Anybody have any opinions on coated AR carriers? Either Titanium Nitride or Hard Chrome? I have heard both good and bad that the carriers themselves last much much longer, are easier to clean and show far less wear with the negative tradeback being slightly increased wear in the upper receiver area unless you frquently lube this area. I have a nickel plated bolt and was wondering about matching up the carrier in Chrome which would be easy to get done, not sure where I could get the Titanium Nitride dont locally. Any thoughts on this?
Coated carriers?
- Thread starter USP
- Start date
There are a few companies like POF that offer hard chromed interior uppers too, although I haven't seen any up here yet. That would take care of the increased wear on the upper issue. They claim that lube is "optional" when using these parts, although I find that hard to believe.
I never heard "from a creditable source" or ever seen a worn out upper EVER! Anyone who clams they wear out is trying to sell there product.
On that note I have only dealt with Colt canada uppers, But mil-spec is mil-spec so it should not make a difference.
Having both chromed could make every thing smoother and cutting down on stoppages when dirty.
On that note I have only dealt with Colt canada uppers, But mil-spec is mil-spec so it should not make a difference.
Having both chromed could make every thing smoother and cutting down on stoppages when dirty.
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- The Police State: Ontario
I agree.
No real benefit from complete chrome or ti nitride coating.
Addendum:
But, I'll also add there is nothing negative about it either, other than spending the extra money. Wear issues should be no difference either way. Whether coated or not, the carrier is far harder than the upper it rides in.
Twenty some years ago, when I didn't have a lot of knowledge on AR's, I bought an expensive chromed carrier. I was sucked in by those claims about upper wear. Using it, and standard parkerized military carriers in the fleet, I can say the only small benefit to the chrome one is that powder residue wipes off a bit more easily. I wouldn't spend the extra again.
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As mentioned already, the whole carrier wear resistance issue is not relevant in an AR . So what if the standard parkerizing wears off a bit in the carrier. No detriment to its function
Since the AR upper is far softer than the carrier the last thing you are worried about is "wearing out" a carrier. Find it hard to belive the chrome plating would actually accelerate wear BTW
I have a couple of Young carriers that are chrome and they are far easier to clean. This certain isn't a reason to purchase a chrome plated carrier however. At the end of the day, compared to the time to properly clean barrel, lower etc, the time saved on cleaning the carrier and bolt is negligable
The only coating that intrigues me is the JP QPC ( Quench Polish Quench ) coating. This coating technology is common industrial coating alternative to hard chrome etc . IT is a nitrocarburizing process that leaves the surface corrosion resistant ( better than chrome plating ) and , more importantly excellent natural lubricity
I have seen machinery components with this coating that last amazingly long with minimal / no lubrication so I couldn't resist trying a carrier with QPQ
I will say that I have a few uppers where some of my carriers have definite drag, especially if its a bit dry. The JP carrier runs like its on ball bearings. Its that noticable.
I have not run the JP long enough to really make a final determination
Since the AR upper is far softer than the carrier the last thing you are worried about is "wearing out" a carrier. Find it hard to belive the chrome plating would actually accelerate wear BTW
I have a couple of Young carriers that are chrome and they are far easier to clean. This certain isn't a reason to purchase a chrome plated carrier however. At the end of the day, compared to the time to properly clean barrel, lower etc, the time saved on cleaning the carrier and bolt is negligable
The only coating that intrigues me is the JP QPC ( Quench Polish Quench ) coating. This coating technology is common industrial coating alternative to hard chrome etc . IT is a nitrocarburizing process that leaves the surface corrosion resistant ( better than chrome plating ) and , more importantly excellent natural lubricity
I have seen machinery components with this coating that last amazingly long with minimal / no lubrication so I couldn't resist trying a carrier with QPQ
I will say that I have a few uppers where some of my carriers have definite drag, especially if its a bit dry. The JP carrier runs like its on ball bearings. Its that noticable.
I have not run the JP long enough to really make a final determination
F22_RaptoR
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The only thing I know, is that the hard chromed bolt head on my Benelli m4 is ULTRA easy to clean. Usually just wipe it down with a rag.
This is probably the only REAL benefit to it though. Titanium Nitride has some self-lubricating properties I think, so it might not "dry out" quite as quick if you are shooting a lot.
This is probably the only REAL benefit to it though. Titanium Nitride has some self-lubricating properties I think, so it might not "dry out" quite as quick if you are shooting a lot.
