AIA No4 Mk4

[Brian Dick]

I reckon I'm not that good of a shot then because I've been using chrome and non chrome barrels for years with no noticeable difference. It's true that NM M14 rifles didn't have them but to be honest, I don't think chrome lined M14 barrels were even produced until late in the rifle's career. I know they came into play as a product improvement with the M16/M16A1 and it's variants because of problems encountered in Vietnam which were propellant related as well as caused by tropic humidity and poor maintenance.

I can't remember exactly but I think the M21's I had in my care in the early-mid 1980's were all SA manufacture. Being a "gun guy" I would have taken notice of a stray TRW or H&R. They were just converted NM M14's and none had chrome lined barrels. There may have been purpose built TRW M21 rifles with chrome bores but we never saw them.