Thread: Stainless vs Chrome moly

CRUCIBLE 416R is a hardenable chromium stainless steel particularly suited for use in high quality precision rifle barrels. This grade has good machinability and, because of closely controlled chemistry and processing techniques, may be machined and lapped to a high finish, which is important for bore accuracy. CRUCIBLE 416R may be purchased either annealed or heat treated to a hardness of about 270 Brinell.
Typical Chemistry
Carbon 0.12%
Chromium 12.50%
Manganese 0.40%
Phosphorus 0.03%
Sulfur 0.13%
Silicon 0.40%
Molybdenum 0.40%

"Real" Satainless Steel eg grade 316, suitable for marine, has a much higher Chromium content, Nickel, Molybdenum upped to ~3 % to improve corrosion resistance.

416R has some corrosion resistance but as many will have found still needs looking after. Many years ago Kimber SS barrels used to corrode badly. I don't know if that's still the case.

And of course a SS barrel has the bling factor....