AR-15 Barrel and Gas Tube Questions

[Picard]

I will be putting together an AR-15 within the next month or so and am finalizing my decision about what I will put on it. One of the last things that I still have to decide upon is the barrel.

I'm wondering whether or not to get a chrome lining. Is the only advantage to chrome lining ease of cleaning? I've read that they are slightly less accurate, something I probably won't notice. I've also read conflicting reports saying that non-chromed barrels last longer and some saying that chromed barrels last longer. I know that I probably won't ever outshoot a barrel but, while I have the choice, I might as well pick one that will last the longest.

I'm also thinking about buying a mid-length rifle kit as opposed to the carbine length. The only difference between the rifles would be the gas tube length, correct? This would increase the sight radius, but all the other internal parts would remain the same as I understand it. Any advantages to getting the shorter length gas tube?

I'll definitely post some pics when I receive the rifle. I'm thinking I'm going to be buying one from Del-Ton.

 

[GunDoctor]

I've heard nothing about the chrome lining not being as accurate. I would absolutly get the chrome lining. Because chrome is so hard you will have a rough time shooting out the barrel. I've worked with rifles that went through Veitnam that still have great bores and quite accurate.
I take it you are looking at the Del-ton 20" barrel? The gas tube is longer than the carbine tube. You are correct, all the internals are the same.
Look forward to seeing it finished.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

If the rifle is meant strictly for target shooting/plinking, then you can save some money and forego the chrome lining. If the rifle is for serious purposes, a chrome lined barrel is worth the extra money.

The advantages of a chromed bore and chamber are (a) they last longer because chrome is harder than barrel steel, (b) they clean more easily, and (c) better corrosion resistance.

Theoretically, a non-chromed barrel can be made more accurate. However, you won't see the difference unless it's a match rifle.

 

[Picard]

Smithy, I'm talking about the 16" barrel length. From Del-Ton, you have the option of going mid-length or carbine-length for the gas tube on a 16" barrel.

I've read that, after a while, the chrome on the barrel can start flaking, giving inaccuracy. I've also read that non-chromed barrels have lasted for around 80,000 rounds and still shot fairly accurately. It's probably dumb of me for worrying about that, but I was just wondering what the facts were.

Judging by the amount of positive reviews for chrome-lined barrels, I will probably end up going chrome but if anybody has any other advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[GunDoctor]

Im talking about the G.I. style barrels. If the chrome is done right it will never flake. I wasn't joking about barrels that went through Veitnam still having prefect bores. Non chrome should be seein a loss in accuracy in about 10,000 to 15,000 rounds.
Mid length gas system on a 16" barrel...sorry but why. You are shortening the time the gasses are working the action. I can see that if you are going to run only hot ammo through it. Weaker powered rounds run the risk of short stroking.
Think about this. On the one I am presently building I am keeping a normal gas system, low profile gas block, and a rifle length handguard. Add the flip up front sight for mounting on the handguard and you extend the sight radius about 2". You get both plenty of energy to work the action and a sight radius extention.

 

[cracked butt]

If its a plinking/SD/hunting rifle, I'd get the chrome lining. Its very easy to clean, a chromed chamber will be very reliable.
As far as accuracy goes, I don't think you'll see too much difference- the real difference comes with a well-made non-chrome lined barrel match grade barrel, but that's a horse of a completely different color. Match grade barrels can be made with chrome lining that will shoot nearly as well, but everything needs to be done perfectly and isn't worth the expense.

 

[Picard]

Makes sense, Smithy. I haven't really thought that. I don't think that short stroking has been a big problem on the mid-length 16" rifles, but I can see how it can be, especially if the gas tubed is dirty from extended use. Maybe I will go with the shorter length.

 

[GunDoctor]

It just makes sence to have the original gas length and save yourself some cash.
I'll post up some pictures of mine with the full lenght handguards when its done. It should be done in about 2 to 3 weeks.