are the s&w ,Melonite, barrels really as durable as crome lined variations ?

[marine 97-03]

I hear the melonite treatment makes the s&w barrels corrosion resistance and the metal ,harder, ...making them last almost as long as chrome lined barrels ....any info would be appreciated

 

[ugaarguy]

LWRC (who uses the same contractor for their black nitride, aka Melonite) claims they get longer life than chrome lining in their bbls. US Military machinegun testing in the 1960s showed nitride only on bores gave roughly 75% of the life of much more expensive barrels using a Stellite lined front third with chrome lined remainder. Stellite is a much tougher material than hard chrome as well. You may also want to send a PM to rsilvers because he's stated that AAC chose black nitride over hard chrome lining for their .300 Blackout barrels.

 

[marine 97-03]

So it is a process done to the entire barrel no just a finish .....

 

[rsilvers]

Nitriding is 60% longer lasting than chrome lined in our testing. And has no thickness variation to deal with.

 

[68wj]

It is almost the best of both worlds with little compromise when comparing nitro barrels to the old chrome/no chrome debate. You get a hardened bore surface without having to add material and possible introducing variations.

Something to consider too it the outside of the barrel. With more and more AR shooters eliminating the standard handguards, keeping the barrel's exterior free of corrosion is more of a challenge. NitroCarb'd barrels are more resistant to corrosion. Subjectively, I like the blued look of them, but know that they are also very durable.

 

[marine 97-03]

thanks guys looking at getting an m&p 15 sport ...now just gotta find one

 

[68wj]

In Alabama, Academy has them for $650. If the store you go to is out, ask them to look up which store has one since they only get 1 or 2 at a time and sell quickly.

 

[marine 97-03]

Ok got one here in Tuscaloosa ...ill check them out