Colt HBAR match barrel quality?

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

Hi folks-

I’m collecting parts for a longer range varmint/paper puncher upper build and I’ve come across a decent deal on a 20" Colt HBAR Match barrel. 1:9 twist 5.56 chamber.

How does this barrel compare to other heavy barrels on the market? I realize that it’s not a varmint style barrel but it’s a pretty heavy profile and I like the thought of it being threaded for a comp if I decide to use one.

All opinions and insight are appreciated.

Thanks,Sean

2

What weight bullets will you be shooting? 1:7 may be a better twist rate.

3

I’m not too worried about slinging the heavy stuff. It’ll be for poking coyotes/paper/steel at hopefully extended ranges:D. I’m not gonna be trying to make 1000 yard shots in high winds or anything. Just want an upper with more long range capability than the others I currently have and I figured I’d start with a good barrel.

So…if a Model 1 sales cheapy is a “1” and a stainless Noveske or a Krieger is a “10” where would a Colt HBAR Match barrel fall? :big_boss:

4

The barrel will shoot well the down side is the weight.
I have had Colt H bars in the past and they are accurate guns but heavy.
Pat

5

I have a Colt 20" HBAR that shoots as well or better than I can. I’ve gotten 5 shots into .386 at 200 yards before but I can’t repeat that on demand due to my poor eyesight/shooting skills. But I DO know the gun is capable of it. It is a post-ban with “match, target, competition” engraved on the lower receiver. I sent the barrel off and had it threaded so I could use my suppressor on it.
My best groups were shot with 69 grain SMKs and IMR4895. The flat-base Sierra 60-gr Varminter HPs ran a close second in the accuracy dept. I have not shot it more than 200 yds though.
I’ve never shot a Noveske or Kreiger, so I can’t compare, but the Colt barrel is good enough for my requirements.

6

I’m not too worried about the weight. This rifle might get packed around a bit but it’ll spend most of it’s life firing from a rest of some sort.

If this barrel will shoot those 69gr SMKs I’ll be fine with it.

7

I see a few factory Colt HBAR’s on the firing line in high power matches. Colt makes good barrels, and all the ones I’ve seen were shooting on call at 600 yards. They are not as accurate as your stainless Kreigers in a bench rest type test, but plenty accurate for what you want. I’d give the Colt a 8 on your scale.