Looking for a chrome lined one as part of my spec.
That thread about M855A1 got me thinking about how one could upgrade the M4A1 for the future (not talking gas piston though). I figured that first off a mid-length gas system would be optimal, but using the vaunted 14.5" SOCOM barrel as a base unit is the best choice. Now trying to find one with roughly those specs without it being over-gassed, i.e. proper port size.
Then I would use an LMT Enhanced BCG, either with or without the E bolt. The E carrier in and of itself delays extraction and (just as importantly) has extra vent holes to allow excess gas to bleed off instead of build up inside and on the bolt.
If I did not use the E bolt then the bolt would have to be plated/coated, be it hard chrome or maybe Geissele’s new Nano-coating, something that had natural lubricity and hardness at the same time. Would make carbon less likely to build up and speed up cleaning.
So if one was a .mil member and could “roll his own” weapon while being issued M855A1 I think the above specs would be a great start. The mid-length gas would begin the “taming” of the M855A1 and be complemented by the delayed extraction of the E carrier. The extra gas vent holes and coated bolt would be gravy.
I know Sionics makes a “medium profile” middie, but not sure how they’re ported with regard to size. Anyone else make such a unicorn barrel or close to it?
Yup. Hodge is the only barrel I know of that is pretty much specifically designed for 855A1 and apparently works very well with it. The only other one that comes to my mind is maybe a Triarc as they have a heavier profile and are supposedly gassed very conservatively.
They are available at Weapon Outfitters and OP Tactical, like others have said, and should be more readily available as the year progresses. It would be my first choice for your build and they are an awesome barrel. Gassed perfectly, great profile, and accurate as hell. I have three of them, plus two 12.5" versions. Also keep in mind that the Hodge 16" guns use Daniel Defense barrels. My second choice would be a 14.5" Daniel Defense Government Profile Midlength, like the one found in the Geissele/USASOC URG-I. Third would be the Medium Profile Sionics. The only reason the Sionics is third is because they don’t offer a 14.5" middy. Sionics also makes an awesome barrel and is an outstanding company. I have asked if they plan on doing a 14.5" middy and they said that it is always a possibility, but they aren’t fans of having to pin and weld muzzle devices.
So with the Hodge barrel could you use an LMT enhanced BCG since it’s specifically tuned to run with “hot” M855A1 ammo? Like either with M855A1 or, say, Mk318, or even regular M855. Just wonder if the EBCG would cause malfunctions. Might have to change the buffer/spring combo if not running M855A1?
What about running an A5 buffer system with the Hodge?
One more question: if you get the GB-7 Micro Pin gas block that is made for the Hodge, do you HAVE to use only a Hodge rail with it or will it work with other rails (like a BCM KMR or MLR)?
I’m thinking the closest to Colt SOCOM is probably a Noveske 14.5" CHF (model LCLP: https://www.noveske.com/products/chf-chrome-lined-lo-pro-5-56)
However, since they increased their prices recently by at least $60-$70 across the line making this barrel $515.00. It’s a stupid price to pay for it even with the occasional 20% discount.
I somewhat regret I didn’t get it last time it was on black friday sale for around $350. I could somewhat (with the big stretch) justify that price, but definitely nothing above it. Paying that kind of money for a regular CHF barrel even with the good QC is not reasonable. This is especially the case when you can find similar CHF barrels for around 200-240.
I’m more and more liking BCM medium weight which has been mentioned. However, personally I simply can’t stand flutes on barrels especially given the fact it was proven that they reduce accuracy. If it hadn’t been for flutes I would have bought BCM Medium weight barrel long time ago.
There is nothing wrong with the Colt SOCOM barrel and being carbine length gas system should not deter you from buying one if you like it.
No, I’m not a fan of fluted (BCM) either. I imagine sooner or later they’ll have a medium one that isn’t fluted, just a matter of time.
Yeah, that $515 for the Noveske is higher than a cat’s back, like smoking crack higher!
I have a couple Colt SOCOM barrels and haven’t had any issues, was just [over] thinking an ideal 2019 M4A1 setup, given that M855A1 is now standard issue. Not like I have any large amount of it mind you, maybe 100rds at most. Just doing mental gymnastics over what improvements would negate any issues arising from the “new” standard round.
I did break down and order the Hodge 14.5" and the GB-7 gas block made for it. Yeah, it wasn’t a hell of a lot less than the Noveske to be sure. I have a Colt 6920 OEM2 that I bought for $605 shipped late last year and I’m gonna replace the barrel on it with the Hodge once I get it. If anyone is interested in an unfired 6920 OEM2 barrel PM me! That said, I feel the Hodge barrel would be given a good home as part of a Colt factory rifle.
Is the pinning on the GB-7 gas block something that should be done by the likes of ADCO or is it something you can do yourself (I don’t have jigs)?
I read about it in the context of a medium caliber weapons. It mentioned that there was little benefit of having flutes during a typical use. Increased machining as well as production time and associated costs outweighed somewhat minor weight savings especially with the decreased accuracy. Paragraph also mentioned that the experience mirrored that of a smaller caliber weapons. Textbook on the subject about 20-25 years ago - book was probably even older. I’m pretty sure you can find a relevant information and studies online now.
That is the issue though. Textbook issues with manufacturing from 20 years ago pretends that the flaws that fluting initially caused may have not been solved since then. Even though the Mini-14 from 20-25 years ago is essentially the same general design Ruger has taken steps to improve the accuracy. Chrome lining is still chrome lining but the application processes have become more precise for consistent thickness.
As to the fluting on the MWEF as I understand it was primarily done to get the weight of the barrel on the level (1Lb. 10oz.) with the government profile in both Carbine and Mid-length.
Just curious. Why would you want to try and custom tune or build a barrel for ammunition that isn’t readily available for purchase or use? Notwithstanding the conflicting information about it’s legality for civilians or non-government agencies to possess.
That said, I feel the Hodge barrel would be given a good home as part of a Colt factory rifle.