I am trying to decide between the DD or the Sionics 11.5" barrel for a new upper build. I just learned that DD has recently changed the gas port size of their 11.5" and made it smaller. I think that was one of the biggest complaints about the DD 11.5" barrel. I have also heard great things about the Sionics barrel.
I found a deal for the DD barrel at $220 and the Sionics is $200. So nothing major price difference wise.
The DD barrel is listed as 3-4 ounces lighter.
The DD barrel is CHF.
Both are chrome lined.
Get one of the Reduced Gas Port barrels from Sionics. Not the extreme reduced, just the RGP barrel, its gassed perfectly for BOTH suppressed or NOT suppressed. No gambling on gas port sizes. I own both and like both. Does DD make a 11.5 or isn’t it a 10.3 barrel?
Many folks believed the 11.5 length is optimal for reliability. Thats a whole NUTHER story.
DD’s older 11.5" barrels were 0.076 but they changed that this year and they are now 0.069. Which is much better and should help with the issues some guys were complaining about before.
Not on your list but I’d look long and hard at Ballistic Advantage barrels. Stainless steel/melonite, cheaper, and come with accuracy guarantee/warranty. When measuring for my 10.3” they produced a gas port that was right at .070” confirmed with pin gauges. No way affiliated with them, I’ve just NEVER been disappointed with their barrels and think they are a steal.
I have a DD 11.5 with the 0.076. It’s very accurate and feels no different than my Colt Commando I used to use. Also may depend on ammo you are using. Sionics are 1/8 twist vs 1/7 for DD.
I’m torn between Sionics and DD myself for my next build. I do think it’s probably a toss up though.
I’m in the same boat. Just bought a 16” sionics barrel for my wife. It looks great! Hoping to finish build this weekend and test it. Trying to decide which 11.5 sionics. Both there egrp and rgp say there meant for suppressed so I’m torn. Do I go rgp hope to suppress someday or just normal gp and ensure reliability. After reading papabear I’m leaning toward rgp.
I called and spoke with someone named Steve yesterday at Sionics about their 11.5 RGP barrel. I am also planning on placing an order for one soon and wanted to confirm the current posted expected shipping times of 9-14 weeks. I was informed it hopefully will not take that long but yes there currently is a wait for the RGP barrels.
Thought I would mention it in case you were in a rush.
Thanks for that. I decided to go the DD route just due to the price + availability. I will definitely give a Sionics barrel a shot sometime on a next build.
I agree. I decided to go the DD just because of the price delta only being $20 and getting the CHF CL barrel + the weight savings.
My Sionics 11.5” RGP runs everything I’ve tried 100% unsuppressed, including PMC Bronze. The general consensus seems to be that it’s gassed perfectly for unsuppressed use. I still need to test mine in extreme cold with weaker ammo.