Planing to put a barrel on my new build and decided to use the m-4 profile(m-203 cut out) style. I have been to several web sites( Rock River)that say this type of barrel is a light weight and others say it is a medium weight(DPMS). Can anyone tell me what, if any difference there is and is this the type of barrel currently being used by the Military. All my past barrels have been the H-bar style so I am looking to shed some weight.
M4 barrels typically come roughly 3 variants.
M4 profile (light under the handguards)
M4 SOCOM (heavier under the handguards than regular M4 most consider this a med contour)
M4 HBAR (heavier under the handguard than both above)
If you plan on ever using a suppressor the SOCOM weight would probably serve you best. If not then the standard M4 profile would be a little better IMO since it’s about 4oz lighter.
Thanks gotM4, I may go with the medium under the hand guards since I like to let her rip and do tactical mag changes under the clock.
How much heavier is the HBAR over the SOCOM barrel then?
I’m guesstimating 5-7ozs heavier depending on brand. HBAR contours vary a little from manufacturer to manufacturer.