How does a Rock River/Wilson chrome moly barrel, chrome lined, 1x7, M4 profile compare to a Sabre Defence barrel in the same configuration? Is a chrome vanadium barrel blank that superior to chrome moly, especially since they are both chrome lined? The Sabre is about $170 more and I’m trying to figure out why.
THANKS IN ADVANCE
For some people, yes. Sabre uses a better quality steel than RRA, and that steel costs more. The CMV steel is designed to hold up under high temperatures better, making it more suitable for sustained fire.
If you want the same steel that “real” military rifles would use, get the Sabre barrel. For most casual shooters the RRA barrel is probably “good enough” - it depends on your intended usage.
I don’t shoot nearly as many rounds as I would like, but I shoot as much as I can. My last two barrels were Sabre barrels, not because I “need” the better steel, but because I want and appreciate the superior materials going into the gun.
Others can provide a detailed analysis of the differences between 4140CM and 4150CMV - and there are already several threads here on this subject.
RRA uses 4140 barrel steel. SDI uses 4150CMV mil-spec 11595E steel. I have three Sabre barrels and no RRA barrels. Buy what makes you happy.
Sabre’s 16" midlength fluted barrel is a great one, but good luck finding one.
I was sceptical about Sabre’s price but I ordered one from bravo company due to availability. I could not be more pleased with the quality. Off of a rest I managed to shoot a .75 group at 100 yards with my hadloads. I cannot speak to durability as I have only had it for a month but so far it’s awesome.
Mule
Keep in mind too that Sabre stuff tends to command a bit of a price premium even above some of the other CMV barrels. But I’m happy with what I paid for my two and would buy another if need be.
SD barrel wins hands down.
C4
Sabre would get the nod. No question.