AR Barrel Selection Help!

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

Ok, so I’ve finally felt the irresistible call of stoner and his black rifle. I’ve decided to “build” (assemble) my own. I have decided or already purchased just about every part except the actual barrel.

There are just so many good options, it’s mind boggling. Between blank manufacturers and barrel finishers there are likely hundreds of different shops large and small all selling barrels. To name just a few: Advanced Ballistics, AR Performance, FN, Wilson Combat, Daniel Defense, BCM, Black Hole Weaponry, Lilja, Hart, Douglas, Compass Lake, Nordic, Green Mountain, Noveske, Larue, Criterion, Rhino Arms, Krieger, Bartlein, and Lothar Walther.

I have spent days researching, reading endless threads, contacting manufacturers, and I have read all the barrel threads on here, including barrels 101, and the comparisons. But I am still unable to reach a decision.

This is what I am looking for in a barrel:

14.5in mid gas (will be using an adjustable gas block), will have a suppressor mount permanently attached for NFA compliance (Likely a Specwar K FH mount).

1:7 or 1:8 twist (or anything inbetween). For anything serious I will be using TMKs, 75gr TAP, mk. 262 clones, 70gr TSX etc.

"Polygonal" (or similar) Rifling of some variety.

4140 or 4150 nitride (or similar), or 410, 416R or LW-50 SS.

~1 MOA or better accuracy & precision with decent ammo, using the 5, 5 shot groups @ 100 yards method (one ten shot also acceptable). I am capable of utilizing a 1 moa gun on a good day, and this build will be shot at 400+ yards,             likely once a month, so it does matter.

Must be able to take the occasional mag dump without (in the short or long term) losing too much accuracy or having too drastic a POI shift in class or on a "fun" range day.

Must be relatively light (the rest of the build is quite light), preferably slim or medium profile (or light or pencil but I'm not sure if they can take the heat well, it depends on the manufacturer and profile I've been told).

Now all of that would be relatively easy to find or get custom made, except I’m looking to spend NO MORE than $300, and less than $250 if I can get away with it. In fact, the lower the better as long as it meets the above criteria.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations :D!

2

BCm ELW

3

I’ve read good things about the BCM ELW, but heard the POI and groups really open up after a mag. If anyone can comment on it’s accuracy and how it responds to heat (while suppressed, so +15oz on the end) I’d be very grateful.

4

Forget 14.5 pinned. Get a good 16". Plenty of barrels to choose from. Don’t over think it.

5

1:Noveske but it’s more than $300
2: FN CHF $175-$250

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6

For your first build pick up a low round count used barrel from a quality manufacturer like Noveske, Rainier, BCM or DD. IG is right that you don’t need a pinned muzzle device/14.5" barrel, that’s just more money to spend with no benefit on your end.

7

A Noveski Afgan will do everything you want to do except cost $300.

8

Thanks for the replies so far. I may just save a few more months if I really cannot get all those boxes ticked for under $300.

As for the length, I would actually consider going shorter than 14.5 before going longer, and either permanently attach a suppressor or just bite the bullet and double-stamp. It will be used in tight spaces now and again (and I’d like the option too) and even with the shorter suppressors like the specwar k I’ll still be at ~21in for barrel oal. I have a few 22in barrels on some rifles and they aren’t the easiest thing to move indoors, I’d imagine a 23in barrel (16+6.7) would be even worse. It’s more balanced and faster into action with a 14.5 to boot. Also 14.5 still gives enough velocity with 5r that TMKs will be at their minimum impact velocity (~1900 fps) at almost 400 yards at my elevation. So In addition to cost, I didn’t want to go shorter because it reduces my effective range. That’s how I settled on 14.5 as an ok compromise between oal with a suppressor and effective range. I may go 16 if I really have too, but 14.5 seems like a better option.

As far as used barrels I’ve been looking at the sale forum here and otof, hopefully I’ll find one :).

9

This meets every criteria. http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-selecttm-5-56mm-barrel-14-6

10

Wow, thanks Travis that Rainier barrel looks great. It seems to have very good reviews as well. I’ve heard BHW makes their select line, is that true?

11

This.

Accuracy Evaluation of a Noveske 14.5" Afghan Upper

…

12

Hey,

The pin and weld is probably not a good idea with a suppressor mount/fh for your purposes. The mount can/will degrade over time and there is the chance of accuracy loss when shooting suppressed. The connection to your suppressor is a part of the chain so you want to be able to swap that out when degradation happens down the road.

Mr. Kyle Defoor just did a write up on this not too long ago.

“If you shoot suppressed a lot the flash hider connection for the can is a decently integral part of accuracy. Depending on the number of rounds you shoot- this is a disposable item over time.Inspect often and replace once you see any deformities. Here is an example of one that is no longer serviceable. Just by replacing it and keeping all other variables the same the group tightened up by a half MOA at 100.”

Now obviously Mr. Defoor sees a very high round count vs most shooters but considering your investment I’d follow IGs advice or go NFA, wait a bit, save and get the Afghan barrel as is.

13

Very interesting, I had no idea that the muzzle device would degrade accuracy with a suppressor like that. Would it not be possible to have a gunsmith UN-pin the old and re-pin a new FH or muzzle break if it becomes a problem? Thanks very much for the warning!

Also how many rounds of moderate to light use might it take to ruin a muzzle device? Do some last better than others? Would cleaning them frequently help?

14

I’m not sure. I have two Specwar mounts and one is mounted on a 10.3" mk18. After 1500 rounds or so (some full auto) you can see this degredation/wear starting along with some crusty carbon etc. that builds up. You have to take into account that the 10.3 is harsh on parts vs some longer lengths but I can see what Kyle is talking about. You would have to factor in your barrel length, usage, cleaning etc. into the equation so it’s a “personal” thing.

When it comes to repinning and things by the time you pay for the components, shipping, and gunsmithing work, there is your tax stamp. If your heart is set on a 14.5 just get the stamp and do it right.

I just wanted to add that data point as something else to think about. Again since a high level of accuracy is a concern for you it’d be pretty lame to spend $450 on a barrel and then have a permanently attached $70 “disposable” part **** up it’s potential a further down the road.

15

Thanks Split, you bring up some very good points. I may just stamp it then. To further complicate things on the barrel+suppressor front, I see some manufacturers (arp, Wilson) recommend 5/8-28 threads vs standard for accuracy and suppressor use. Anyone know if that’s also a concern?

Also this barrel is one of the others I could find that meet my criteria: http://micromoa.com/14-5-midlength-fluted-5-56-nato-1-7-barrel/

Anyone heard of micromoa?

16

The barrels are made by Triarc systems as far as I know. I have a few industry/.mil friends who have some of their stuff, and have told me they are making some impressive equipment, as well as being good guys to deal with. I have one of their 12.5 mid barrels on my list. A former member here, Rob S. was talking about building a “do all” 12.5 gun. I like the concept and may try it out when funds allow.

Here is their link. I have no affiliation, but have heard good things from reliable people.

http://triarcsystems.com/

17

Interesting, so it seems my options for poly-style rifling under $300 are: BHW 416R-SS Claude 3 barrel, BHW 416R-SS 5R Barrel via Rainier Select, or the Triarc Systems/Micro MOA 4150 Melonited Hybrid Rifling. All of these are in the $250-$300 range. The only other barrel that is poly rifling for under that is the AR Performance 16 inch barrels: http://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/11562/20639

I’ve heard mostly good things about ARP, anyone know if that barrel might be in the running with the rest of these? It is certainly the cheapest by almost $100.

18

One other to at least look at is the Lothar/Walther/Spikes Tactical 16" barrel. I know ST isn’t a favorite round’ here for various reasons, but I’ve heard good things about that particular barrel as well. $375 is a bit above your stated price range but like I said at least worth looking at.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Spikes_Tactical_16_Lothar_Walther_Stainless_Steel_p/sb51603-fml.htm

19

Black hole weaponry offers the most variety and they have a barrel that meets your requirements. Very good quality to.

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20

I agree BHW is impressive. If I can save $100 going ARP and get close to the same performance while still satisfying my requirements it’s a win-win.