[Team American]

I thought the chrome-lining was designed to extend the life of full-auto machine gun barrels...I don't have it on my Rock River carbine, and it doesn't seem to affect firing or cleaning in any way that I've ever noticed.

 

[QKShooter]

I only remember that the COLT NAM BATTLE version of the rifle had big time feed & extraction problems until Colt chromed the barrel chamber & barrel interior & that solved the original problem.
Just a bit of known historic fact (for what it's worth)
I don't know how relevant it is to the rifles being produced today.

 

[roadrash]

For a SHTF rifle it is very important!(IMHO)For a range only rifle its not a big deal.A non chrome lined barrel will be slightly more accurate,a chrome lined chamber and barrel will generally be more reliable when dirty,and more corrosion resistant.I would make sure it is chambered for 5.56 and not .223 !

 

[OD*]

Is non-chromed barrel on AR-15 deal breaker?

I'm afraid it would be for me.

I would make sure it is chambered for 5.56 and not .223 !

And that is some good advice.

 

[blacksan]

I only remember that the COLT NAM BATTLE version of the rifle had big time feed & extraction problems until Colt chromed the barrel chamber & barrel interior & that solved the original problem.
Just a bit of known historic fact (for what it's worth)
I don't know how relevant it is to the rifles being produced today.

The lack of chrome most certainly hurt, but another bad component was the powder (IMR 3031?) that would swell the case when moisture was absorbed. If you had a round chambered for an extended period of time and tried to extract it the head of the case could be torn off. When the powder was changed from ball to stick configuration things worked much better.

 

[RSSZ]

If you plan on shooting 1000rds between cleaning---- chrome lined. For ease of feeding and extraction----chrome lined. Ease of cleaning----chrome lined. Chrome lined has nothing to do with accuracy. In fact just the opposite.(Ever hear of a benchrester that shoots chrome?)Or....regular ol' CM and moly coat the bbl/chamber.(before you shoot it) The lands should be .224. Remember that chrome is 10X harder than stainless. If you plan on shooting 100K rds. thru it,go for the chrome lined.Every AR manufacturer makes a SS bbl and they aren't chrome lined. If you feel that your gettin' a good deal go for it. Just start settin' some money aside to buy a Bushmaster a year or so from now. ---------

 

[WolfPack]

Thanks for the feedback...

...I appreciate the clear,concise responses. Good info from all. Keep it coming.

The need for a chrome barrel is starting to sway me.

 

[AutoFan]

If you live in a tropical environment and shoot very old military surplus ammo and keep a round chambered at all times and don't clean your gun very often and fire full auto, then definitely get a chromed barrel.

If all of the above don't apply, then a lack of a chromed barrel is not a deal breaker. I have a DPMS AR set up for accuracy work (AKA a "space gun") that I have put thousands of rounds through. No feeding problems, no stuck rounds, no problems cleaning, no wear issues, and as accurate as the day I bought it.

 

[roadrash]

. Chrome lined has nothing to do with accuracy. In fact just the opposite.(Ever hear of a benchrester that shoots chrome?)

If you were refering to my response,I believe that I said the same thing!And by the way ,its the grooves that should be .224 ,not the lands!

 

[enigmaone]

I think in the long run you would be better served with a chrome
barrel, just my 2 cents.

 

[RSSZ]

roadrash, It is the grooves,sorry,i misspoke. ---------

 

[Zach S]

I look at chrome lining the same as I look at M4 feed ramps. Not having isn't a deal breaker, but having it is definately an added plus.

 

[cagueits]

A good FYI link on .223 vs 5.56mm:

http://www.winchester.com/lawenforcement/news/newsview.aspx?storyid=11

 

[Team American]

Good info link, cagueits...:hand10:

Now, if someone could explain the .223 Wylde chamber...

 

[rfurtkamp]

It's a deal-breaker for me simply because I know resale value will be adversely affected if I buy something non-standard.

In addition to resale value, it will be a slower mover as well.

 

['75scout]

You can "build" one with a chrome lined barrel much cheaper and won't have to pay form an ffl. I don't mean build completely. I mean build buy buying an RRA upper from an online company and they ship it directly to your door.

Then all you have to do is buy a complete lower at your local shop and just snap them together. And you don't have the 13% tax added for a complete rifle. Locally a RRA lower is $250 and a RRA upper is $435 and up.

But I would get the chrome lined for reasons mentioned above.

 

[Slider]

Blacksan; The IMR 3031 I use is stick powder. I think the first 5.56 was loaded with Ball 2C. ?

 

[Greg Dunn]

Not a deal breaker

In fact the next upper I intend to built will not have a chrome lined barrel by choice, I clean mine everytime it's fired if it's 1 round or 1000.

At 200 or so dollars to replace barrels if it wears out so what.

$800 is a decent AR price for a good branded weapon.

I paid $800 NIB for a Bushmaster Carbine.

 

[ron8903]

My Colt H-Bar is chromed.
Can't hurt.