chromelined

Chromelined refers to a specific type of barrel lining used in firearms. It involves plating the interior surface of the barrel with a thin layer of chromium. This process is applied during the manufacturing of the firearm.

The primary benefit of chromelining is increased durability and resistance to wear. The hard chromium layer helps to protect the barrel from the corrosive effects of gunpowder residue and the abrasive action of bullets passing through it. This enhanced wear resistance can lead to a longer barrel lifespan, meaning the firearm can be fired more times before its accuracy degrades significantly.

Another advantage of chromelining is its resistance to corrosion. Firearms are often exposed to various environmental conditions, including moisture and salt, which can cause rust. The chromium lining provides a barrier against these corrosive elements, further contributing to the longevity of the barrel.

While beneficial, chromelining can sometimes have minor effects on accuracy, particularly in highly precise target shooting applications. The plating process can introduce slight irregularities to the bore's surface, which may be detectable by extreme precision shooters. However, for most firearms and their intended uses, the benefits of durability and corrosion resistance generally outweigh any potential subtle impact on pinpoint accuracy. Many military and law enforcement firearms, as well as many common civilian hunting and sporting rifles and handguns, are manufactured with chromelined barrels.