chrome lined chambers did help with reliability. but like was said the powder was the main culprit and add to that the troops were just handed the gun with no cleaning supplies or at first even cleaning instructions. A chrome lined barrel only helps slightly with longevity. but it was the powder residue and over oiling that turned it into sludge that cause the real problems. a man i respected very much told me if your using more them 4 drops of oil to lube an ar your over oiling it