SS vs Carbon Steel Barrel???

[steveopia]

I'll preface this with saying I've been wanting a M14. I did some research and completely sold myself on a LRB Arms M14 or M25. And then reality set in. LRB is just out of my league right now. So that being said . . . . . . .

My next purchase is going to be a M1A. I'm looking to get the Loaded model. The only thing I'm hung up on is what type of barrel should I go with?

Using Google I've read pros and cons on both. However I didn't read anything that really swayed me one way or the other. Any opinions or knowledge you're willing to share would be much appreciated.

[Irving]

I swear there was a thread on here about this, but I searched 9 pages of entries and didn't see one.

[SA Friday]

SS has a tendency to be a little more accurate from what I've seen and steel seem to handle abuse and overheating a little more. Unless you're going to take the weapon to a specific extreme type of use, it doesn't really matter IMO. Hoser probably has a better grasp on this option I bet.

[BPTactical]

Stainless steel is a tougher material due to the chromium content. It does not machine quite as cleanly as carbon steel, it tends to "tear" slightly. The chromium also makes it more abrasion resistant and the nickel in it adds the corrosion resistance. It will take a little longer to "fire lap" in and smooth out the micro burrs from the machining.
Stainless does not lose heat as well as carbon steel so that may be a factor in rapid fire. Pay attention to a good break in procedure with stainless. (That is another subject in itself-everybody has their own way)
With proper break in and care both will be accurate but I think the stainless will last a bit longer.
Both are capable of accuracy beyond what the shooter is capable of.

[steveopia]

Thanks for the reply guys.

After reading and reading and getting multiple opinions I decided that I wanted a SS barrel. Yesterday I went to a store that had it and was ready to pull the trigger. I just happened to ask if they charged a 3% credit card fee in the store like they did online and he said yes we sure do. So I left. Carbon steel was looking A-O-K to me at that point and I knew exactly where to go to get one.

I went to G&G Guns and snatched up the M1A Loaded with carbon steel barrel he had. Proud new owner! I can't wait to shoot this rifle.