Can’t we all just get along? (especially in my thread?)
I like the LW barrel because this rifle is made for “SHTF” where I envision having it with me, or in the vehicle, or camp, or at home protecting from looters, etc. If I was going to build it for high volume fire I would have gone a different route.
For the scenario you envision it makes sense…but one guy’s SHTF scenario is likely not the next guy’s scenario.
True. I don’t see myself running through town engaging zombies or mobs of people. More like hiding behind cover with the family. If I had to lay down enough fire to get the barrel hot- I got bigger problems than a burned hand!
For sure. The rifle I will grab is my 10.5 -it’s the best of both worlds. It’s short and light yet still has a strong standard profile Noveske barrel.
I’ve got a DD, 2 BCM’s and a Centurion build all with lightweight barrels. With a few of these they’ve been to multiple EAG, Trident Concepts, and various law enforcement tactical schools as well as being carried for many years for both patrol and SWAT. I very seldom wear gloves and some of these classes exceed 2,000 rounds and 2-3 days. I can count the times on one hand that the hand guard got too hot, even with Troy tubes on 2 of them.
To state that they are not up to task is in error on almost every point. We are all entitled to our opinion and to state it, as this is the net. But to state your opinion based on flawed evidence as fact is disingenuous. There’s nothing wrong with preferring something else but that doesn’t make it factual.
OP, I like you build and have one somewhat similar.
If anacdotal evidence is flawed for this purpose, then your evidence is flawed as well.
That said, I disagree with you. Pencil barrels are inferior to normal weight barrels when it comes to dumping rounds down range in rapid succession. It is not a coincidence that light and heavy machine guns have heavy barrels. More mass equals more ability to soak up and spread heat along with a greater surface area to dissipate the heat. It also follows that more mass offers more rigidity and a decreased likelihood of damage/bending under any condition - which can easily happen on the two way range.
OP – Great setup and use of existing kit. I have a gun set up with extras I had laying around as well. Mine just did not turn out as nice as yours.
You know, I just do not remember hearing about M16 barrels or hand guards melting during Viet Nam or afterward. The original AR-15 designed by Mr. Stoner at the original Armalight had a barrel thinner in profile than that of the original M16. The standard profile for this weapon platform is the M16A1 “pencil” barrel. Under the hand guards on an M16A2, it’s still the standard M16A1 profile. Same for the M4 and the “Gov.” profile barrels. I do not remember anyone screaming that the hand guards were crazy hot with the M16A1 or A2? The only platform that has any heat dissipation upgrade was the M4 with the double heat shields. For anything you’re going to be carrying while running for your life, weight is a factor.
As far as barrels bending during use, I have seen M16A1 barrels bend after a hard landing on top of them at just the right angles during jump training and shotguns for other various reasons. Everything will break at some point for some reason. In 1991 I examined a S&W 686 that failed during a Law Enforcement shooting. The officer got one round off and then the gun bound up and would not function. No free rides, every advantage has a disadvantage. You have to work out what works for you, and yes your experience is yours and not the gospel. But when your opinion is in the minority you just might be wrong.
Thanks Chief! (I’m a SH-60B bubba myself)…
Nice build!
I have a lightweight barrel sitting around for a similar project…at some point in time. But it would be for the same purpose. I like the idea of having at least one lightweight carbine around.
And if I recall correctly, Vickers’ signature DD rifle came with a pencil barrel.
If your pumping them downrange in SA then, not really. I have a LW Centurion barrel with Troy TRX and have pumped plenty rounds in volume down range in quick succession. No issues. Have never met anyone else with a LW barrel in any class who had issues, including dumping large amounts downrange quickly using SA.
If you have a FA then you may have a point.
It is not a coincidence that light and heavy machine guns have heavy barrels. More mass equals more ability to soak up and spread heat along with a greater surface area to dissipate the heat.
See above.
It also follows that more mass offers more rigidity and a decreased likelihood of damage/bending under any condition - which can easily happen on the two way range.
Most LW barrels are plenty rigid enough for normal events. Any event that would bend my LW would probably bend your standard weight or at least damage the gun / upper receiver interface.
The fact is, based on many many peoples’ experience, using SA fire, there really is not a lot of disadvantage to the LW barrel. But plenty of advantages like lesser weight.
Not nearly as nice, or high end as some of the sticks on this site, but this is probably the one within the shortest reach at all times. This was my first AR and I have had it for years. It hasn’t let me down yet. It goes with me just about every where.
It’s a little outdated, with the exception of the Troy battle rail I just added.
I’m not seeing the pic…
Eh…a guy can put a massive amount of rounds down range in short order on semi auto. FAA is not required to put the heat on a barrel.
Most LW barrels are plenty rigid enough for normal events.
Agreed. But getting shot at isn’t a normal event.
But not the same rate as a FA and the LW barrel can handle it. I have put a massive amount down range when playing around and my LW handled it.
Agreed. But getting shot at isn’t a normal event.
Nothing that a LW barrel can’t handle that anyone on this forum, unless they are SOF, will ever have a chance of running up against with a SA gun.
Well then we will have to agree to disagree on both points.
You should definetly look into getting an aimpoint for that.
You should definitely get a heavier barrel…
Naw just kidding, great looking rifle! I just finished a build with the PSA/FN 16" middy LW barrel and I love it! For the record no heat problems
Anything that will bend the LW profile in a situation like that is also going to damage a standard profile barrel, or the receiver. LW profile barrels are still tough as nails. I’ve seen them take huge beatings without being canted and I’ve put mine through some harsh shit and never missed a beat. It’s very obvious you’re not speaking from experience - you’re just stating what you believe or have been told, and it’s not true. You have been misinformed. Please, stop speculating. You can talk to any experienced instructor, etc and they will tell you the same thing.
I’ve put many of hundreds of rounds through my LW barrel in rapid fire and have never had an accuracy issue at all, either. You’re making it sound like a LW barrel is delicate, and it’s not. I’d like to know what you think will bend the barrel in a self defense situation or on the “two way range” because bumps, jumps, and dives definitely do not compromise the barrel any more than it would a standard profile.
I’ve never posted on that site and do not read it either. Nice try, though. Sorry if you feel it’s a little harsh but it’s not about opinions – it’s about facts.
If we’re talking about burning through mag after mag, how many mags are ya’ll planning on carrying? This is ridiculous.
I agree and it appears that 99% of the members of this forum do as well. There are many who prefer the standard weight barrels for various reasons and that is why they make both. I own both as well. The issue is throwing out some web based opinion as fact that quite frankly is’nt fact, or even the real advantages in a standard weight barrel. I own an SBR lower and am issued a F/A as well. If a true SHTF situation arises, whatever that is they would both sit wherever they are as I have others that do the same job and weight less. Weight is critical to me. Not so much for carrying as for balance and maneuverability.