So I've been shooting for a while and think I know a few things about barrels, but I know that's dangerous. I'm trying to look into what's available as far as a barrel for an AR build and what's really worth the money. I'm looking for a very accurate barrel, spending a little more for that extra 1/2" smaller group would be worth it to me, but I also don't want it to wear out really quickly, which is why now I'm looking into barrel treatments. I'm looking for a sub MOA barrel, preferably 1/2 MOA, that will last.
correct me if I'm wrong anywhere here...
I understand there are basically two barrel steels, Chrome Moly and Stainless Steel. Both can be machined to match tolerances, but stainless is more corrosion resistant. Both untreated wear at about the same rate?
Barrels can be Chrome Lined in order to prolong barrel life, but they won't be as accurate as a non-lined barrel.
Chrome Moly barrels can be nitride (titanium nitride) coated to increase barrel steel hardness and barrel life.
I guess my question is, are there any studies/experiments on how many more rounds a nitride coated barrel will last? Are there other coatings that can be applied to the barrel that will prolong the life without effecting accuracy?