Olympic,Bushmaster,and DPMS

[panzercom2002]

I am in the market for a AR 15 style rifle,and these are rhe models i have been looking at.Kind of leaning towards the DPMS,most reasonably priced in my area(read...cheap).would like to know the pros and cons of these manufacturers.Just recently discovered that DPMS does not chrome their barrels.How big of a disadvatage is this?Does it prevent wear or make it easier to clean?any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Panzer

[DeLandSkyjumper]

Panzer, if I remember correctly, the Russians were the first to chrome line their battle rifle barrels. The reason that I am aware of is that when in the field, you probably wouldn't have the time to clean your rifle, so the chrome lining would reduce the wear and you could go longer without having to clean it. IMO, I would say it is no big deal if the barrel isn't chrome lined, just as long as you stay on top of cleaning it after shooting it, if not, go with the chrome.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

As far as your 3 choices that you listed, I personally would go with the Bushy. Excellent quality from what I have heard. Never heard a bad word about them.

HTH
Chris

[m4arc]

The DPMS and Olympic will not have a chrome-lined barrel. The only chrome-lined DPMS barrels are offered by CMMG (http://www.cmmginc.com).

Chrome-lining will reduce wear and be tougher against corrosion. It's also tougher against heat in the case of full auto fire. However, the reason I like chrome-lined barrels is I've found they are easier to clean. You see, I'm lazy and in the past my non chrome-lined barrels were a bear to clean. Chrome-lining makes cleaning a snap.

I'd go with the Bushmaster too. Chrome-lined barrel, excellent QC and customer service. It will also have a higher resale value if you ever need to sell it down the road.

[CHEF-LOU]

Me too. Bushy all the way

[Rob96]

My DPMS has been an excellent performer. The chrome linin is not a necessary item. I don't think it makes cleaning a snap, as the AR operating system is dirty to begin with. I don't think my isue rifle while an SP in the USAF was any easier to clean as my non-lined DPMS. DPMS is very high quality at a reasonable price. Just to show what a non-lined barrel is capable of, Denny Hansen of SWAT Magazine had an Olympic Arms AR that went 80,000 rounds. Not bad.

[Rob96]

Also, the Russians used chrome lining for the corrosive ammunition they were using.

[coverdog]

As a rule non-chrome barrels are more accurate. Is it necessary? Well do your other rifles have it? I would say it's your choice seeing as it's not a field combat rifle.
In fact will will find that many of the competition and varmint rifles from AR15 builders ,including Bushmaster do not have chrome lined barrels.