.625 Stainless AR Barrels

[M1key]

Anyone shoot one? My concerns are over comments made on m4carbine.net regarding types of stainless barrels especially lightweight or pencil profiles having some issues. I don't live in extremely cold climates, but am concerned about thin profile ss barrels in a 5.56 AR.

I am thinking about this one in 416R SS...

Thx

M

 

[Walkalong]

My buddy just bought the one from PSA that looks just like that one (416R SS .650). We don't need to worry about very cold temps around here either. What issues?

 

[M1key]

Comments here: http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?141291-Stainless-Steel-Barrels-410-vs-416-vs-416R

"In conclusion, if you are in the market for a stainless steel rifle barrel I would offer the following recommendations:

Avoid lightweight or thin profile stainless steel barrels. This recommendation is echoed from multiple barrel manufactures due to the potential issues with temper embrittlement in martensitic stainless steels. The thicker walls of a medium, heavy, or bull profile barrel will strengthen the barrel and make up for the shortcomings of 400-series stainless steels as a barrel steel.

Avoid standard 416 stainless steel barrels. 410 and 416R stainless steels both have a lower sulfur content, making them less prone to developing sulphide stringers which may result in catastrophic barrel failure.

If the rifle will never see freezing temperatures, 410 stainless steel will likely be your best option. 410 stainless steel has the lowest sulfur content of the three grades we discussed, and will be the least likely to develop sulphide stringers. Avoiding sub-zero temperatures and using a barrel of adequate thickness should also minimize the temper embrittlement issue.

If the rifle may see freezing temperatures, 416R stainless steel will likely be your best option. 416R stainless steel is rated for use at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and has a lower sulfur content than standard 416 stainless steel. However, you should still ensure the barrel is of adequate thickness."


I don't know who these multiple barrel manufacturers are, but I would like more info before I purchase.

M

 

[Tirod]

Don't forget that manufacturers make things because they sell, not because we need them. A standard ordnance steel chrome lined barrel will do just as well. Any incremental difference going to stainless won't be realized by most shooters.

Stainless barrels have been out for nearly 85 years and the market only recently began to be interested in them about 22 years ago. I bought a stainless .30-06 bolt gun and there is about zero improved anything because of it other than rust resistance. It's actually darkened over the years just sitting around and no longer matches the nickel scope I put on it - which discolored under the camo tape I once had on it.

If the concerns expressed in the post are significant, don't buy stainless. It's largely a cosmetic choice for an AR and unnecessary.