Before I start, I know that Kevin has likely forgot more about this industry that we know. I also value his opinion greatly. Myself, I'm just a dirty ex grunt (from the same unit), that has to rely on the experience and knowledge of those that work with him. Our staff is on the outside looking in and we often make decisions based on their experience and not the norm in the industry. They're the data monkeys.
A couple of corrections/opinions:
Chrome - at least hexavalent chromium used in barrels is not a surface finish, as it bonds with the steel underneath. A proper barrel chroming facility will electro polish the bore - pulling a few 10ths of material in a uniform depth off the barrel, the barrel can then be chromed to the original dimension.
I've seen a few factory chromed barrels that have been tested for uniformity and most were not as uniform as stated. While a non-chromed barrel is generally more even they do suffer from the shortened longevity that chroming provides. I also fear that few rifle companies are having their barrels processed in a proper facility, rather the one that meets their needs within their area. And with dealing with processing houses for a years, it's fairly certain that deficiencies are caused by the processors themselves often overstating their abilities.
In endurance test barrels, I have yet to see a barrel that is chromed be surpased by a variety of other coatings, as must do not bond with the substruct steel and will flake or peel when heat cycled, (obviious a stellite line is not a coating).
There are a variety of coatings on the market, and while they are superior to chrome in many respects, they also have their downfalls.
For the most part I agree, however there are some new processes that have come to light lately that are very exciting. Many of which are just being applied to Arms manufacturing for the first time. Time can only tell. The problem with many of these processes many of the large manufacturers are not willing or able to take a chance on a new process. A smaller company such as ours who's experience isn't in Arms can take that chance based on previous use and experience. Our treatment is a process.. not a coating. We opted to use a system that did not alter our dimensions at all. Combined with the barrel construction it reveals a very nice end product.
I also disagree with you on button rifling -- single pass cut rifling is IMHO superior in term of finish and uniformity without stressing the barrel.
Secondly Cold Hammer Forging, as it presses the steel onto the rifling mandrel, will provide a far superior barrel in terms of strength and endurance.
This is the reason why MG barrels are CHF, and a specific type of Chrome Vanadian content in the resulfated steel.
I agree that this is the case on an apples to oranges comparison. There's a reason why the best bench rifles are sporting cut barrels. .. but few of them keep that accuracy as long. I can make a top-tier barrel with a 1000rnd lifespan, or a really great one with 10x that.
However one of the reasons we opted to process our barrels the way we are is to take advantage of the design of a Polygonal barrel that is not only accurate and consistent, but one with an end result that also provides a very strong product with a long lifespan. The advantages of strength provided with a hammered barrel are lost once we process it. Those same results are then achieved when we process it because it also heat treats and stress relieves the product. So we can then get those effects with a more accurate bore... best of both worlds. We're confidant enough in the process to offer a lifetime warranty.. obviously not for MIL use though. We don't want them used as a support barrel for some keener playing the warranty loop.
I would also argue that a great barrel has less to do with the manner in which it was rifled than with the barrel maker itself, and our barrel maker has an outstanding reputation in the field. When you're provided with a great starting product the rest is easy.
Again, time will tell. It's exciting to be able to play with some of these treatments and processes. I think that the field is just beginning to reap the rewards of all the technology that other trades are now into.
-edit-
.. as well I may have been a little broad and general with my statements in the above posts without qualifying them with the reasoning and background into our specific application.
