Got to say the new Ruger 18" AR-556 MPR #8514 is a lot of bang for the buck. I just picked one of these up for $729 plus tax at local sportsmans warehouse. Not sure if anyone offers a AR with a 1 in 8 Hammer Forged barrel and 4.5 pound two stage trigger in this price range or close to it.

The barrel is an 18" matte black nitrided finish Hammer Forged 4140 1:8" twist rate with 5.56 NATO chamber and M4 feed ramps. Using Ruger 1/2"-28 radial port muzzle brake with a rifle length gas system. The aluminum handguard is free floating and 15" long using M LOK style slots in the handguard.

Bolt is machined from 9310 alloy steel and is shot peened and pressure (proof) tested.

The trigger is Rugers 452 Elite two stage 4.5 pound using a full strength hammer spring.

The lower receiver has a Magpul MOE grip and MOE SL collapsible buttstock. With a Mil Spec buffer tube.

I picked one up a few weeks ago. Now I have to figure out what scope it needs. I like the upgraded trigger & hand guard.

Is that an uncoated, unlined barrel?

quote:

Originally posted by 3/4Flap:
Is that an uncoated, unlined barrel?

When a barrel is nitrided as in the case of this model it is done on interior (bore/ chamber) as well as the exterior.

These links will give you some good information.

http://faxonfirearms.com/blog/...ide-vs-chrome-lined/

http://criterionbarrels.com/ch...ath-nitrided-barrels

quote:

Originally posted by squint:
I picked one up a few weeks ago. Now I have to figure out what scope it needs. I like the upgraded trigger & hand guard.

That is kind of where I'm at also. Leaning toward going to something like a 4-16x 40 just to see what kind of 5 shots groups I can get out of this.

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:

quote:

Originally posted by 3/4Flap:
Is that an uncoated, unlined barrel?

When a barrel is nitrided as in the case of this model it is done on interior (bore/ chamber) as well as the exterior.

These links will give you some good information.

http://faxonfirearms.com/blog/...ide-vs-chrome-lined/

http://criterionbarrels.com/ch...ath-nitrided-barrels

Thanks but I'm quite familiar with the various treatments and linings.

My question is about that barrel. Some Rugers are not treated or lined, like the AR556.

Is that one?

I am not aware of Rugers being chrome lined but believe they do nitride treat.

This model 18" barrel is not chrome lined. This model barrel is nitrided.

You are right in that the normal AR-556 16" barrel model #8500 is not chrome lined nor is it nitrided.

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:
This model 18" barrel is not chrome lined. This model barrel is nitrided.

You are right in that the normal AR-556 16" barrel model #8500 is not chrome lined nor is it nitrided.

Yes.

I couldn't find a reference to barrel treatment on this model and wondered if it was untreated like some other Rugers.