Nitride vs Phophate (barrel)

BigWaylon

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All other things being equal…would you choose Phosphate? Or Nitride for $30 more?

I found this in an article:

IMG_7561.jpeg
IMG_7562.jpeg
 
I have both and prefer nitride. I think it looks better and has zero downsides. The only exception is if you’re going for some sort of mil clone. $30 is a minimal price difference IMO.
 
Phosphate, but then I like old US military guns.
I like the fact that the finish holds on to some of the oil.
 
I think it would come down to manufacturer honestly.

From my experience, specs can be identical between different brands but they WILL shoot different.

Ballistic Advantage nitride barrels were way more accurate than Faxons for me (both nitride). I own 4 BA barreled uppers and they are great for the money, especially from hot deals for +/- $125

My FN CHF barrels put my BCM CHF barrels to shame. BUT they are almost identical on paper 🤷🏼. Both $300 barrels

Criterion barrels are dominating the market and they are phosphate & chrome lined. Again, $300

My other 2 favorites I own are FN Spikes optimal profiles. Friggin great and CHF chrome lined phosphate. Cost $300 😂

If you’re not in the jungle or tropical climate for long periods, I wouldn’t be too wary on the corrosion properties.

With longer handguards and suppressors (you @BigWaylon 😎) you might not even see much, if any, of the barrel. So looks kinda get cancelled out.

Just choose what YOU think you want. 👍🏻
 
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Nitride 100% of the time.
Not only does Nitride protect from corrosion vastly better but also hardens the surface so you will get longer life from the barrel.
Also Phosphate is only externally applied-it does not protect the bore from corrosion.
 
Lucky63 said:
I think it would come down to manufacturer honestly.

From my experience, specs can be identical between different brands but they WILL shoot different.

Ballistic Advantage nitride barrels were way more accurate than Faxons for me (both nitride). I own 4 BA barreled uppers and they are great for the money, especially from hot deals for +/- $125

My FN CHF barrels put my BCM CHF barrels to shame. BUT they are almost identical on paper 🤷🏼. Both $300 barrels

Criterion barrels are dominating the market and they are phosphate & chrome lined. Again, $300

My other 2 favorites I own are FN Spikes optimal profiles. Friggin great and CHF chrome lined phosphate. Cost $300 😂

If you’re not in the jungle or tropical climate for long periods, I wouldn’t be too wary on the corrosion properties.

With longer handguards and suppressors (you @BigWaylon 😎) you might not even see much, if any, of the barrel. So looks kinda get cancelled out.

Just choose what YOU think you want. 👍🏻
Click to expand...
These are both PSA (I’m assuming) barrels. I’m just trying to decide between these two:


IMG_7568.jpeg

I’ve never had:
1. A2 grip
2. That style handguard
3. Carry handle
4. That style front sight

It won’t be suppressed. Just want a semi-classic looking AR for no real reason.
 
Definitely phosphate for a clone plinker. Spend that extra $30 towards a carry handle optic mount or matching era sling.
 
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Lucky63 said:
Definitely phosphate for a clone plinker. Spend that extra $30 towards a carry handle optic mount or matching era sling.
Click to expand...
I’d actually prefer the 11.5”, especially since I don’t plan on suppressing it.

I’m not doing an optic, but a sling is probably necessary (although I don’t have a single one on any other AR). Any recommendations for one?
 
BigWaylon said:
I’d actually prefer the 11.5”, especially since I don’t plan on suppressing it.

I’m not doing an optic, but a sling is probably necessary (although I don’t have a single one on any other AR). Any recommendations for one?
Click to expand...

11.5" add a Moderator Flash Hider to make a Colt XM177E1 / GAU-5 clone.


1707086057917.png
 
BigWaylon said:
I’d actually prefer the 11.5”, especially since I don’t plan on suppressing it.

I’m not doing an optic, but a sling is probably necessary (although I don’t have a single one on any other AR). Any recommendations for one?
Click to expand...
I’m not experienced enough in the clone correct area. Maybe someone else here can take care of that for you. @Timfoilhat @Combat Diver
 
Lucky63 said:
I’m not experienced enough in the clone correct area. Maybe someone else here can take care of that for you. @Timfoilhat @Combat Diver
Click to expand...
Not me. I'm like @BigWaylon wanting something old/classic looking just for the sake of having something different. @Combat Diver is the far better resource.
I will say I've had those handguards before and they get pretty hot pretty fast under sustained fire. I ended up swapping for something from Magpul and it was quite a bit better, but that kills the look the originals lend to the gun.
 
Timfoilhat said:
Not me. I'm like @BigWaylon wanting something old/classic looking just for the sake of having something different. @Combat Diver is the far better resource.
I will say I've had those handguards before and they get pretty hot pretty fast under sustained fire. I ended up swapping for something from Magpul and it was quite a bit better, but that kills the look the originals lend to the gun.
Click to expand...
This one did say it has heat shields. It’s not gonna be something I’d shoot a whole lot, but I guess I’ll see how it goes.

I’m not worried one bit about proper clone items. I went and found a padded sling for ~$15 I might order. And decided what second clip I needed to attach it.
 
BigWaylon said:
These are both PSA (I’m assuming) barrels. I’m just trying to decide between these two:


View attachment 737720

I’ve never had:
1. A2 grip
2. That style handguard
3. Carry handle
4. That style front sight

It won’t be suppressed. Just want a semi-classic looking AR for no real reason.
Click to expand...
Bear in mind PSA BCA etc phosphate barrels typically do not have chrome lining, or any other treatment in the barrel itself.
 
Lucky63 said:
I think it would come down to manufacturer honestly.

From my experience, specs can be identical between different brands but they WILL shoot different.

Ballistic Advantage nitride barrels were way more accurate than Faxons for me (both nitride). I own 4 BA barreled uppers and they are great for the money, especially from hot deals for +/- $125

My FN CHF barrels put my BCM CHF barrels to shame. BUT they are almost identical on paper 🤷🏼. Both $300 barrels
Click to expand...
Cff thread detour:

Caught my attention when you mentioned faxon barrels not being as accurate as BA or your FN CHF’s.

We’re they Faxon’s Match barrels?

I ask because I had finally settled on this one for a build:

www.primaryarms.com

Faxon Firearms 16" .223 Wylde Mid-Length Flame Fluted Barrel

DetailsFaxon Machining engineers and manufactures components that are found everywhere. In theaters of combat, on the ocean floor, in cars, in aircraft, on the ISS, and on Mars. Now, they bring their engineering excellence to bear on providing new and innovative components for the AR-15 platform...
www.primaryarms.com
 
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Pogue said:
Cff thread detour:

Caught my attention when you mentioned faxon barrels not being as accurate as BA or your FN CHF’s.

We’re they Faxon’s Match barrels?

I ask because I had finally settled on this one for a build:

www.primaryarms.com

Faxon Firearms 16" .223 Wylde Mid-Length Flame Fluted Barrel

DetailsFaxon Machining engineers and manufactures components that are found everywhere. In theaters of combat, on the ocean floor, in cars, in aircraft, on the ISS, and on Mars. Now, they bring their engineering excellence to bear on providing new and innovative components for the AR-15 platform...
www.primaryarms.com
Click to expand...
They were not. Gov profile and Gunner. Note that they weren’t awful but just not as good as the BA.
 
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