I see this question on other gun forums all the time. So I thought I would do a little poll to see what you guys think.
This should be interesting. 
C4
Under dirty combat conditions, YES.
For folks who clean their rifles after every trip the the range, theyāll never know the difference.
No. Chrome lining is a surface treatment to increase resistance to wear and corrosion. Nothing about that effects reliability especially in light of abuse. Take Steveās AK for example, that was an extreme case that showed rust would render even a chrome lined AK inoperable.
There are coating that make cleaning easier and minimize corrosion but there is no coating that will cure operator error.
While it would be stupid to argue against chrome lining, my Noveske 10.5" has always run like a raped ape. It all depends on how you maintain your weapons.
but I agree w/bigbore ā¦
I do not own a Chrome lined barrel and would not order
it on a new barrel. But it serves a purpose like a SLICK50
treatment on a new engine and if that purpose makes
the end user more confident in that barrel then hallelujah.
But the engines still runs without it.
I have seen chrome moly chambers rust. The case stuck to the chamber and the head was ripped off. I am sure that a good SS chamber would resist this too. I will NEVER own a chrome moly barrel again.
I voted yes but I should specify that I think a chrome lined -chamber- enhances reliability. Chroming the bore doesnāt add anything in this area.
Chroming a BARREL, marginally, but negligable with modern ammo and proper weapons care.
So, technically according to words used, NO!
Rmpl
I donāt want to know how you know what a āraped apeā runs like.
Mental note, donāt go to the zoo with Dinger.
Chamber is a must for field weapon for reliability. The bore helps for preservation if operating in wet climates but really doesnāt do anything reliability.
Operating in salt water/brackish water Monsoon season rivers,swamps and rice paddies
Iād say Iād opt for the chrome liningā¦no doubt about itā¦
On my HD shottie, my small varmint 22LRs and 17 HMR and handguns donāt see the needā¦
Nice insurance or peace of mind to have a couple ARs withā¦
For my money a chrome bore and chamber is the way to go for all except a target and/or a long range precision barrel. Hard chrome is much harder than the barrel steel itself which translates to a longer life and makes the bore more reliable in conditions like extended field use that might ruin a carbon steel barrel.
Billy
I voted yes, particularly WRT a chrome lined chamber.
Hahaha
Anywayā¦ I donāt think it makes a difference as long as you clean your weapon after using it.
Thank you guys for your responses. I personally only run SS and or chrome moly barrels in all the classes I take. They run perfectly. Chrome lining helps increase barrel life and that is about it IMHO. I donāt think you need it for reliability purposes. There are many SS barreled weapons in the sand box right now without any issues (that I am aware of).
If you treat your weapon like you treat your lawn mower then get a chrome lined barrel!
C4
Longer barrel life means more money to spend on other things, like ammunition.
Re: Lawnmowers. I got tired of crap mowers and bought a SCAG. Nice piece of machinery.
No doubt that Chrome Lined barrels greatly improve life, but it comes at a price. Some Chrome Lined barrels will shoot 1MOA, but the majority of them do not (more like 3-5MOA). I am an accuracy fan (especially at long ranges) and and CL barrels just wonāt cut it for me.
C4
Why does reliability matter, then? You have to ask yourself what is your intended use for the rifle? If you are using it at long range, i.e. beyond about 450 yds. for a carbine, then you are most likely not using it in a civilian self-defense/police role. I use chrome lined barrels on anything I carry for serious work. My Rock Creek barreled GA Precision .308 is wonderfully accurate, but Iām not a sniper and donāt think Iāll ever be one.
In my experience, the shooter, not the chrome-lined bore is the limiting factor in real world accuracy. In my expected area of use, 0-50 yds., the reliability offered by chrome is far more imiportant than an extra inch of accuracy.
Most Colt or Diemaco chrome lined barrels I have experience with will shoot 1MOA or better with good ammo and a good shooter. 95% of the time in a combat situation the shooter will not be at his best and the system will easily outshoot him.
However I have several SS systems and I dont think that chrome lined systems are any more reliable in most situations. However I have noticed that in rapid fire situations involving 6+ mags that SS barrels are (IMHO) more finicky that Chrome lined ones.
- I only own Colt lowers
** I have Colt, LMT and custom uppers
Hey Pat! I personally want a weapon that I can run & gun with and be able to turn around and varmint hunt out to longer ranges. SS barrels give me this capability.
I understand what your saying about the distances you shoot and YOUR requirements for accuracy.
C4
P.S. Got your message about the mags.