The transition metal nitrides such as chromium nitride (CrN) show interesting properties that make them suitable for many technological uses. In the present work, pure nanocrystalline CrN has been directly prepared by mechanical alloying, from chromium metal under a pressurized nitrogen atmosphere, in a short milling time and without post-heating treatment. The characterization of the final product by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron energy loss, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is presented.