Meloniting a Benchmark 416R barrel

[hemiford]

Benchmark makes 416R stainless and 4140R chrome moly barrels. They stress relieve and heat treat, both metals.
My question is, has anyone melonited a Benchmark ?

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OK, I talked to Benchmark and they said nitriding their barrels will void the warranty. So this brings up a new question about nitriding versus heat treatment. I know that the president of ARC says emphatically DO NOT nitride his actions because it negatively affects the heat treat.

So on my first question, has anyone nitrided ANY manufacturer's heat treated barrel ?

Benchmark does offer cryo treatment, so that would seem to be an added benefit, in barrel life that is.

 

[hemiford]

Is it possible to damage or affect the accuracy of a barrel by black nitriding it?

I am in the process of planning a new rifle build and would like to end up with something other than a shiny SS finish. I don't care for the Ceracoat....just want to end up with a nice black matte/satin finish if possible and the Black Nitriding process appears to be that for which I am...

www.longrangehunting.com

I found this older thread on here. In it, one fellows tells where Bartlein says nitriding will not damage their barrels but it will null their warranty. I don't know what alloy Bartlein uses.

 

[yorke-1]

I actually have a benchmark barrel that was nitrided by the the guys at benchmark. It's interesting that they don't condone nitriding their barrels anymore.

 

[Rich Coyle]

My gun Smith used to have his barrels nitrated. He discovered about 50% destroyed the accuracy.