9mm Barrels - NFA vs. Kaw Valley?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 9mm Barrels - NFA vs. Kaw Valley?

Posted: 2/2/2016 12:48:46 AM EDT

Getting ready to pull the trigger on some parts for a couple 9mm builds and curious about these barrels. Anyone have experience comparing barrels from these two companies? I've heard good things about Kaw Valley, but no direct experience. Looking at both the 16" and 8"/8.5" options and would appreciate any insight or recommendations.

Thanks!

Posted: 2/2/2016 8:42:03 AM EDT

[#1]

Interested in Kaw Valley reviews as well. Mine should be here on Thursday.... I figured that at $100 from JBO that there really wasn't a reason not to order one. Going to try to source another upper so I can keep my current upper intact.

Posted: 2/2/2016 10:00:51 AM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:
Interested in Kaw Valley reviews as well. Mine should be here on Thursday.... I figured that at $100 from JBO that there really wasn't a reason not to order one. Going to try to source another upper so I can keep my current upper intact.

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I have the 4.5" Kaw Valley from JBO. Seems like excellent quality (even finish, clean bore, clean barrel threads), and shoots straight.

Seemed like a pretty good deal to me. I'd buy another one.

Posted: 2/3/2016 12:02:51 AM EDT

[#3]

I purchased one of the KAW Valley 4.5" 9mm barrels and it was delivered yesterday. Everything looks great. As good if not better than my GM barrel. I mounted it up, but have not shot it yet. Could not pass up the Joe Bob deal. Been looking at short 9mm barrels for a while, but did not want a NFA barrel with the 1/12 twist. The twist rate was my determining factor between the two.

Posted: 2/3/2016 9:26:27 AM EDT

[#4]

I got one of the NFA 7.5" barrels from JBO. LIke the others have stated about KAW, the fit finish and performance has been great. I doubt you can go wrong with either.

Posted: 2/3/2016 10:50:17 AM EDT

[#5]

I've got a 4.5 kaw valley I may shoot today if I have time, I will report back if I do!

Posted: 2/3/2016 12:52:23 PM EDT

[#6]

I splurged for the NFA "Match" bbl from Joe Bob's. Once I got it in hand and saw how nicely it's made, I feel like I got my money's worth.

Posted: 2/3/2016 1:20:30 PM EDT

[#7]

I went ahead and picked up the KVP 8.5" for starters. I'll follow back up once it comes in but the few reviews I have seen on their stuff seem positive so I'm hoping for the best.

Posted: 2/3/2016 4:54:52 PM EDT

[#8]

Just shot mine! And it is a fucking blast. Super accurate and insanely fun at the plates! Only shot out to 33' but I was surprised how accurate I was with it when standing. I REALLY want to SBR this thing now lol

ETA: it ran flawless!!

Posted: 2/6/2016 12:04:50 PM EDT

[#9]

Any additional reviews or feedback on the NFA barrels?

Piecing together a build and trying to do as cost effective as possible.

Posted: 2/6/2016 2:02:50 PM EDT

[#10]

Faxon recommended the Kaw Valley barrels. That makes me think they make them so I would say they are GTG.

Posted: 2/6/2016 3:23:35 PM EDT

[#11]

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Quoted:
Faxon recommended the Kaw Valley barrels. That makes me think they make them so I would say they are GTG.

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Its a pleasure to confirm we do make them under contract for Kaw Valley to their specifications.

Posted: 2/6/2016 6:44:50 PM EDT

[#12]

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Its a pleasure to confirm we do make them under contract for Kaw Valley to their specifications.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Faxon recommended the Kaw Valley barrels. That makes me think they make them so I would say they are GTG.

Its a pleasure to confirm we do make them under contract for Kaw Valley to their specifications.

Well, there you go. The Kaw/ Faxon barrel would be my choice out of the two that are mentioned in this thread.

Faxon.... Any chance you will be making a slightly heavier profile in the 8in or so length?

