Carbon fiber wrapped barrrls

JW1987

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So I been thinking, how long would a carbon wrapped barrel last? Not in round count but in age. If someone bought one then wanted to give it to say a grandson 25 years from now, if we can still “own” them then, how much would the binder degrade? Would you think it would be safe? Just a random thing that popped into my head when looking at them. Thanks for your opinions.
 
Guess nobody has an opinion on this.
 
I’d think there would have to be some kind of lifespan on it. Maybe they think the barrel will be shot out before then. Not everyone who buys one is going to shoot it that much though.
 
At its most basic form, carbon fiber is carbon graphite, which will last virtually forever. The material is typically not photo-degradable or biodegradable. However, some factors do influence its durability, like its matrix. Furthermore, the intense use of composites and environmental factors could affect its durability and potential applications. In general, scientists anticipate carbon fiber parts to last for over 50 years.
 
I am quite familiar with carbon itself. I use graphite daily at my job, to make electrodes that I use to burn features into mold and die parts. I know it will last virtually forever, the binder or glue, I think would be the weak link.
 
I know carbon fiber and aramid rebar has been used in bridge decks and there is carbon fiber wraps that can be applied to failing columns for strengthening purposes. The rebar application, modern bridges are designed for 75 to 100 year service life. Not sure of the design life of the carbon fiber wraps but I would think a gun in a safe, it should be a long time, but I could see it not lasting as long as a standard steel barrel.
 
I didn’t know about the bridge stuff, that is interesting. For me a carbon fiber barrel is just Gucci, as I can see no area it would benefit me personally. Not doing long back country treks or competition where the extra stiffness would improve accuracy enough to bother with it. But they are cool to look at.
 
Degradation in carbon fiber typically comes from bond loss between the fibers and the resin due to degradation of the resin itself, including cracks and fissures. The two things most likely to accelerate that are a) acid attack (which is the primary concern regarding its use in civil structures, just as it is for steels), and b) a combination of UV and moisture (the two play off one another and accelerate degradation). In the conditions a typical firearms barrel would see (stored indoors, water contact only, wiped down after use), they will likely last a very, very long time. Even then, "failure" of the carbon fiber is likely to only be some loss in tensile strength of the matrix, which depending on thickness, length of the barrel, may or may not even affect accuracy. There are also mitigating measures that could be done, such as intermittent application of UV protectant clear coats or ceramics.

TLDR - You will probably shoot the barrel out before it ages out of use, IMO.
 
I think its a fad to be honest.

I would personally just run a lower weight contour barrel before buying one of these barrels.
 
I think its a fad to be honest.

I would personally just run a lower weight contour barrel before buying one of these barrels.
I guess it comes down to the appearance as well. To me a fluted barrel is a waste of time, money and is completely useless but some people love the look of it. I would pick a carbon barrel over a sporter contoured barrel anyday and one big reason is the appearance. Cf is hard to scratch and if you do, it can he sanded quickly to look brand new. They are very durable. If I can find the video where the guy that came up with the CF barrels beats a cinder block to pieces and basically did no damage to the barrel i will post it. Try that with a sporter barrel and you have a bent and dinged barrel.

Carbon fiber heats up quickly but it also cools quickly. So long strings of fire and you will see some groupings walk a little. CF also whips more than a traditional steel barrel, so if you are one of the guys that likes to run the scope really close to the barrel then i wouldn’t use one. With that being said i think you need a tiny bit more clearence in the barrel channel for floating.

What I have found is that the cold bore shots at 100 yards on a cold vs hot day has a very minimal shift
 
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