But don't take my word for it, read what the US Defense testing found for 50 cal & 30 cal machine guns, M-14's, M-16's, and mini-guns:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA021752
"Improved grain structure, increased toughness, better corrosion resistance, and finer surface finish result from the process. In general, the geometry and surface finish of the mandrel are reflected precisely in the barrel bore. Bore finishes of 8 micro inch (arithmetric average) or less are possible."
"Bore variation is drastically reduced and straightness increased. Variations of less than .00015 inches are common."
And an update, showing further improved qualities un-reported in the 1975 report.
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a136159.pdf
"One should not overlook the benefits of improved fatigue life and/or fracture toughness, which may lead to longer service life, reduced tube weight, and/or increased propelling pressure with all of its consequences."
There is a reason the US military specifies CHF process for it's machine gun barrels, and other militaries specify it for their weapons. Colt chose to stick with button rifling, and you can argue their barrels have not suffered.
My read is that with premium barrels cut rifling still is superior, and some button rifling with lapping can be as well. Especially for stainless.*
But for rack grade, I'll take a properly made CHF any day of the week.
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