Posted: 2/6/2016 9:40:58 PM EDT

[#13]

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Well, there you go. The Kaw/ Faxon barrel would be my choice out of the two that are mentioned in this thread.

Faxon.... Any chance you will be making a slightly heavier profile in the 8in or so length?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Faxon recommended the Kaw Valley barrels. That makes me think they make them so I would say they are GTG.

Its a pleasure to confirm we do make them under contract for Kaw Valley to their specifications.

Well, there you go. The Kaw/ Faxon barrel would be my choice out of the two that are mentioned in this thread.

Faxon.... Any chance you will be making a slightly heavier profile in the 8in or so length?

Nothing in the short term, unless Kaw Valley asks for one.

Posted: 2/8/2016 6:51:53 PM EDT

[#14]

nice barrels nathan.

slightly off topic, are you guys capable of making a 3 lug barrel?

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:45:27 AM EDT

[#15]

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nice barrels nathan.

slightly off topic, are you guys capable of making a 3 lug barrel?

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Yes. We can and do many custom barrels. Minimum run is 50 units.

Posted: 2/9/2016 7:20:11 PM EDT

[#16]

Verrry interesting, there is a lot of frustration with obtaining tros barrels. I don't know how we'd arrange a run, but I'd certainly be in "take my money" status.

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:18:27 PM EDT

[#17]

I have this barrel on my 9mm build, it's a great barrel at a very good price.

http://www.schuylerarmsco.com/product.ballistic-advantage-8-9mm-barrel-76-993

Posted: 2/10/2016 6:44:08 PM EDT

[#18]

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Verrry interesting, there is a lot of frustration with obtaining tros barrels. I don't know how we'd arrange a run, but I'd certainly be in "take my money" status.

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AMEN!

Posted: 2/12/2016 1:04:39 PM EDT

[#19]

From what I can tell the Kaw barrels are the only real lightweight options, which is nice. Not sure why the 9mm trend is towards med-con barrels... I don't see the point for 9mm.

Posted: 2/13/2016 7:36:10 AM EDT

[#20]

This is an identical thread to one I was just going to come in here and post. I'm also in the process of building my AR 9, and I'm on Joe Bobs website looking at thekawl Valley and the NFA barrels. Although I'm looking at a 16 inch length. From what I'm reading here the kaw valley sounds like the way to go.

Posted: 2/13/2016 1:04:11 PM EDT

[#21]

I wished JBO carried 6 inch barrels; that's what I'm looking for to create the look I want with a 4 inch DOE style handguard, an A2 style front sight and a mark flash can. I see lots of 7.5, 5.5 and 4.5 barrels but nothing in the 6 inch range.

Posted: 2/13/2016 1:05:46 PM EDT

[#22]

That's kak flash can. Damn auto correct

Posted: 2/13/2016 1:52:47 PM EDT

[#23]

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I wished JBO carried 6 inch barrels; that's what I'm looking for to create the look I want with a 4 inch DOE style handguard, an A2 style front sight and a mark flash can. I see lots of 7.5, 5.5 and 4.5 barrels but nothing in the 6 inch range.

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Micro MOA has a 6.1" barrel, buts it's currently out of stock.

Posted: 2/13/2016 2:39:28 PM EDT

[#24]

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Quoted:
Micro MOA has a 6.1" barrel, buts it's currently out of stock.

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Quoted:

Quoted:

I wished JBO carried 6 inch barrels; that's what I'm looking for to create the look I want with a 4 inch DOE style handguard, an A2 style front sight and a mark flash can. I see lots of 7.5, 5.5 and 4.5 barrels but nothing in the 6 inch range.

Micro MOA has a 6.1" barrel, buts it's currently out of stock.

We should be turning them this week. So about two weeks out.

Posted: 2/13/2016 3:07:29 PM EDT

[#25]

Great! Glad to hear that.

