A few years ago I bought a RRA midlength barreled upper and when I ordered it I didn’t notice it would be a heavy barrel version. It performs just fine, is accurate and reliable. The HB does throw the balance point forward, which is a bit of a PITA when doing my reload drills. Has anyone here ever taken their barrel and turned it down some to lighten it? I have the tooling and skills to do this, but I won’t if there are any potential harmonic and strength draw backs.
Needless to say, opinions and experiences very welcome.
I had my RRA turned down by ADCO and it seems to shoot the same as before except that is lighter now. I am going to send three other barrels to get a little weight shaved off.
Steve at www.adcofirearms.com has turned down several barrels for me over the years.
In 2005 he turned down these 3 RRA mid-length barrels for me (only have pics of two):
Recently I sent the only RRA mid-length barrel back to Steve to have it re-countoured again (took it down to a light weight profile)
As far as harmonics. I didn’t notice a difference in accuracy. The 4140 1/9" twist barrel that I was refering to in this article was one of the RRA barrels that Steve reontoured:
You can’t see it in the pics but Drew at WAR Rifles turned my BCM SS410 barrel down to .650" under the rail. He also pinned the gas block and blended my Benny Hill ‘Rolling Thunder’ muzzle brake. Then bead blasted it for the matte finish.
I checked out the ADCO page and their prices are pretty reasonable. I will probably do the turning myself since I’ve got all the know how and tooling myself. My main concern was if their would be adverse side effects, which it seems there isn’t.
QUOTE=docmcb;536970]Rock River’s standard barrel profile is pretty heavy.
As stated, ADCO has the solution for you.[/QUOTE]
Agree with all positive comments on ADCO.
I am interested in turning down the profile of a Noveske 12.5 inch stainless barrel to keep weight down, specially with a KAC NT4 attached at the end. I allready have that barrel in a complete Noveske upper with switchblock, and it is hefty for it’s length. I guess I am looking more towards a government profile under the handguards in my second SBR build.
Will this affect a stainless barrel in regards to accuracy or durability? No full auto, just rapid SA in training scenarios.
Turning is usually fine. Occasionally you will see a barrel that has been stressed, relieve a little, but usually not a problem. Keep it cool, flood coolant is best, and cut away! There is always the option of fluting, or a combination of turning and fluting if you are looking to get a little more involved. I have pulled more than a pound off barrels before, by doing both.
I had ADCO turn down my Denny’s / GTS 16" Middy Operator Barrel. Zero perceivable degradation in accuracy (no jokes about my shooting!) and it handles so much better. Turn around time was quick.
I can’t speak to DIY. I would let a pro like Steve handle it.
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