Most platers don't do barrels because of the difficulty in getting an even coating on a long, small diameter hole.
I choose stainless barrels because that is what the best barrel makers are using and stainless does offer improved corrosion resistance vs carbon steel barrels.
The 400 series stainless, specifically 416R, currently in vogue for most stainless barrels is being used mostly because it's name is "stainless" and it is easy to machine. 416R does not have a particularly high chrome content and is loaded up with sulphur to make it easier to machine. People want "stainless" and if the material gets too difficult to machine (read expensive), the average consumer won't be spending money on them.
The 416R barrels are in some ways weaker than carbon steel barrels. When the sulphur is added ( for ease of machining, remember) it actually causes longitudinal veins or lines in the steel which are weak. These veins are what makes the material economical to machine. In a catastrophic overpressure situation the barrel may split along the lines instead of fragmenting like a carbon barrel might.
There are far tougher and more corrosion resistant alloys available. Unfortunately they are much more difficult to machine (read MUCH more expensive).
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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Steve Morrison on 2001-06-28 11:25 ]</font>