SS or 4150 CMMG Upper?

[drphil]

I am thinking about a CMMG 18” or 16” (or both) midlength upper and the price difference between SS and 4150 medium contour barrels is only ~$25. The premium for SS seems a little low so it made me wonder if there was some drawback to the SS that I am unaware of. Is there any reason not to get the SS barrel over the 4150?

 

[Number 6]

The chrome lined barrel will be easier to clean, but will not be as accurate as the SS barrel. The barrel break-in for the SS will be a little more intensive from what I understand, but don't quote me on that. In theory the chrome lined barrel will last longer than the SS barrel, but there have been some reports that place some doubts on this. Aesthetically some people don't like the shiny SS barrel sticking out of their AR, but others do.

If you are using the gun for target shooting where you want every bit of accuracy out of the gun, then get the SS barrel. For most other applications a chrome lined barrel will probably suit you better. I prefer chrome lined barrels just because I hate cleaning my rifles, and the chrome lining makes cleaning easier.

 

[Gary G23]

4150 will last longer.

 

[drphil]

Thank you for the input. I think I will go with the chrome lined 4150. I don’t intend to use it from a bench so I am more concerned with durability. I do like how the SS looks though.

 

[Zak Smith]

If the CL barrel starts at 1.5 - 2 MOA and stays there for 20,000 rounds, but the SS barrel starts at 0.5 MOA and degrades linearly to 2 MOA at 15,000 rounds, where it stays to 20,000, which barrel has "lasted longer" ?