I was originally planning on going for a HD SBR build but I’m finding that my SBS 870 will fill that role nicely and is ready to go as soon as I get the stamp back. On the other hand the SBR is going to take more time and cost a lot more before it’s even remotely ready. Therefore I decide to lead the shotgun fulfill the HD role and just have with my initial SBR builds. In short I’m interested in a short barrel with one of those Noveske flame thrower/light saber comps on them. However I don’t want to spend a crazy amount of money on the barrel (besides it being safe). It seems AO and RF have some really well priced short barrels. So I’m just wondering how they’re regarded. I am aware that generally you shouldn’t don’t deal directly with RF due to CS issues.
Instead of the forum dog piling on you with BCM, Noveske, Colt, etc. Let’s change the tone of the conversation a bit.
Why are you looking at these two manufacturers? What do they offer that you like? What are the criteria for your SBR?
That’s they’re cheap it and won’t kill me. It’s for fun stuff vs fighting gun. The registered lower is a BCM complete lower I bought from Rainier Arms about a year ago. I just figure I can use my SBS for HD instead of waiting months and months till I can get a mk18 or bcm upper and build two or three uppers for the price of just one of those. I still like the idea of an HD AR, but I figured I’d like to have some fun too with an AR upper build (or builds).
If your only criteria is that they need to be cheap, why not just get the lowest priced barrel? I say that because not many can give you valid feedback on those barrels here because most buy BCM, DD, Noveske, etc. And since price seems to be what concerns you most, get what is the lowest that won’t kill you.
Well I’d like it to shoot reasonably well and not keyhole (or be problematic), but it doesn’t need to be match level. I mean the noveskes seem really nice, but I seem to recall a post saying they’re no more better then a colt barrel in tests someone did.
I guess a problem I have is I haven’t been able to find any literature to explain what the differences is in barrels are and what adds and detracts from them.
What length barrel do you want?
Why don’t you look at Aero Precision’s barrels. I’ve never even heard of AO Precision, and I don’t know what they go for, but you can get an Aero for less that $150 and they seem to be of good quality.
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aspx/store/productdetail.aspx?pid=87
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Derp. Yep I confused the Aero and AO. I meant to say Aero. I can never remember why I mix the two up.
Well, in that case, I don’t see why the aero wouldn’t serve you well. From what I read, they seem to be ok, but I have no personal experience.
It’s not a bcm or noveske, but I’m sure it’s of reasonable quality.
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Yeah, I figured as much. I knew of their lowers and uppers being gtg, but nothing about their barrels.
Is there any link you can recommend on understanding barrel quality or hell something that explains what makes a noveske barrel so good vs say Aero?
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=756
This should cover it. I can’t honestly tell you the difference, just know that bcm and noveske and similar go beyond the standard when if comes to qualify control. Does aero do that? I honestly couldn’t tell you. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in.
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I have an Aero Precision 10.5" 5.56 barrel and it’s been good so far. The gas port is a tad big but it will work fine in most applications. They publish the gas port size and mine seemed to be what they said it was (sorry I forget the size). I bought it on sale and it was pretty cheap…I think it was a good buy.
ETA: The only thing I’m not sure about with the Aero barrels is the whole QPQ treatment vs proven chrome lining. That’s not a ding on AP, it’s just that it seems like there is some debate still regarding the pros and cons of the QPQ treatment. I haven’t had and don’t expect any issues due to that though.
AO (accurate ordnance) is highly regarded in the bolt gun precision shooting world. That’s match level. They make great custom builds as well.
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How much are you looking to spend? BCM 11.5" bbl for $240 sounds decently cheap and you know what you’re getting. You can have fun with it as well.
The first time I ever went cheap on a barrel it keyholed on me the first time out. Never again. Buy once, cry once and get a quality barrel from a manufacturer who’s willing to stand behind their product. Do it right the first time every time. That said, Noveske, BCM, DD… I’m running a Noveske 11.5" equipped SBR with a VLTOR A5 RE system. Runs great, accurate, and not over or under gassed.
I have a 16" mid Aero Precision barrel and it works great. I do not have a great deal of rounds through it yet but so far nothing to complain about.
Generally with a "cheap"barrel you get cheap results. Oversized gas ports, no dimpling of the barrel, unknown testing (HP/MPI/Xray). An SBR is the absolute last thing you want to bargain build.
If I absolutely wanted a short barrel for home defense (i don’t) I’d make it a pistol rather than an sbr. For the simple fact that if used, the legal process might make retrieving your weapon difficult if not impossible. I would much rather lose an easily replaceable pistol to a evidence room, than an nfa item.
Just a little update because I know some people want accuracy feedback. I finally took some time to shoot some groups at 100 yds with my Aero 10.5" barrel. This was with my mini-4 mounted and with an Eotech (so not ideal). It seems to be shooting around 2.5" at 100 yds with my bulk reloads. Not bad, not exceptional. For comparison, I was shooting a bit better at about 1.5" groups with my LMT MRP using the same ammo, even had one that was right at 1". I’m not dissappointed, but you do have to realize that you won’t get a match barrel for the price of the Aero barrel.