building an AR-15, barrel question...

[speedyquad]

I am building an AR. I've never owned one, so i wanted learn them from the inside out.

I'm stuck between three barrels. One is a 16" chrome lined barrel with a 1-7 twist. the other is a 16" with a 1/8 twist, and a 16" hbar with a 19 twist. The chrome lined is about $45 dollars more than the non-chrome and the hbar is $8 more than the chrome lined/

I'm leaning more towards the chrome lined with the 1-7 twist, but am wondering if the extra cost is justified. Money is not an issue, i'm practical and can't see spending money with no extra benefits.

What's everyone's thoughts?

thanks in advance.

 

[jdlii]

Chrome lined barrels have their benefits but, I tend to pay more attention to the twist rate. The 1/7 will handle heavier (69-77-80 grain) bullets better. The 1/8 is a comprise between the 1/7 and 1/9 but it really comes down to the intended use of the rifle.

Both of my M4 style rifles have 1/9 twist and provide excellent accuracy with 55, 69 and 77 grain bullets with appropriate loads. My match rifle barrels have 1/7 and 1/8 twist rates and shoot everything up to the 80 grain bullets great.

 

[speedyquad]

i guess i did forget to add the intended use. there really is no intended use. i want something fun to shoot and accurate at 100yrds. i want the ability to reach out to distances 200 or 300 yards, on occasion, and still be in a 2-3 MOA grouping. i am leaning towards the chrome with the 1-7 twist rate because of that. i'm trying to go for something slightly lighter than average, but with no set upper limit to weight.

so far, i have my lower complete with parts from anderson rifle and a battlelink minimalist buttstock. i also have an anderson upper. i have yet to decide on a barrel and handguard. i'm going with a strike industries low profile gas block and gas tube once i decide on a barrel.

 

[Ματθιας]

Unless you shoot corrosive ammo and/or don't clean your weapon, I don't see justification for the extra cost/benefit of a chrome lined barrel. Yeah, it's nice to have. Is it necessary? I don't think so.