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Posted: 4/25/2004 2:05:09 PM EDT
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I'm debating this and since the search feature doesn't work for the time being I thought I'd get a little input. I started looking at teh Wilson Combats and they don't have it so that got me to thinking if the highpriced ones don't have it do I really need it? I've heard a few times that it pretty much extends the life of your barrel but I'm not really sure it that's right. Does it hurt accuracy or anything else? |
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If you were to catagorize AR barrels it would go roughly like this Chrome-lined, Least accurate but most durable. Stands up to neglect much better than the others Stainless Steel, Most accurate Chrom-Moly, More accurate than Chrome lined and lighter than SS Various military personel qualify with thier M16 by shooting targets at 500 yards with chrome lined barrels, So to me the Chrome-lined feature sure doesnt effect accuracy that much. I am getting an AR with a chrome lined, personally. Anyone care to comment? I dont know much about this but above is what I have learned thus far. and I could be wrong Before I made this post I missed the "Team AR15.com" logo beneath your ID so chances are you know better than me. |
We used to shoot 500 with the A2, but those were some big targets. Not really a pinpoint accuracy type of thing. More like hit the black. Pretty easy actually. BTW: Marines are the only ones The reason I'm really trying to figure this out right now is I'm deciding what do build and I keep running into more questions the more I look around. |
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Unless you are planning to use your AR15 for something like long-range target competitions or exploding prairiedogs or other tiny creatures at 200yds, you will not notice any real difference in accuracy between a chrome-lined or non chrome-lined barrel. The feature was added to the military requirements because chrome will increase barrel life and reliability, (cause its slicker than bare steel) and because it will decrease the the amount of deposits that stick to the chamber/bore or your rifle. My opinion is that is is a nessesary feature for my rifles. [flamesuit-on] IMHO, Wilson Combat's rifles are purrty, but are a generation or two behind in terms of features, but for some reason still cost twice as much as a Bushy. I dont get it. [flamesuit-STILL-on] Tex78 |
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The only way I would NOT get chrome-lining is if I were building a dedicated, precision, target rifle/varminter. Otherwise, i see chrome as a cheap insurance policy that offers some protection for my barrel if I'm not 100% on my preventive maintenance. The Wilson Combat guns are really cool looking. That short-barreled, OD Remington 870 shotgun they use in their ads really gets me to drooling. |
| According to the material property data sheets at www.suppliersonline.com/research/property/ , 416 SS and 4140 have the same density, at 0.28 lb/ cubic inch. If one were to look for more precise numbers, the stainless should have a lower density, since chromium is less dense than iron. |
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Yeah I meant to say Stainless Bull barrel, you could definatley tell a big difference there. I have a freind that has a Bull barrel and the checkering on the free float makes it remind me of a bar bell. I will have to weigh this thing next chance I get because its heavy! |
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Basically the only rifles which come with chrome barrels were originally designed for military applications in harsh environments, poor maintenance and fullauto/high round counts. If you will be using your rifle in this manner get chrome, if not the chrome won't hurt anything but i doubt most of us hanging out on ar15 would ever miss it. I have both and can't tell any difference. Remember all the other rifles we have used and seen work well that are not chrome lined such as ruger, marlin ,rem winchester and others. |
good point |
That's what I keep thinking. I'm planning on getting one of the Model 1 lightweight carbine kits which doesn't have the option for chrome lining, my gut tells me that it's fine, but all the reading I see here and other places makes me think maybe I need the chrome which is kind of silly since I think that out of all my weapons, the only one I have that is chrome lined is my FAL. Glad to know that my thinking isn't an aberration. |
Just the fact that a chrome lined barrel cleans faster and easier is a good enough reason to have one. My time is better spent on shooting and other things... With that being said if you are building rifle or carbine is for self-defense or combat situations than chrome is a must! It's better have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! If you are building a target or precision rig than go with a good stainless barrel. Cheers! |
| I'm a real frugal guy, and the difference between chrome and non-chrome barrels is $35 on Model 1 sales. If I can spend $35 now instead of replacing the barrel before I have to, I certainly will. I like my guns to last as long as possible, and $35 isn't much; we're talking an AR here! |
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I finally got a chrome lined Bushmaster barrel a few months ago (2 stainless, 2 moly before that). I had to because I did not want to "... go home.", whatever that means! You might as well spend the money now on quality parts. The more you shoot your AR the more you will want to upgrade anyway. Scot |
My problem is that I want a light barrel, and the Model 1 Light barrel doesn't have the chrome option, so i would have to go through somebody else and the price difference is actually more than $35. Oh well, I can't even make up my mind if I want a flat top or not, or to buy a built upper or pieces. |
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