Faxon Q&A: Barrel Manufacturing, Nitride vs Chrome lining and more!

Published on March 5, 2017
Duration: 35:47

This Q&A with Faxon Firearms delves into advanced barrel manufacturing techniques, comparing Nitride and Chrome lining for corrosion resistance and accuracy. It explores different rifling methods like button rifling and cold hammer forging, and discusses material choices such as stainless vs. carbon steel. The discussion also covers the importance of stress relief for thin barrel profiles and the benefits of Nitride treatments for lubricity and wear.

Quick Summary

Nitride (nitrocarburization) is a surface treatment that imbues nitrogen into the base steel, offering better accuracy potential than chrome lining due to consistent bore thickness. While chrome historically combatted corrosive primers, modern Nitride treatments (like QPQ) can provide superior corrosion resistance and lubricity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Faxon Firearms Q&A
  2. 01:21Nitride vs. Chrome Lining: Definitions
  3. 03:38History & Corrosion Resistance: Nitride vs. Chrome
  4. 06:52Military Adoption & Heat Management
  5. 11:15Nitride Lubricity & Wear Patterns
  6. 12:26Stellite Liners for Extreme Heat
  7. 14:09Nitride Processes: Gaseous vs. Salt Bath
  8. 19:17Stainless vs. Carbon Steel Barrels
  9. 21:13Rifling Methodologies: CHF, Cut, Button
  10. 27:46Progressive Twist & Accuracy Standards
  11. 33:31Pencil Profiles & Stress Relief

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Nitride and Chrome lining in firearm barrels?

Chrome lining is an electrolytic process adding a separate material layer inside the bore. Nitride (nitrocarburization) is a surface treatment that imbues nitrogen into the base steel, typically offering better accuracy potential due to consistent bore thickness.

Which barrel treatment offers better corrosion resistance, Nitride or Chrome?

While chrome lining historically combatted corrosive primers, modern Nitride treatments, especially QPQ, can provide superior corrosion resistance and lubricity, often outperforming chrome, particularly in maritime environments.

When is Chrome lining still preferred over Nitride for firearm barrels?

Chrome lining remains superior for sustained fully automatic fire in machine guns because it handles extreme heat better without the rifling degrading or the base steel annealing.

How does Faxon ensure accuracy in their thin 'pencil' profile barrels?

Faxon emphasizes a rigorous stress-relief process after rifling. This is crucial for thin barrels to prevent the point of aim from 'walking' as the barrel heats up due to residual radial stress.

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