Nitride barrels, any long term experience?

marine6680 · October 7, 2013, 12:47 AM

As the title says. Any one have a barrel that is Nitride rather than chrome lined, and have a lot of rounds through it.

It is claimed to be longer lasting and more accurate than chrome barrels. Just wondering if that has been users experience.

marine6680 · October 7, 2013, 09:26 AM

Further reading into the process, I have learned something.

The rated hardness of the nitride process is as close to make little difference to chrome. Though depending on the specs for chrome thickness (I am ignorant of the spec offhand without looking it up) the chrome lining may be thicker.

So it may be the more uniform bore and therefore better accuracy that is the main draw of nitride. That is, if it is more accurate, though I would suspect it would be if the barrel was quality.

chris in va · October 7, 2013, 02:19 PM

My S&W Sport is 'melonited' in and out, which I understand is a form of nitriding. 3000 of my reloads and no apparent drop off in accuracy.

It also has an unusual 5r rifling which is supposed to help prevent fouling.

marine6680 · October 7, 2013, 05:47 PM

Yeah, I think thats a brand name for one of the processes.

With the way parts are, I am not sure if I should spend the time and effort to look for a nitrided barrel at a good price, or just get a chrome lined. Really depends on if its worth it or not.

HankC1 · October 7, 2013, 06:55 PM

How to tell a dark bore from a nitride bore now!

marine6680 · October 7, 2013, 08:57 PM

Mossberg of all things... makes nitride barrels. Found one for $160... wonder if they are any good.

October 7, 2013, 12:47 AM	#1
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Nitride barrels, any long term experience? As the title says. Any one have a barrel that is Nitride rather than chrome lined, and have a lot of rounds through it. It is claimed to be longer lasting and more accurate than chrome barrels. Just wondering if that has been users experience.

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October 7, 2013, 09:26 AM	#2
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Further reading into the process, I have learned something. The rated hardness of the nitride process is as close to make little difference to chrome. Though depending on the specs for chrome thickness (I am ignorant of the spec offhand without looking it up) the chrome lining may be thicker. So it may be the more uniform bore and therefore better accuracy that is the main draw of nitride. That is, if it is more accurate, though I would suspect it would be if the barrel was quality.

October 7, 2013, 02:19 PM	#3
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	My S&W Sport is 'melonited' in and out, which I understand is a form of nitriding. 3000 of my reloads and no apparent drop off in accuracy. It also has an unusual 5r rifling which is supposed to help prevent fouling.

October 7, 2013, 05:47 PM	#4
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Yeah, I think thats a brand name for one of the processes. With the way parts are, I am not sure if I should spend the time and effort to look for a nitrided barrel at a good price, or just get a chrome lined. Really depends on if its worth it or not.

October 7, 2013, 06:55 PM	#5
HankC1 Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 531	How to tell a dark bore from a nitride bore now!

October 7, 2013, 08:57 PM	#6
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Mossberg of all things... makes nitride barrels. Found one for $160... wonder if they are any good.