ORIGINAL: SrTelemaster150
ORIGINAL: rowdyjoe
I have to disagree concerning stainless firearms barrels and chambers. I've had a few and still have one. Chrome is the cure for chamber and barrel errosion and better functioning. Stainless is more pourous, traps more crud, and requires more thorough cleaning IMO. However, it is better for corrosion prevention but, not as accurate as a chrome lined bore and chamber. On this issue I have 20 yrs experience as a military firearms specialist.
RJ
I too prefer CM steel barrels, but many benchrest shooters swear by SS. They assert that the SS barrels last longer (accuracy) in their particular application.
Sr. Tele,
That's probably true when comparing CM to stainless but, I'm refering to CM barrels that have been chromed lined. I can recall changing M-16 barrels (used in training) with over 100k rounds through them and they were still holding sub 4" groups. A fresh barrel would hold 1" or less if properly installed (and the shooter was capable). Surprising for a mil spec rifle at that time. Not benchrest accuracy but, certainly more than acceptable.
It's been 28 yrs but, Ican still recall the detailed records we had to keep on our equipment. The initial CMbarrels were good for about 40k to 60k rds and malfunctions were moderate (compared to others rifles). The chrome lined barrels virtually eliminated malfunctions due to carbon build up and accuracy and durability improved greatly. They still required cleaning but, it was much easier to do so.
After recalling this, I guess I should have ordered the chromed bearings but, I'm sure the stainless will out last the airplane and me.
Iwonder if anyone has done a longevity comparison between bearing alloys? It would be interesting to see how they perform. There's a lot of data around concerning hardness, etc. but, a good head-to-head real world test would very informative I think. Wonder if the engine manufacturers have any data on this issue?