I bought the shot show deal upper (350 for 16" 5.56 Nato nitride barrel plus toolcraft NiB BCG). The barrel is marked “5.56 NATO 1/7 Freedom”. I thought the freedom barrels were a lower grade than the nitride barrels. Anyone have any info on this?
Freedom is lower than CHF, which is usually the premium line.
I knew CHF was tops but thought there was another grade between CHF and Freedom. Am I imagining that? Very well could be
What’s the difference between the freedoms and the regular nitrided barrel’s?
Here is a quick breakdown of the general differences:
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“Freedom” Our Freedom Series is both the phosphate(non-chrome lined) and the nitrided/melonited barrels.
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“Premium” Our Premium line is our FN CHF/CL barreled upper receivers/kits/guns.
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When you see “Classic” on a kit, PA15 pistol/rifle, or lower etc., it is referring to the furniture. It is basic mil-spec furniture, or in the case of pistol, something not as good as the SBA3’s. The MFT blade etc. are considered to be “Classic” and the base when it comes to pistol braces.
In reality we only have two lines. Freedom and Premium. Classic just refers to the furniture.
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My freedom has a slicker finish to it, I like it. My buddy’s isnt a freedom marked and is rougher finished. You know which finish is what?
That sounds like our Nitride finish. Both are great finishes, really just comes down to personal preference.
Phosphate will be a grayer, rougher, more matte finish. (Mil-spec coating you find on M4s)
Nitride will be darker, smoother, and glossier
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Thanks! Very informative!
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Thanks ive been wondering about this for a min I’m a nitride dude😎
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Correct me if I am wrong. I have researched the CHF and other enthusiasts have stated that the CHF in their experiences were not as accurate, but if you want to pry open doors, etc, they won’t bend.
The FN barrel CHF is a more durable barrel……think hard professional use like a security contractor or you make a living behind the trigger.
For the rest of us sport shooters….the non-chrome lined barrels are perfectly suited for our shooting lifestyle. They are by no means a step down.
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So CHF barrels are not inherently inaccurate. It’s the process of chrome lining that can cause the issue most people perceive as being inaccuracy. CHF barrels are designed like a tank and can take a beating regardless of the type of ammo (corrosive/non-corrosive) used in it. But the chrome lining can potentially be uneven. Over the past 10 years there have been huge leaps in the advancement of the coating process but there is still the possibility of variations in the thickness of the chrome along the length of the barrel. That being said most folks would never be able to see or measure the accuracy difference and the durability of the barrel makes it a favorite amongst high round count or full auto shooters.
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Oh believe me I would proudly own one, but I no longer am in the military, so lighter, more affordable is good. I think the M-16 A2 had the CHF barrels, I remember them being thicker and more durable looking. House to house fighting, clearing would be tough on a barrel. I used the forerunner of the M4 which was designated GAU-5 and GUU-5P. The Army guys always wanted to trade, because it was lighter, collapsible stock and full auto. The A2 was 3 Rd burst.
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from what i understand that is because of the chrome lining which effects accuracy. nitride, since it is a chemical process that actually bonds into the metal itself, doesnt cause any effect on accuracy like chrome lining would if i understood it properly.
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Another early morning entry.
Wrong thread, love the freedom barrel tho.
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My AR15 barrel is only stamped 5.56 Nato 1/7. No other markings . What do I have?
If it’s grayish and rougher, it’s phosphate. If blacker and smoother, it’s nitrided. If it was CHF, it would be marked as such. I have a couple of the older uppers when there was PTAC (cheap), premium (CMV CL) and CHF. I prefer nitrided barrels today but the CMV CL and CHF CL barrels I have are all great shooters.
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@glewisme Reply with your sku and I can tell you.
I have 2 freedom barrel’s and are marked Freedom.