Nitrided stainless?

[Todd.K]

I can get into the specifics of conversion coatings vs etch and chrome but the basic point I made is true to both.

[Stickman]

I can get into the specifics of conversion coatings vs etch and chrome but the basic point I made is true to both.

For people who are unaware, Todd was John Noveskes right hand man. Todd had direct knowledge, input, and workings with products (both public and unknown) of Noveske Rifleworks from the start. He was with Johnny while they were working out of his first shop (converted garage).

To say that Todd has an understanding of the AR15, as well as humility, would be an incredible understatement.

[hdrolling]

So should my Faxon 416R stainless with QPQ nitride finish inside and out and 5R-EE be more or less accurate than a chromed lined barrel that's not 5R?

[5.56 Bonded SP]

I can get into the specifics of conversion coatings vs etch and chrome but the basic point I made is true to both.

So nitride does round the edges ? That is very interesting, I was always told/believed the opposite was true. I was always told that Nitride type treatments doesn't effect the internal contours of the barrel at all, where as chrome does/can. I would love to hear your knowledge on the subject. It would be nice to have an industry professional give us some details. I know myself and many others have mostly just read speculations on the subject, rather than concrete data points.

[AAMP84]

So does anyone have any info on barrel life of a melonite/nitrided stainless barrel? Seems like this thread went a little sideways. I had read that it makes the barrel slightly more durable but decreases the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. I have no direct experience though, so take that with a grain of salt.

[dlraymond30]

id be very interested in either a readers digest version or the full monty breakdown of said specifics!

[AR-556]

I would rather have a Nitride barrel. Leave the chrome lined barrels on the battle field.

[dlraymond30]

Ive seen damn good sccurscy out of the Faxon ss bbl with nitride in 5.56 chamber.... Just sayin

[joeg26er]

@dlraymond
What faxon barrel length twist and upper ?
What rounds and grouping?

[Todd.K]

Sure, but it is never more accurate than before the coating. I'm not saying it's a bad barrel, but what is the stainless bringing? Because there is no reason a CM barrel can't be made to the same quality as a SS barrel. So why not take the better heat resistance of CM?

Yes and maybe on nitride reducing the corrosion resistance of stainless. I am not an expert, but I have talked with a few. It does in the conversion process remove the outer layer of chromium. But barrels are made out of some of the least corrosion resistant stainless grades anyway.