XM16E1 barrel erosion study (1966)

[ABNAK]

Every military that issues a Glock.

Long gun, not sidearm.

[ABNAK]

Pretty sure all the Swiss Sig 55x rifle barrels are nitrocarburized. All of mine have been.

Commercial models imported into the U.S.? Yep. Can't speak for the actual Swiss military models.

[georgeib]

Commercial models imported into the U.S.? Yep. Can't speak for the actual Swiss military models.

True. However, it seems unlikely that they would create a special production of barrels just for export. And from what I read, that is not the case.

[ABNAK]

True. However, it seems unlikely that they would create a special production of barrels just for export. And from what I read, that is not the case.

Well, there's always HK and the MR556 as an example of what I'm referring to (finished here to be sure, but certainly not treated/lined at all). The genuine Deutsch ones are chrome lined.

[georgeib]

Well, there's always HK and the MR556 as an example of what I'm referring to (finished here to be sure, but certainly not treated/lined at all). The genuine Deutsch ones are chrome lined.

Good point.

[AndyLate]

Long gun, not sidearm.

I knew that, just felt like being obstinate. I was suprised, to be honest, that I couldn't find references to military nitride barrels.

Andy

[AndyLate]

PSA has this description of their "Premium" carbine barrel:

"Barrel: A proprietary blend of Hammer forged chrome molly vanadium made by FN that is referred to as "Machine Gun Steel" by virtue of its required use in FN's M249 and M240 weapons. The hammer forging process work hardens the steel, making it more durable. In addition, the chrome process for the bore allows for a lining almost twice as thick as a standard M16 for enhanced durability."

Does the double thick chrome lining have any effect on accuracy?

I have not read anywhere where the double thickness chrome hurt or helped accuracy. The best bare steel barrels will always be more accurate than the best chromed barrels. The truly high end match barrels are neither chrome lined or hammer forged.

Andy

[Sry0fcr]

I have not read anywhere where the double thickness chrome hurt or helped accuracy.

The true answer that nobody will like is, "It depends." There's nothing inherently wrong with thicker chrome lining, but it depends on the bore you're starting with and the consistency of the plating in the barrel.

[sinister]

Goog around. Someone did a head-to-head comparison of Daniel and FN barrels. The bore finish on the DDs were much smoother and the barrels shot tighter.

Not saying a chrome-lined barrel originally designed for machineguns can't be accurate.