I have an Aero upper and lower that I bought stripped. I’ve assembled the lower minus tube and the upper I’ve installed the forward assist and dust cover. I’ve ordered a KAK shockwave with their dimpled tube. I’m considering the Balistic Advantage Hanson barrel with gas block installed, thoughts on this barrel.
You may want to rethink the 7in barrel. If this gun is going to just be a meme go for it, if this is going to be used in any defensive capacity the shortest you will want to go is 10.5. The 7.5 doesn’t give you the velocity to make 5.56 effective. 300 black out on the other hand you will be okay.
I have a Colt M4 carbine (formarly 6920). Just wanted to do a “fun” build. I have considered 300 blk but ammo prices kind of push me towards 5.56. I will be using a blast forwarding device to help with all the negatives that come out of the front of the barrel.
I agree with nowski87. Even if it is a fun build, why not buld something that will be reliable and not terrible to shoot. If you are considering going shorter than 10.5 (11.5 is as low as i would personally go)
If you do go short do yourself a favor and look into Black River Tactical’s options. Clint knows gas systems and what is optimal for barrel lengths and they just started offering a 9 inch and 6.75 barrels with optimal gas length and gas port size. The muzzle threads are 5/8 -24 and they do offer a linear compensator in that size
Ballastic Advantage makes decent barrels, but what is listed above would make for a better build IMO
Blast isn’t what I was talking about, more reliability and effective ballistics. The 5.56 doesn’t do great with a pistol gas system and doesn’t get enough velocity out of a barrel that short the be effective.
If you want to keep using 5.56 because of cost that make senses and I get you I just made the same decision for my pistol build I’m working on. But a 10.5 or 11.5 which is even better, will get you a fun little blaster to punch paper with and will be less of a headache (if a good barrel is used) and can be used in a defensive role if needed.
FWIW, as others have said, 7.5 is way too short for 5.56, for reliability and efficacy reasons. Minimum is 10.5, and 11.5 or 12.5 is probably the shortest I would go.
Thanks! I know the 7.5 is not the optimal barrel length but if set up properly they will run, that’s what I’m trying to gain info on yet again I may go 10.5.
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I haven’t built a 5.56 at 7.5, but I have built 10.3, 11.5 and 12.5. So for ne, I haven’t gone shorter than 10.3. I don’t do clone builds, I bought that barrel because it was the length the Hanson profile came that was in the 10” space, if BA made a 10.5 in the Hanson. I would have bought a 10.5. That said I’ve had good success with my 10.3 and it’s one of my favorite SBR’s in terms of handling and how well it shoots.
So your 10.3 is a BA Hanson correct? Did you get it with their gas block installed or blank? When you say clone are you referring to the DD 10.3 as a Mk18 clone? Thanks.
I have a Ballistic Advantage 7.5 barrel on an Aero Precision receiver set. The 7.5 is plenty effective and the velocity won’t be an issue for what ever you’re shooting at. Wouldn’t be my first choice for hunting but it’s perfect for self defense. Short, easily maneuvered. FYI it’s loud and draws attention at the range. I have a Strike Industries Oppressor on mine and it helps a lot with the blast. https://www.strikeindustries.com/shop/oppressor.html
Unless you’re a sniper you’ll be very happy with the 7.5.
I ordered that barrel with pinned low profile gas block, should be here tomorrow. What length/type rail are you running and does the Oppressor tuck into it some? Also what muzzle device do yo have the Oppressor attached to? My goal is something like the Oppressor that just sticks out of the rail to give an almost integrally suppressed look.
I’m using the Aero Precision 7 inch Atlas hand guard. The rail ends where the barrel muzzle threads begin. That’s perfect for the Strike Industries Triple Crown muzzle. The Oppressor works with most of the SI muzzles. The Oppressor doesn’t fit inside the Atlas. It has a ID of 1.3 inches, the Oppressor has an OD of 1.55 inches. The Oppressor attaches to the Triple Crown close to the end of the rail. If you wanted it to go into the rail you would need a slightly longer and wider rail but not too long or you will block the muzzle ports. Fortis also has the Control Shield that does the same thing as the Oppressor. Here is the Fortis, my Oppressor is on vacation with a range buddy.
So I’ve got a standard buffer spring and carbine buffer, will that run or do I need to go with something else? I haven decided on a muzzle device yet but wondering about my buffer and spring selection.