Posted: 2/13/2016 4:50:31 PM EDT

[#26]

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We should be turning them this week. So about two weeks out.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I wished JBO carried 6 inch barrels; that's what I'm looking for to create the look I want with a 4 inch DOE style handguard, an A2 style front sight and a mark flash can. I see lots of 7.5, 5.5 and 4.5 barrels but nothing in the 6 inch range.

Micro MOA has a 6.1" barrel, buts it's currently out of stock.

We should be turning them this week. So about two weeks out.

My 6.1" runs great. Very happy with it!

Posted: 2/13/2016 5:30:16 PM EDT

[#27]

That's the barrel I have, probably going to have to send it off to Macon to fix the transition of the cone. Rounds are nosing into it. NFA upper & lower

Posted: 2/13/2016 5:31:12 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
I have this barrel on my 9mm build, it's a great barrel at a very good price.

http://www.schuylerarmsco.com/product.ballistic-advantage-8-9mm-barrel-76-993

View Quote

That's the barrel I have, probably going to have to send it off to Macon to fix the transition of the cone. Rounds are nosing into it. NFA upper & lower

Posted: 2/13/2016 9:19:45 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

That's the barrel I have, probably going to have to send it off to Macon to fix the transition of the cone. Rounds are nosing into it. NFA upper & lower

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have this barrel on my 9mm build, it's a great barrel at a very good price.

http://www.schuylerarmsco.com/product.ballistic-advantage-8-9mm-barrel-76-993

That's the barrel I have, probably going to have to send it off to Macon to fix the transition of the cone. Rounds are nosing into it. NFA upper & lower

Interesting, using PSA metalform mags my AR went through 200 rounds without a hiccup until I tried an ASC mag. (failure to feed)

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:31:35 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
We should be turning them this week. So about two weeks out.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I wished JBO carried 6 inch barrels; that's what I'm looking for to create the look I want with a 4 inch DOE style handguard, an A2 style front sight and a mark flash can. I see lots of 7.5, 5.5 and 4.5 barrels but nothing in the 6 inch range.

Micro MOA has a 6.1" barrel, buts it's currently out of stock.

We should be turning them this week. So about two weeks out.

Good, because I want one.

Posted: 2/14/2016 12:23:45 AM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:

Interesting, using PSA metalform mags my AR went through 200 rounds without a hiccup until I tried an ASC mag. (failure to feed)

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have this barrel on my 9mm build, it's a great barrel at a very good price.

http://www.schuylerarmsco.com/product.ballistic-advantage-8-9mm-barrel-76-993

That's the barrel I have, probably going to have to send it off to Macon to fix the transition of the cone. Rounds are nosing into it. NFA upper & lower

Interesting, using PSA metalform mags my AR went through 200 rounds without a hiccup until I tried an ASC mag. (failure to feed)

Would be fine for Colt, Glock not so much

Posted: 2/14/2016 10:08:16 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:

Would be fine for Colt, Glock not so much

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I have this barrel on my 9mm build, it's a great barrel at a very good price.

http://www.schuylerarmsco.com/product.ballistic-advantage-8-9mm-barrel-76-993

That's the barrel I have, probably going to have to send it off to Macon to fix the transition of the cone. Rounds are nosing into it. NFA upper & lower

Interesting, using PSA metalform mags my AR went through 200 rounds without a hiccup until I tried an ASC mag. (failure to feed)

Would be fine for Colt, Glock not so much

That's good to know, thanks.

Posted: 2/19/2016 3:00:20 PM EDT

[#33]

How much barrel protrudes from the face of the upper with the KAW 8.5"? How does a true 7" rail fit? Are the threads clear?

Posted: 2/19/2016 5:22:07 PM EDT

[#34]

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How much barrel protrudes from the face of the upper with the KAW 8.5"? How does a true 7" rail fit? Are the threads clear?

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I don't have a 7" rail available, but I do have a Kaw 8.5" barrel and a receiver sitting here in my office so it's your lucky day!

From the front receiver face, I am getting approximately 7-3/8" to the start of the threads: