrier on an AR15 for a number of years.  The rap on them was that the chrome tended to flake off and cut into the sides of the upper reciever, and that's why (supposedly) they stopped hard chroming the bolt and bolt carrier.  I never saw any signs of it on the piece I had, and if someone dropped a hard chromed unit into my lap I'd cheerfully put it into my current AR.  On the other hand, don't think I'd spend a whole lot of bucks buying one .  I never noticed any functional improvement with the chromed unit, and I don't recall it being any easier to clean.

I've been sending 1911's to METALIFE [url]http://www.metalifeind.com/[/url] for years.
I think Hard chrome [i]is[/i] easier to clean.
But I'm not sure I'd pay extra for AR parts with it either.
This is my METALIFED Kimber
[img]http://wsphotofews.excite.com/015/FO/id/5F/u570578.jpg[/img]

i have a bright chrome plated bolt from young mfg - that thing is slicker than a wet eel.  no flaking or damage to the upper - but bear in mind it is not the traditional hard chrome.  someting else.  looks goofy in the upper - but works like a prince

steve

i also have a youngs manf. hard chromed bolt carrier and it works fine, but, really no better than the standard carrier. save your money and use a standard carrier, unless you like the looks. there is something to be said for the 'coolness factor'.

I have the Young in my Metalcraft target rifle. It [i]is[/i] easier to clean.