Stainless v. chrome for this application

NOTPARS

The application is an AR for general "self-defense" and possibly feathers hit the fan situation, and I'll throw in "combat" for the heck of it. Besides the obvious, if one cleans and maintains a rifle, is stainless worth the extra cost and are there any downsides to stainless (I have read that it becomes substantially hotter under fire as opposed to chrome/chrome-molly but I don't know). Thanks for any insights anyone can supply.

bpost

Overall a stainless steel barrel will perform better over a moly barrel.

NOTPARS

bpost1958: Thanks, I needed that. I have a good friend who works with a gunsmith who builds custom AR's to suit the customer's desire. My friend has an FFL and charges me 10% over his cost so this could be a good deal. I don't plan to submit my order until April and wanted to choose the best parts. Again, thanks.

glabray

A few things to consider: (1) Stainless steel is not as good a heat conductor as regular carbon steel so it will dissipate heat at a lower rate. Thus a stainless barrel will operate at a higher temperature than a regular barrel. (2) Stainless is more difficult to accurately machine than ordinary steel and not everybody knows how to do it correctly. (3) There are many varieties of stainless steel. Generally those used for making firearms parts are not as corrosion resistant as those used to make food service equipment. A "stainless" barrel might just rust at a slower rate.