Working on a basic A2 build and cant seem to make my mind up on a Barrel setup. This will mainly be used to target shoot 150 yards in and to keep with my 3 day bug out bag in the truck. I already have a A2 20" build so I'm leaning more towards a 16" barrel setup. Basically just looking for a barrel thats reliable but also versatile with different yardages and ammo weights. Would like to try to keep the complete barrel assembly under the $300 range. (would it be cheaper to get a complete barrel assembly or just get the barrel and piece the kit myself?)

Parts list so far:
Bushmaster XM15 A2 upper receiver and BCG- Spare parts I had laying around
Del-ton upper receiver parts kit- $15
PSA complete Blem Lower- $130  

Windham and Faxon are usually my go to for Barrels but I'm open to any different suggestions. I just cant seem to make my mind up on which barrel profile, twist, mid vs carbine length, etc I wanna run with it. As far as handgaurds, debating on using some magpul moe or just use my stock bushmaster if i go the carbine route. Any input is much appreciated, Thanks!

Brownells has  complete Colt 16" carbine barrels with everything but handguards or gastube: $293 for the M4 style and $250 for the LW style. Only problem with these is they have an F marked FSB and you'd have to go with a taller sight post to get them to zero properly with your A2 receiver. A lot of guys are saying good things about the Windham barrels which I believe has a standard FSB. Green mountain also has some good barrels for a good price.

For a good all around twist rate it think it's hard to beat 1/7.  I wouldn't be afraid to use a 1/9 barrel but just keep in mind that it might not like the heavier bullets. As for twist rate I can only recommend to stay away from a heavy barrel, I had a 16" carbine with an HB and it was a heavy gun for its size.  As for gas system I've had a few carbine guns and I just think they are harsh(compared to my rifles)and wouldn't mind trying a mid length.

I think it would be cheaper to buy a complete barrel assembly than try to piece one together. If you buy a blank barrel you'll either have to send it off to get the FSB notches drilled or use a clamp on FSB, either way will add to the price.

Thanks Gunner, that helps me narrow down my options. The mid length with 1/7 twist sounds like a great combo.

Are PSA's premium barrels gtg?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/10141/category/4459/

PSA $139.99 barrel + $82 rest of barrel assembly parts = $222 total

Yes PSA premium barrels are good to go.

Manufactured by FN; I don't think you'll have any problems.




 

You planning on pinning the FSB yourself?  If not, thats another $40 bucks to have it pinned.  Member Hochmin has new Spikes Tactical CHF mid-length gas 16" barrels with the FSB already pinned for $200 bucks shipped IIRC.

ETA:  Found the link to member Hochimin for sale thread on EE

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_7_159/1426949_wts_spikes_barrels.html

Thanks Pro2nd

Are Hochmin's Spike barrels in EE? If I cant find a FSB already pinned it wont be a big deal. I can build a fixture and use a over head drill press at work.

Anybody ever used these A2 front sight clamp on w/ screws before?

http://www.riflegear.com/p-927-armalite-a2-front-sight-clamp-on-w-screws.aspx

I just built two M4 uppers using DSArms 14.5" barrels and in the process of building a 727 clone with the same barrel. These have the non-F marked front sight base so they are perfect for an A2 upper. When I ordered them for the M4 builds, I thought it had been posted here that they were F-marked/height but they aren't, so I just used the taller front sight pins for the M4 builds. Description says handguard cap/barrel nut included but all of mine have had the delta ring assembly included and mounted too. These are chrome lined, 1:7 twist, have the front sight base mounted and at $135, are a hell of a bargain. They sell a 16" chrome lined barrel also for $145. The last one I ordered took a while for them to ship it out but I got it in the mail last week. I pinned and welded extended A2 hiders on the two 4 builds(one for a friend) but I'm thinking of going with a standard A2 hider and spacer I cut off the end of another A2 on the 727 build.

ARKAR