Why Stainless Barrels Are Worth It (and When They Are Not)

Stainless steel barrels have gained a distinctive place in the demanding firearm industry, particularly for their precision and performance. First, they are a personal favorite of accuracy-minded shooters, plus they also have some serious advantages; however, these barrels are not always the best choice for every build. Being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of a stainless steel barrel may help you make a decision when you want to choose a barrel for your rifle.

Key Advantages of Stainless Steel Barrels

The best advantage that the stainless steel barrel offers is precision. Their superior machining tolerances and smooth bore finishes can usually give tighter groupings after the barrels are screwed straight into the action. Stainless AR barrel is the best choice when it comes to precision hunting. They are also not prone to rust, and you do not have to worry when they come into contact with humid or wet conditions.

Target shooters, hunters, competitive marksmen, and other shooters who use long barrels love the results they achieve once they use these barrels. Stainless steel AR not only shoot well but also shoot clean and reliably, which is why they are particularly appealing to bench shooters and long-range shooters who take the time to dial in shots over distance. When you need to build a barrel and precision is the aim, a stainless barrel might just be your secret weapon.

When Stainless May Not Be the Best Choice

Despite the significant advantage of stainless steel barrels, they may not be ideal for every use case. To start with, they are heavier than the chrome-moly or nitride-coated versions, which might make your rifle less nimble, particularly when you have to carry it long distances. Also, stainless barrels are less resistant to high-volume shooting and can experience throat erosion faster, which may shorten the lifespan. 

For hard-use or duty rifles, a chrome-lined option may be more practical. They are cheaper to purchase and are also more durable under high-volume shooting schedules. Under such circumstances, the advantages of a stainless steel barrel AR can be outweighed by the need for long-term durability.

Ideal Use Cases for Stainless AR Barrels

Who should then purchase stainless barrels for sale? The answer is simply: anyone who is particular about accuracy and does not mind it being less durable. As a range shooter, competitive marksman, or hunter preparing to take mid-to-long-range shots, a stainless steel barrel does provide a significant performance advantage.

The added precision also comes in handy to those who do not do mag dumps as much or to those in search of ultra-lightweight builds. A weekend shooter who loves sub-MOA groups, or a deer hunter shooting 300-yard predators, will enjoy what a stainless steel barrel AR offers.

Shop Stainless Barrels with Confidence

To achieve accuracy, a stainless steel AR barrel is a good piece to invest in, and Mid State Firearms puts in the crème of the crop to meet your shooting requirements. With quality craftsmanship, a variety of profiles, and a premium finish, you can find the perfect AR stainless steel to complement your build.

Whether you are bench-resting at 100 yards or stalking game through the dense woods, Mid State Firearms’ stainless steel barrels for sale give you the performance you can trust. Explore the different options available today and upgrade your rifle with confidence.