I never used to put too much stock into the notion that a heavier barrel really made a HUGE difference in heat dissipation. It’s logical that the heavy barrel would help… But the January 2010 publication of those M4 barrel trials were DRAMATIC! (5 extra ounces of barrel for Quadruple the volume of full auto fire) I know the rate of fire on the test was not realistic, as even the author pointed out. But the results were no less amazing.
According to the article the issue arose from problems in Ghanny during extended fire fights. With the Army’s desire to transition to M4A1 barrels, do you figure the heavier profiles will make a comeback?
I think that there is a benefit to a heavy barrel when the rifle is used for full auto or precision shots at long distance, I don’t believe that too many people here would truly benefit from them though
hbar doesnt help with heat dissipation, it helps with heat capacity and barrel strength. It takes longer to heat up yes, but it takes longer to cool down
Weight and balance are relative. I have a 16" Colt HBAR with a long rail, and a UBR stock on it and it one of my fastest rifles across multiple targets according to the timer.
Compromises between weight, balance, and heat are all relative to the shooter and the task.
I spent 4.5 years as an infantryman in the Marine Corps and I fired my M16 on burst 2 times. The SAW is what is used to lay down suppressive fire, not the M4. They are trying use hardware to fix a software problem.
To answer your question, I think it is going to go the opposite route commercially. It seems everyone is clamoring for lightweight barrels now. Look at the anticipation of BCM’s lightweight middy.
True… All good points… but the AR market is largely driven by users demands despite the fact that they will NEVER need the full ability of their weapons… that and many dumb asses lock the AR up at night and use a bird gun for home defense.
I understand where lighter makes more sense for most shooters. But do you think the Army’s philosophy change will turn the trend? I’ll have to laugh if it does. Maybe these days what the Mil uses isn’t the driver… and it’s all about the COSTA factor!
Given the market’s movement, I don’t see how anyone can argue that the HBAR is “back”. That implies a heavy/thick barrel a hot item, either in public discussion or consumer purchases. I don’t believe either of these is the case, especially given the market trend toward lighter weight, thinner profile barrels.
That being said, I’d like to see one of Noveske’s N4 carbine barrels in that same fire-to-destruction test. The barrel contour he uses makes a lot more sense and I’m curious if the chrome-lining would help.
No sir. I don’t think the military’s choice of a slightly heavier barrel will impact civilian markets much, if at all. I realize that a significant portion of the firearms market likes to follow the military when innovations are made, but there’s nothing innovative about a 5 oz heavier barrel. Consumers are pretty familiar with AR barrels by now.
If the military really cared about running its carbines like machine guns, they’d investigate improving the bolt design and look into ABS carbon fiber finishes and related technologies to help dissipate barrel heat.
I like HBAR because of the recoil absorbtion. I’ll probably never have to carry mine around for long periods. At 16" with barely any equipment and a FF rail, it’s no problem.
I don’t see much practical need for M4A1 profile barrels on the commercial side even with those who like to mag dump lots of ammo in their registered receivers. But there may very well be a portion who think they have a practical need for it…
The MC move from the SAW toward the IAR may produce some more commercial demand for HBAR uppers, especially with the RR crowd. But I tend to agree with Jay in that the trend lately seems to be a demand for LW profile barrels on the commercial side.
It is a bit ironic that this thread shares the page with the “year of the pencil barrel” thread.
You may have a point, the sheep may be another matter entirely…
What do you mean by this? I guess I’m a dumb ass when I count on the mossberg cruiser for HD. That in itself leads into a completely different topic. Also, I think it’s odd that there is a “pencil barrel” thread and a “is HBAR back” thread. Pencil it is for me.
I think that the average consumer who couldn’t tell a DPMS from a Noveske would be clamoring for those heavier barrels if that test ever gets to be common knowledge.
I doubt it would really affect the choice of an educated civilian consumer who knows his needs and buys accordingly like say, those who frequent this forum.
I like out-shooting all the guys with their M4s topped off with all the optics, red dots, HUDs and lasers using my 20" HBAR and iron sights at the local gravel pit. It’s even more fun with my M14
You may have a point, the sheep may be another matter entirely…