I called WC earlier today wanting to find out the lead time on the 16" Tactical Hunter barrel. This looks like a great barrel for an all purpose build. Most of the 16" barrels out there are too heavy for my tastes. I never even got to the lead time question as I asked if these barrels would be okay with supersonic ammo (they are advertised as "Optimized for Subsonic Ammo). I was told that they are optimized for subsonic ammo with a suppressor and they are not intended for nor will they function with supersonic ammo. I asked if it was just a matter of opening up the gas port and got no good response. The guy on the phone was nice enough but basically said that the only good reason to go with a .300blk was because of it’s capabilities when run subsonic suppressed.
This seems a little narrow minded to me. Is this information correct?
I live in a ban state were a suppressor will never be an option. The idea of running an AR with 7.62x39 type performance really appeals to me. I also really like the idea of being able to use this round in readily available pre-ban standard capacity mags. Am I missing something? Does this round really only make sense for a suppressed application?
It will run fine with Supersonic. My personal opinion is that Wilson recognizes the opportunities to sell 300blk items but only promotes its Subsonic capabilities as a lead into selling/promoting his own new cartridge the Wilson Combat® 7.62x40 WT which excels at the Supersonic level.
It really depends on if the gas port is designed for the 300 BLK subsonic or for the old 300W/300-221 subsonic.
I don’t recommend our older 300 FB barrels for heavy supersonic use for example, they have a gas port larger than optimal. CMMG also makes a barrel they recommend mainly for subsonic use.
I am pretty confident that when Wilson recommends their 300 BLK barrels for subsonic, it is because they favor people using 7.62x40mm for supersonic - not because there is any problem with their barrels.
Wilson’s 16 inch barrels are all carbine gas ports - so there is no chance they will be over gassed.
This is my concern as well. I have emailed Wilson Combat for more details. I wish there were other lightweight barrels available in this caliber. I may just have a CMMG or DSA barrel turned down.
M&P,
Sorry for the confusion. I will get an estimate on the timeline for availability of the 300BLK Lightweight barrels for you tomorrow. These barrels will function fine either way but they tend to shoot subsonic ammunition more accurately than supersonic in 300 BLK. When we mention “optimized for subsonic”, we are referring to the 1/8" twist. If we were to optimize a 300BLK for supersonic loads, with would use a slower twist. As it is, the 1/8" twist works well for both. We are certain they will meet your expectations.
We are getting great feedback on these barrels. See some of the reviews.
Todd, I am partial to lightweight carbines for my purposes. I will only be gaming, hunting and taking an occasional class. A heavy or even mid weight barrel doesn’t offer anything I need. I prefer light weight and balance. I’m not ever going to be doing mag dumps on FA here in NY. I would like a 7lb carbine with an RDS and fixed BUIS.
Remember the bore is larger, so it is lighter with the same outside profile as a 5.56 barrel. For example our 16" barrel doesn’t look very lightweight, but it’s actually just an ounce or two heavier then a 16" M4 profile 5.56 barrel.
M&P,
The barrel you are looking for is the only barrel that we are backordered on…it has been more popular that anticipated! We estimate that we will have more of that model to ship on or about the 1st of Feb.
Thanks Wilson Combat; I also have a barrel on back-order (the rep was very up-front about that & asked me if it was OK before taking the order.
My barrel on order is the TR300 RC 16.
My question concerns the AAC Blackout 18 tooth flash hider/supressor mount: does your AAC barrel fit this AAC mount?
I know there was an issue in the past as to the length of the threaded portion of the barrel. Only fix was a “shim kit” - but I would prefer to avoid adding more variables to a barrel/mount/supressor that are all threaded together.
Thanks & looking forward to the new Wilson barrel.
TY44934,
That model barrel is back instock, so you should be seeing your barrel soon! Regarding the fit of your suppressor mount to our barrel, we would need to see your mount to know for sure. There are some variables brand to brand, especially when it comes to location of the shoulder behind the threads. That is why the shims are needed from time to time regarding the fit of one brand muzzle device to another brand of barrel. The shims are simply washers that fill the space behind the threads if the shoulder on the back of the mount doesn’t extend far enough to the rear.
If you have any issues, give us a shout when you check the fit of your muzzle device.
Rwatts,
If you mean a milspec front sight tower, no, our barrel is set up for a low profile gas block. The gas block seat area is .920" and dimpled for a set screw.
By the time I placed my order these were already sold out. I have been waiting since January. Customer service keeps telling me next week… Any idea when they are actually gong to be in stock?