10-24-2010, 03:52 PM
Chrome lining doesn't necessarily make the gun more reliable. There are actually instances where it can hamper if the chamber was not cut to account for the chrome lining. Colt just happens to be one of the companies that accounts for the thickness of chrome when they ream the chambers.
AR's are often mass produced and share many of the same parts. CMT makes the lowers for Colt, RRA and Stag. Many shelf guns use either Wilson or Shaw barrels. It goes on and on. Sometimes during mass production reamers get dull and you get some rough chambers. Those can cause issues.
The nice thing about a match barrel is that generally more attention is given to the crown and chamber. 5.56 and .223 Wylde chambers are just as reliable as stock 5.56 chambers....with better accuracy. When you compare the price of a barrel from Bushmaster or RRA at about $250 and can get a Stainless Match barrel from WOA at $275......well, there is no better gain for your money if you want an accurate AR and reload.
As for the 18", it's easier to see hits on target with a rifle length gas system which has a smoother gas pulse. The rifle gas system is also relatively forgiving compared to a carbine length system and you never need a H Buffer or other trickery to get the gun to run easily. That being said, I cannot speak for bare crowned 18" guns because all of mine have run muzzle brakes.
AR's are often mass produced and share many of the same parts. CMT makes the lowers for Colt, RRA and Stag. Many shelf guns use either Wilson or Shaw barrels. It goes on and on. Sometimes during mass production reamers get dull and you get some rough chambers. Those can cause issues.
The nice thing about a match barrel is that generally more attention is given to the crown and chamber. 5.56 and .223 Wylde chambers are just as reliable as stock 5.56 chambers....with better accuracy. When you compare the price of a barrel from Bushmaster or RRA at about $250 and can get a Stainless Match barrel from WOA at $275......well, there is no better gain for your money if you want an accurate AR and reload.
As for the 18", it's easier to see hits on target with a rifle length gas system which has a smoother gas pulse. The rifle gas system is also relatively forgiving compared to a carbine length system and you never need a H Buffer or other trickery to get the gun to run easily. That being said, I cannot speak for bare crowned 18" guns because all of mine have run muzzle brakes.