I traded in the Mini 30 (which broke my heart) and Bought the bushmaster, and from what I know (which isn't a whole h$ll of alot)I thought that since this gun had the chrome lined chamber/barrel it will last alittle longer. I truely do use a rifle on a regular basis, at least couple times a month and 500 rds. I bought the wife a Carbon 15 a few weeks ago and I just thought it was better to have guns that share the same ammo, less confusion is always better when you are a military target. I am by no means completely satisfied because if I could have afforded an M1A That would have been my choice. GBA. John