Is there a way to evaluate the quality of the chrome lining in the bore?

[Berg]

I was reading a thread about making custom barrels with chrome lining and found this post interesting: http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=24

The barrel itself isn't that hard to do, but the chroming is. What I was told is that the machine needs to be tuned to the barrel so that it delivers an even coat of chrome free of variances, and that it requires a batch of discards to be run until they get it right. For mass production, this isn't really a problem, but for a small run like mine, well, there were a lot fewer barrels to spread those charges across.

1) I am guessing the reason some people believe a chrome bore harms accuracy is because it might be inconsistent down the bore.
2) Is there a way to evaluate the quality or consistency of the chrome lining on your barrel to be sure it is done well?

[Sgt_Gold]

The quick answer is no. Unless there is an obvious flaw in the chrome lining there is no way to tell.

[opsoff1]

I was reading a thread about making custom barrels with chrome lining and found this post interesting: http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=24



1) I am guessing the reason some people believe a chrome bore harms accuracy is because it might be inconsistent down the bore.
2) Is there a way to evaluate the quality or consistency of the chrome lining on your barrel to be sure it is done well?

2 methods - one is visual done with a borescope - you'll be amazed at the differences between a quality chrome bore and a fair / bad bore.
Second - use of an air gauge - this will show variances in the bore diameter, which in relation to a chrome lined bore "may" indicate uneven plating thicknesses. An air gauge is a very expensive intrument and is extemely sensitive. typically measuring to 50 millionths of an inch. (.00005")

I have borescoped many a lined barrel and found the chrome lining to be eroded away (gone) and actually chipping in the throat area. Once this occurs - the barrel is a tomato stake.