What’s the big difference

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What’s the big difference?
I’m looking at these two rifle kits from PSA and the only difference between them is the barrel.


1st @ $429.99
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...weight-m-lok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-516446780.html

  • Barrel Profile: A2
  • Barrel Steel: 4150 Chrome-Moly Vanadium
  • Barrel Finish: Nitride
  • Chrome Lining: None
  • Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
  • Chamber: 5.56 NATO
  • Twist Rate: 1:7
2nd @ $599.99
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...eight-m-lok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-5165448203.html

Barrel Profile: A2
Barrel Steel: Cold Hammer Forged Steel
Barrel Finish: Phosphate
Chrome Lining: Extra Thick
Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
Chamber: 5.56 NATO
Twist Rate: 1:7

is the second one really worth that extra money? I apologize in advance if this is a newb question, I’m just not up on the difference anymore like I used to be.
 
Not to me. The difference is in how many rounds the thing can take before the barrel is worn out. Since barrels are technically wear items and you're not likely to shoot that many rounds anyway, I'd opt for the cheaper of the two. Let's face it. You're looking at PSA rifle kits. You're putting together a toy, not a rifle to take to war. I love me some cheap PSA stuff!
 
To me it depends. Is this your only AR and going to be your “go to” rifle? Then yeah, I would spring for the nicer barrel. If it’s going to be a range toy or just to have an extra rifle then no, I would go with the cheaper option.
 
To me it depends. Is this your only AR and going to be your “go to” rifle? Then yeah, I would spring for the nicer barrel. If it’s going to be a range toy or just to have an extra rifle then no, I would go with the cheaper option.
Not that I feel strongly either way but the other side of that coin is, if it’s your only rifle, save the $170 for your next one.
 
Buy the best gun you can afford. There is a reason things cost more. Your not getting "ripped off" What is "worth" is purely subjective. But what is not subjective is that the barrel costs more because it is better as a barrel. There is no doubting that. If there is one part worth spending more money on a gun its the barrel.
 
4150V steel + Nitride has killed the need for CL but CHF WITHOUT CL is actually beneficial. Too bad nobody, especially a .mil contractor like FN, is making those widely available.

https://faxonfirearms.com/blog/frequenty-asked-questions-nitride-vs-chrome-lined/

"Nitride will always be more accurate all things being equal. Nitride “locks in” the bore, chrome will add material to it. Chrome providers have gotten very good at this over the years, the adhesion of chrome is not perfect and there will be a small degradation in accuracy, though it may not be noticed. This is mitigated somewhat by those electropolishing, but one cannot perfectly plate chrome."

The ONLY advantage CL may have is during sustained full-auto firing.

This is the reason I laugh at AK purists that scoff at US made nitride barrels while my CHF nitride barreled Npap shoots 1.5 MOA with cheap steel ammo.
 
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What ^^^ said. Once I learned this a few years ago, it really changed my opinion of nitride barrels from cheap to a very practical and potentially more accurate solution.

I’ve had both PSA and BA nitrided barrels and a FN CHF 5R Recce barrel, very happy with all.
 
The FN barrel has definitely been through MPI and HPT processes and is considered PSA’s premier barrel.

The Nitrided CMV barrel in the Freedom line doesn’t indicate the same testing/inspection anywhere I can find online.
 
Ill pile on with what has basically been said above...

For 99% of us, the cheaper barrel will work just fine. Its not going to be a precision rifle, and the chances of most people putting enough rounds through it to matter will probably not coming up. Even if it is your 100% go to rifle, it probably wont matter unless you plan on squeezing 1,000 rounds per month through it.
 
This is basically going to be a beater AR, truck gun. I’ve got much better ARs at home. I’m constantly driving to jobsites all over NC, SC, TN & GA. So this will be part of my get home kit. I definitely don’t need it to be a sub MOA rifle.

I really appreciate everybody’s input.
 
This is basically going to be a beater AR, truck gun. I’ve got much better ARs at home. I’m constantly driving to jobsites all over NC, SC, TN & GA. So this will be part of my get home kit. I definitely don’t need it to be a sub MOA rifle.

I really appreciate everybody’s input.

yeah, for the truck gun/beater, id just go with the less expensive one. Run it to make sure its reliable, then stash that sucker away. Also...while not a huge concern...if for some reason it were to be stolen, its less cash out of pocket.
 
yeah, for the truck gun/beater, id just go with the less expensive one. Run it to make sure its reliable, then stash that sucker away. Also...while not a huge concern...if for some reason it were to be stolen, its less cash out of pocket.


Exactly my thought. This is the way lol
 
This is basically going to be a beater AR, truck gun. I’ve got much better ARs at home. I’m constantly driving to jobsites all over NC, SC, TN & GA. So this will be part of my get home kit. I definitely don’t need it to be a sub MOA rifle.

I really appreciate everybody’s input.

I’ll say the opposite.

If you’re trusting your life to it as a Get Home Rifle, Id say go the more expensive route.

If it was staying at home to shoot soda cans or paper targets with then go with the cost effective rifle.

I’m not looking at them as one is likely more accurate than the other...I’d say they’re probably both 2-3 MOA rifles with factory FMJs and red dots. I’m looking at it as the FN barrel has been tested and inspected on a more in depth level than just a cursory QC check.
 
It's nice to have the premium but not necessary.
The quality of an AR is best judged by the barrel and BCG. As long as everything else is in proper spec, then it'll be pretty comparable to anything else on the market.
If you have the extra $ to burn and like the idea of a FN barrel (which are durable) go for it.
The PSA premium BCG isn't bad but it may behoove you to get a replacement bolt just in case.
Test for reliability and accuracy and yes, you have a "go to" worthy rifle, despite what the AR snobs say.
For those who think PSA is junk or toy/hobby level...look at the Battlefield Vegas reports on PSA rifles in full auto.
 
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