Chrome-lined vs non chrome-lined

[kingmoochr]

When building an AK, is there really a big difference in the two for an occasional hobbyist shooter? Are we talking 5000 rounds to 50000 rounds? Doesn't need to be cleaned as regularly? I'm shooting corrosive, so it's getting cleaned immediately. Just wondering if there is a resounding reason to avoid the non-lined barrels.

[ElectronWrangler]

I'm shooting corrosive

Sounds like you might want a chrome lined barrel.

[kingmoochr]

Even with immediate cleaning?

[tujungatoes]

It's not really necessary, but it does make cleaning easier. IMO that's worth the extra money right there.

[alex45auto]

It will also make your barrel last longer when you use chrome lined.

[CSACANNONEER]

If you are trying to build a precision AK (now that's an oxymoron), go with a non chome lined barrel. If you are trying to build an AK that works and can take a lot of abuse, go with a chrome lined barrel.

[alex45auto]

If you are trying to build a precision AK (now that's an oxymoron), go with a non chome lined barrel. If you are trying to build an AK that works and can take a lot of abuse, go with a chrome lined barrel.

I agree!!

[kingmoochr]

Basically I'm tossing around the idea of picking up an AK builder Romy kit with the non-chrome-lined barrel. Are they still available because it really is that bad of an idea, or is it just the chrome-lined ones went first? There is also a source for AK74 kits sans barrel for 210, and I found barrels for 45. Is chrome really worth 100% more, or is it simply preferred?

[NeoWeird]

Because of the way chrome lining is added to barrels, GENERAL (ie not absolute) rules of thumb when it comes to barrels are:

• Chrome lined barrels last longer, are easier to clean, and are less susceptable to corrosion. Unfortunately it requires overside bores and chambers before chrome plating so it's only offered for specific platforms in specific calibers.
• Non chrome lined barrels are more accurate due to uniformity in the cutting process, are cheaper, and easier to produce but offer little corrosion resistance.
• Stainless has middle of the road corrosion resistance (stainless CAN rust), it has the accuracy of a non chrome lined but is slightly softer and wears quicker. It also has the disadvantage of offering little in regards to finishes.
• Nitrided barrels are the same as non chrome lined barrels but the surface is nitrided (same thing as surface hardening but it uses Nitrogen as opposed to Carbon). This gives the accuracy of non chrome lined barrels, the life of chrome lined, and because it's difficult to break the nitried bonds it offers relatively decent corrosion protection.

There are others, but those are the major ones. I'd say 99% of more people want the chrome lining because it's OEM or because they are lazy and want to shoot cheap surplus without cleaning. It's only OEM because you can't guarantee the location, supplies, and time a soldier will have to keep their weapon maintained so it's a safeguard to keep soldiers and their weapons in the fight.

If you're looking for a range toy, a plinker, or can guarantee that it will always be maintained, then the chrome lining isn't all that critical. On the other hand, if you're looking for a TEOTWAWKI the added cost and loss of accuracy for that added layer of dependability is probably worth it - even if for the peace of mind of knowing it's there.