Need barrel help, mega billet build.

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

So I’ve been saving up my bucks trying to finish out my Build. Yea I’m a newb to AR

What I’m looking for is a nice lightweight 14.5 barrel
as far as stainless vs chrome etc I’m not sure.

My goal is a nicely balanced,light and smooth shooting rifle.

So far,

Mega arms billet lower
Mega arms billet upper
Mega arms adjustable trigger
dPMS parts kit
ACE ARUL stock
Rifle length buffer/spring

What company and which barrel would you suggest? Carbine or midlength?

Thanks.

2

Why 14.5? With you being new to the AR platform why would you want to limit yourself to a pinned muzzle device? Also if you go with a midlength they havent been as forgiving with the 14.5 barrel vs 16.

That being said Daniel Defense and BCM both make great carbine and midlength barrels.

3

I’ve used 2 of these barrels and they are great. The price is good also.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/461614/daniel-defense-barrel-ar-15-556x45mm-nato-m4-contour-carbine-gas-port-1-in-7-twist-16-cut-rifled-chrome-lined-chrome-moly-matte-with-low-profile-gas-block

I really do not see the benefit of going to a 14.5 barrel. If you want something shorter do it right…Fill out the form and wait.

Good luck!

4

I’d like to keep the length to a minimum, I don’t see much need to change muzzle devices very often. I have access to another AR to make my final discussion on.

I’m not 100% set on the 14.5 vs 16, though I guess I need more proof then the pinned muzzle device.

If all it would be is spending the time tuning I’m not afraid of that either. I don’t mind spending the time to get perfection out of it.

Are the noveske/rainier barrels worth the extra cash?

5

Im a muzzle device junkie so i guess it is more of a priority to me than some. :smiley:

Noveske and Rainier are also very good, Are you looking for a CL or SS barrel?

6

I’m not sure on the direct advantages vs cost between CL or stainless.

I plan to shoot a lot through this, mainly plinking but planning to take some rifle classes.

7

I wouldn’t do the DPMS LPK either. You can get a DD LPK for maybe 30 bucks more.

8

My thoughts are unless you are looking strictly for accuracy, go chrome lined.

Honestly any of the options listed would be a good decison.

Noveske CL iirc are FN barrels. I am not sure about the Rainier but i’ve always been happy with Rainier’s products.

9

The LPK is already in, everything seemed fine though I agree the fit and finish was a little off. It may get changed later.

What do you guys think of the lightweight/pencil barrels?

I don’t need 400 yard accuracy, hell my usual shooting hole is about 75 yards max. There won’t be a magnified optic on it.

10

I didn’t realize that until I already had hit send. Sorry 'bout that. Keep it in mind for your next build though.

11

My SR15 has a lightweight barrel, its accurate enough for me so far. However if you take a class that barrel will get hella hot very fast. Just something to take into consideration.

12

A few that I have been thinking about.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2832

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2656

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XSTSB51405LW&name=Spike’s+Tactical+14.5"+5.56+Mid-length+LW+Barrel&groupid=573

13

I had read that they can get warm quick, is it something that can be dealt with or after a few mags it is un-touchable?

14

PLEASE READ THE STICKY ABOUT THIS FORUM. Posting partial pics of stuff is not what this is about. I have moved it from Custom Build to AR General.

15

Barrels of appropriate profile for a fighting carbine do get hot quick, too hot to be touched comfortably with bare hands. Handguards protect the shooter from the barrel although some will get warm, they won’t be near as hot as the barrel & gas block. Many shooters wear gloves in classes to protect their hands form heat as well as blistering during all the shooting.

I like how a lightweight profile feels on an AR, whether it’s carbine length or rifle length. With modern steels (lined or unlined, chrome moly or stainless steel) it will take quite a bit of shooting to wear it out even from the shooting done during a carbine class.

The M4 profile barrels and the government profile barrels have extra material ahead of the gas block. Mass here slows down how the rifle handles and while it helps radiate the heat of the gas block, it would be put to better use moved to the chamber end.

Simple answer is, a lightweight or pencil profile barrel gives the shooter a better handling rifle and will be durable enough for carbine classes

16

I got a CHF barrel from Centurion for a build an it has been extremely accurate, which I did not expect from a CHF barrel.