AR15: I know chrome-lined is better but...

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How much better is it...?

I want to get an AR from the bargain bin but they sold out of the chrome lined m4. Is it worth waiting for them to get more (whenever that may be) or is the non chrome lined good enough that I should go ahead now?
 
if you don't plan on burning it up, chrome isn't necessary. it makes cleaning a little easier, but thats about it.
 
If I knew they would be getting more in and the price was the same or only a few bucks off, I'd wait.

I don't know that, though. So, if I was looking for a basic M4, I'd buy it.

My M4 isn't chrome lined. I don't consider it a problem.
 
I prefer a CLed bbl, but no chrome isnt a deal-breaker for me. If I had $570 to spent I'd get one, only to have the lady claim it (which would be fine by me, maybe she'd let me shoot mine when we go to the range).

I'd spend $570 on the non CLed bargin bin carbine before I paid $625 for the CLed 11.5" bbl with a 5.5" flash hider.
 
A little OT, but how can you check for chrome lining? If you shine a light through the barrel and the inner is shiny, is that a sure sign of chrome? Or are there are other shiny coatings inside barrels?
 
Maybe a bore scope? Been wondering this myself... :confused:

Thing is, I can't really justify the expense of a bore scope, and the only place I could borrow one from would constitute a federal felony if I brought my AR there... :uhoh:
 
Maybe a bore scope? Been wondering this myself...
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Yeah...I have a WASR-10 AK-Style rifle and looking down the bore with a light through the open chamber it looks very shiny.

I've tried this with my new Bushmaster AR-15 16" Heavy Barrel. Guy at the store said "chrome-lined" but didn't seem so certain. I've looked down the barrel but the smaller caliber makes it harder to see a reflection when I shine a light in. I'd love to be able to test if it was chrome lined...

-A
 
If you think you will shoot less than 10,000 rounds through the rifle in the next five years and you clean your rifle after every range trip you will probably find the non-chrome lined barrel to be more accurate and just as durable as a chrome lined barrel.
 
Heres a nice little trick to see if its chromed. Take a Q-tip and putit in the tip of the barrel about 2 inches down, take a look. The white tick and cotton ball at the end of the Q-tip will reflect the light in the room or off a flashlight very well and if you see a very shinny reflection..its chromed. To be sure, test it on your AR then on another rifle/pistol thats not chromed.

Ps. Make sure its unloaded...we all know its the "un-loaded" guns that kill people. "I swear officer, I thought it was unloaded...I didn't mean to kill him."
 
'Better' depends on the use. I'm not in a war zone, so I prefer Stainless barrels and Wylde chambers to Chrome-Lined barrels and 5.56 chambers. For High Power competition, I'd avoid chrome-lined barrels like the plague.
 
Heres a nice little trick to see if its chromed. Take a Q-tip and putit in the tip of the barrel about 2 inches down, take a look. The white tick and cotton ball at the end of the Q-tip will reflect the light in the room or off a flashlight very well and if you see a very shinny reflection..its chromed. To be sure, test it on your AR then on another rifle/pistol thats not chromed.
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I will be testing this out as soon as I get home! Thanks for the tip. ;)
 
my use will be general recreation, and should the situation call for it, perhaps shtf use as well
 
my use will be general recreation, and should the situation call for it, perhaps shtf use as well
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IMO:

- For recreation: (varmint hunting, HP competition, etc.) You can't make much of a case for a chrome lined barrel, for, as a rule, a stainless barrel will outshoot them. Go to a HP event, and see how many chrome lined barrels you see.

- For SHTF: I wouldn't want an AR-15 anyway. I'd rather have an M4 or M16, probably with a 5.56 chamber and CL barrel. At that point (TEOTWAWKI), you wouldn't worry about what's legal, would ya?

I figure I'll be shooting for recreation, and it's all about holes downrange.
 
A lot of successful service rifles that saw action in some of the worst parts of the world lacked chrome lined barrels. The M1 Garand, for example (as far as I know). The FAL, for another, and the G3 also (again, so far as I know). Chrome lining became less of an issue with the rise of non-corrosive ammunition. A chrome lined barrel can still rust if not maintained properly (as can stainless steel).
 
my use will be general recreation, and should the situation call for it, perhaps shtf use as well
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For general recreation chrome lining is a non issue (in fact the word is chrome lining makes them less accurate). For a short term SHTF (think Katrina) you'll be fine without the chrome as you won't be doing a lot of shooting and the situation will likely resolve itself within a few days. In a hard core SHTF your rifle only has to last long enough for you to liberate something better ;) .



Also, if the worst happens and your non chrome lined barrel gets corroded you can always replace it ... AR barrels aren't that pricey (under $300 for a nice one).
 
so when IS chrome lining meaningful
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It sure helps to impress posers on ARFCOM. It likely helps if you're gonna shoot your barrel cherry-red hot. It may help if you neglect cleaning it. But in real life, for the way most people use ARs, the accuracy drawback due to the complications of getting the desired final dimension of the barrel when a plating process comes into play (and the likely 5.56 chamber that would accompany most CL barrels) makes it's real merit questionable, at least IMO.
 
Industrial chrome plating is NOT the same application as cosmetic chrome plate that most people think about. Both utilize chromium but cosmetic chrome plating is usually a thick nickel base with a very thin chromium plate buffed to a mirror finish. That type of stuff can peel off in sheets. Hard chrome isn't necessarily shiny like cosmetic chrome and doesn't peel off in sheets. My chrome lined barrel isn't shiny like a Harley.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=4185
 
Increased reliability, longevity, corrosion resistance, ease in cleaning and maintenance, etc...

If this is a SHTF weapon or a personal defense weapon, chrome is essential. If it's just a plinker, it's not as important.
 
Chrome lining is beneficial, but not necessarily essential. There are plenty of old military rifles still kicking around without a chrome lining.
 
The only circumstances that I'd say chrome lining is "essential" is if you're going to pack the rifle in grease and bury it in the hills for SHTF or if you're going to do a lot of full auto shooting.

Otherwise, yes its beneficial to "Increased reliability, longevity, corrosion resistance, ease in cleaning and maintenance, etc..." but not essential.


If the choice is between getting a rifle without chrome lining and not getting one at all (because the chrome pushes the rifle out of your budget range), get the rifle with chrome lining and don't worry.

Reality is an el cheapo Oly Plinker is sufficient for home defense as long as its kept clean and lightly lubed and not shot a lot.

The more you shoot it, the more benefit from chrome lining, but I still don't think its "essential" nor worth a lot of extra $$.
 
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