Barrel chop.

[Calculated]

Any smiths have experience cutting chrome lined barrels? I have an SBR project in the works and am looking for a local guy to support.

[brutal]

BPTactical is your goto guy right up thatta way.

[MarkCO]

Cutting chrome lined barrels is not a great idea. Some will work out fine, but in most cases, you will get micro-fractures and then pits and chips. They might affect accuracy, in a few cases this has resulted in bullet tumbling. If you decide to do it, make sure that a good amount of lapping compound is used to clean up muzzle to minimize the cracks and inspect on a regular basis.

I'd just sell the barrel and buy one the right length.

[ray1970]

I'd just sell the barrel and buy one the right length.

Perhaps he has something unique and finding a replacement barrel is all but impossible?

[Great-Kazoo]

Any smiths have experience cutting chrome lined barrels? I have an SBR project in the works and am looking for a local guy to support.

Is you bbl new or used? if new and a 16" one. I have a few New 16" bbls that aren't CL'd.

Perhaps he has something unique and finding a replacement barrel is all but impossible?

Perfect reason to do another build.

[Calculated]

Thanks brutal I'll give him a call and see what he thinks.

That's been the general consensus from what I've heard Mark, doable but risky. I've found a place in Oregon that has 100's of jobs done with very few negative outcomes, I'd just like to support the local guys.

The problem is that the barrel is essentially pinned so I have to cut it anyway to install a new one. It's not impossible to find new barrels but a little less cost effective. It's not too unique, a PS90.

[Calculated]

The bbl is used, only a couple hundred rounds but used. It's basically destined for a home defense gun, so tumbling isn't to high a concern. My lady is probably better with it than I am and she loves shooting it, it's perfect for her.

I have considered building a dedicated home defense AR15

[kwando]

There's a few people that chop a lot of SCAR barrels. Those are CHF and CL, and I havent heard of any issues. When my form comes back I'll send my barrel assembly to one of them. If I'm gonna SBR a rifle why keep a 16" barre around.

[BPTactical]

Thanks brutal I'll give him a call and see what he thinks.

That's been the general consensus from what I've heard Mark, doable but risky. I've found a place in Oregon that has 100's of jobs done with very few negative outcomes, I'd just like to support the local guys.

The problem is that the barrel is essentially pinned so I have to cut it anyway to install a new one. It's not impossible to find new barrels but a little less cost effective. It's not too unique, a PS90.

PS90 barrels are a PITA. The "Flash hider" is actually the barrel nut, it is a long shroud that runs the full length of the barrel to the receiver. It is then blind pinned and welded.
They suck.
I have done two and in all honesty I won't be bummed if I never see another one.
Pay the price for the shorter factory barrel.
Now as far as cutting a chrome lined barrel, if it is a quality barrel(and the FN is) if the barrel is cut correctly leaving enough extra length to gradually dress the barrel back I have seen no ill effects. Slow and smooth.

[Calculated]

BPTactical I appreciate you jumping in. I am planning on doing the fun part of cutting the shroud, bbl removal and capturing the springs etc. myself. If that's the part you're trying to avoid I'll gladly spare you that afternoon of cursing and subsequent hangover. If it's the cutting and threading of the bbl that's the annoying part then do you know anyone you hate around here(that does good work!) I could contact? If not no worries, I've already spoken to the guy in Oregon about it.