Barrel Materials

[CT.HNTR]

I am currently doing a search for a new hunting rifle. I find a model I am very interested in and it comes in two versions. One version has a 416 SS receiver and barrel with a matte finish and the other version has a steel receiver and barrel (I think 4140) that has a tungsten Cerakote finish. I prefer the cosmetics of the tungsten Cerakote finish but don't know if I am sacrificing anything but not getting the SS receiver and barrel. there is a negligible price difference. Other than cosmetics are there any meaningful differences I should be aware of?

 

[JD338]

Both Stainless Steel and Tungsten are strong and weather resistant. Tungsten will give you a weight advantage if that's important to you.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

I’ll always opt for SS across the board for a hard use sorta rifle. Can’t always happen so in those cases, nitride or cerakote are the next best options.

 

[TackDriver284]

I’ll always opt for SS across the board for a hard use sorta rifle. Can’t always happen so in those cases, nitride or cerakote are the next best options.

Nitride is what makes the actions cycle smooth. I'll put a SS barrel on it, or a matching color to go with the nitride.

 

[Slimfinn]

For your choices I dont think you would sacrifice anything with one over the other, go with the one you like best it's going to make you the happiest.

 

[RL338]

Stainless for me.
Some claim that Cerakote traps heat in the barrel. I don’t have a coated barrel so I can’t say for sure.

 

[IdahoCTD]

Stainless is better IMO. A Cerakote coating will always scratch and expose the chromoly steel underneath. 416 isn't super corrosion resistant but it's light years ahead of chromoly. Nitrided chromoly is better than either.

If you really want the color you can have the stainless Cerakoted.