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.

 

[wildcatter]

Stainless, every time. There is no weight savings in a finish, and looks like doesn't protect like. Your only consideration should be easier to protect, and cerakote isn't any more resilient than bluing. The only thing with stainless I would recommend is keep the bolt lugs properly lubed.

I say this because I would never have a receiver or bolt Nitrided "after" it is built. That is something you want done before you true an action, the bolt could be done, but I don't like putting all the heat on a machined piece of steel after it's been mated together as a finished rifle. If I did nitride the bolt, I would definitely lappit to the action after the treatment.

If I don't like Stainless, I'd just go with the Moly blued, but thats me. Good luck however you decide to go, both should shot as good as the other, one is just a little more forgiving.