AR15 upper purchase is confusing

[ATAShooter]

I am getting an upper for my AR. When I go to order it, They ask " Chome Moly" OR "Chrome lined". Chrome lined is 45 dollars more. What is the advantage ( if any ) of the chromed lined for the extra 45? I take it that they are talking about the bore... correct? Help, please.

 

[MHBushmaster]

chrome lined AR's will last longer in regards to round count through the rifle. The trade off is a slight decrease in accuracy, which I would point out, is very miniscule, and is probably un-noticable to the average shooter. I would recommend the chrome lined AR, it will make your upper last longer, and helps in resale value down the road if you need to do that.

 

[DnPRK]

Chrome lining was done on military rifles to help prevent corrosion in the bore during extended combat operations in harsh environments where troops may not have the time to properly clean and oil their bores. For a rifle that doesn't see that kind of abuse, a non-chrome lined barrel is fine.

If you want accuracy, long life and resistance to harsh envorinments, get a stainless barrel and Dura Coat it.

 

[DMK]

Chrome-Moly steel (a steel with a high chromium content) is an alloy used to make most gun barrels among other things. Another popular metal used would be Stainless Steel. Chrome-Lined means they literally line the bore of the barrel with chromium.

So basically your choice is Hard-Chrome lining or not (yes, these companies should just ask it that way and make life less difficult for the uninformed).

For $45, I'd say go for the chrome lined bore (you can't add it later if you change your mind). It's harder than the chrome-moly steel of the barrel, more resistant to corrosion and easier to clean after shooting. The only drawback is it could be slightly less accurate, but not anything 90% of the shooters would notice. I have some really accurate chrome lined ARs.

DnPRK is right though, an SS barrel would be a happy medium between the two if extreme accuracy was your primary goal (like for a long range varmint rifle or a competition rifle. These rifles usually have SS barrels, most often 20" or longer to keep the velocity up for longer range)

 

[Rev. DeadCorpse]

Chrome lined, as stated, is chroming the bore. Some companies will even chrome the chamber as well. Considering chrome is "harder" than steel, it offers better wear and corrosion resistance.

Chrome moly describes the type of steel to be used for the barrel itself. This affects heat dissipation, wear, and even some corrosion resistance, but not as much as actual chroming.

I know folks who swear by both. I think it depends more on what you want it for. If you are going to be shooting High Power with it, you might wanna opt for a standard 5.56 chambered barrel in 1:9 or 1:8 twist. If you want tacticool entry length 16" for a slug thrower, chrome it. If a tack driver, chrome moly and cryo-accurize it to remove stress risers and harmonics in the barrel from machining.

My two cents and worth what you paid for it...

 

[ATAShooter]

AHHHH...OK. I was kinda under the impression it was like having an old worn out 22 lined, you know, redrill the bore then press in a liner tube. I was thinking, why the heck would I want to do that to a new barrel? OK this makes choices easier. Thanks

 

[BryanP]

Pretty much a repeat of above.

For the average shooter, there is no practical difference. The chrome-moly barrel is theoretically a bit more accurate, but most shooters won't be able to tell. The chrome lined barrel is much more resistance to corrosion, but as long as you clean your rifle after you use it (which you should whichever version you get), again you shouldn't notice much difference.

Me, I went with the chrome-lined version myself as stupidity insurance.