18" Barrel Recommendations & Suggestions

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 18" Barrel Recommendations & Suggestions

Posted: 3/27/2015 1:11:31 PM EDT

I'm in the process of gathering the parts for an 18" upper build. I've already completed my lower.

I would like to gather suggestions and recommendations in selecting the barrel for the build since I'm not 100% set on a specific one.

I know that the barrel is one of the key, if not most important, decision in the build of my upper. I also know that to decide on the barrel, I need to take into account what I'm going to use the rifle for. So here is the info on my build, so far:

Posted: 3/27/2015 1:12:35 PM EDT

[#1]

How am I going to use this rifle?

This rifle will be primarily used for target shooting. I'm planning, presently, to outfit the rifle with free-floating handguard, bipod, magnified optics, and BUIS.

I will also use it for some hunting of varmints, white tailed deer, and possibly some hog. With this respect, I don't want an extremely heavy rifle.

I would like this rifle to be precise up to a range of 400-500 yards. Yes, I used "precise" as opposed to "accurate" in that I'm looking for shot grouping. I'm not planning on using this rifle for any competition shooting; so, sub-MOA precision is not what I'm necessarily looking for. I'm thinking that 1-1.5 MOA would be plenty good enough and probably beyond my ability as a shooter. I do want the rifle to be more capable than I am such that any errors in accuracy should be attributed to the shooter (me).

I'm not really looking at it from a SHTF stand point; however, I do want this to be a rifle that, should it happen, would be one that I can likely get ammo for. Thus, I am planning on building it in 5.56/.223 Wylde

Posted: 3/27/2015 1:13:52 PM EDT

[#2]

Things I know I want in a barrel?

As mentioned, above, I want to build this upper in 5.56 / .223 Wylde.

I want the ability to use a wide range of bullet weights; so, I'm thinking 1:8 twist rate

I know that I want Rifle Length on my gas system.

I know that I want a threaded muzzle to accept a flash hider, compensator, or brake.

I don't want to break the bank on the barrel. I'm hoping for something in the $200 range if possible.

Things I'm still uncertain about?

I'm not set on finish. I like both the SS as well as the Black coated barrels.

I'm open to different profiles; however, I'm leaning against bull barrels due to extreme weight.

I'm open to any of your suggestions on barrels that would work well for me. Here are a couple that I've found that I'm considering but am open to others.

Odin Works 18" .223 Wylde DMR Profile 1:8

PSA 18" .223 Wylde in CHF Stainless A2 Profile 1:8

DPMS Mark 12 18" Stainless w/ Teflon Finish 1:8

Integrity Arms .223 Wylde 18" 416R Stainless 5R Melonite SOCOM 1:8

Posted: 3/27/2015 2:04:34 PM EDT

[#3]

KAC LPR

http://www.knightarmco.com/sr-15/

You can shop around and find these uppers for sale on the EE or GB.

DD MK12 Upper

https://danieldefense.com/upper-receiver-groups/rifle-length/daniel-defense-m4-urg-mk12.html

Posted: 3/27/2015 3:20:41 PM EDT

[#4]

Actually, the upper that I like (pre-built) is at JSE Surplus but they don't have them available in stock. I believe that the barrel they are using is the DPMS one I mentioned before:

http://www.jsesurplus.com/JSE18Mark12YHMSmoothRifleYHM9394flipupsighttower/gasblock.aspx

Also, PK Firearms has a DPMS MK12 that I like, too. They would customize it with the flip-up front sight block on it for a bit more.

Right now, I'm just exploring my options to build the upper myself rather than get a pre-built. I like the MK-12 setup; but, want to make sure I get or build a quality shooting rifle.

Posted: 3/27/2015 3:22:05 PM EDT

[#5]

A couple thoughts come to mind.

First, the Rainier arms are not outrageously expensive and come with a moa guarantee. They're who I plan to go with for my .308 build that I'm working on.

I had similar requirements and I bought a Stag 3G upper half. It has a fluted 18" SS rifle length gas barrel. The stainless is 410, which is more durable than the typical 416 SS. It's been a very good performer for me and does everything you want. It comes with a Samson Evo FF handguard and the Stag comp that works well. I got mine from Pete at Legal Transfers (ar15sales.com) for a little over $700 for the complete upper including BCG and CH. I coupled it with a spikes lower, RRA NM t2 stage trigger and Magpul STS stock. Here's a pic:

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Posted: 3/27/2015 3:29:58 PM EDT

[#6]

Given your requirements I would look at the Rainier Select barrels. I think that will provide the accuracy level your looking for without being excessivly heavy.

I've had good success with my DPMS MK12 barrel, but it's a bit heavier. Price is good at $160 though.

The Integrity Arms barrels look interesting, but I haven't seen many reports on how they actually perform. Green Mountain rifle barrel is another budget option that should meet your accuracy requirements.

Posted: 3/27/2015 3:43:13 PM EDT

[#7]

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-5-56mm-nato/

Posted: 3/27/2015 3:45:16 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-5-56mm-nato/

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http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-5-56mm-nato/

Made hot.

Posted: 3/27/2015 3:54:05 PM EDT

[#9]

I have this barrel- Link from White Oak Armanent. It is one of the most accurate barrels I have ever owned.

Posted: 3/27/2015 3:58:31 PM EDT

[#10]

not currently in stock, but this will fit the bill for <$200

http://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-556-spr-rifle-cmv-performance-barrel-ops12.html

Posted: 3/27/2015 4:37:31 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-5-56mm-nato/

Made hot.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-5-56mm-nato/

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-5-56mm-nato/

Made hot.

GM barrels rock, got a couple in our safe too.

My 18" of choice is the ARP 18" fluted SPR... http://ar15performance.com/barrels

My ARP group, 24" gong @ 700 yards...(first time out too)

Posted: 3/27/2015 5:05:56 PM EDT

[#12]

I had a DPMS 18" MK12 barrel and it shot very tight groups, but was very ammo sensitive. It was also heavy. Mine was a bench gun so that didn't bother me too much.

Posted: 3/27/2015 8:53:15 PM EDT

[#13]

I was after the same thing awhile back and wanted a Rainier 18" but they were on B/O so I narrowed it down to either GM or Nordic components in an 18" barrel....The GM was a little cheaper at around $200 and the Nordic was $250 shipped....I pulled the trigger and got the Nordic and it is one very nice barrel......I have heard alot of good things about these Nordic barrels.....I have not had the chance to shoot mine yet but I'm sure it will perform admirably.

Posted: 3/27/2015 9:01:27 PM EDT

[#14]

here is a fluted one in stock http://www.customar15.net/shop/barrels-ar-15-upper-receivers/18%E2%80%B3-416r-stainless-5r-melonite-twist-fluted-socom-barrel-wylde-chamber-18-twist-2235-56-spr/

I just picked up the unfluted one its still on my bench so I cant say much more

Posted: 3/29/2015 5:54:31 PM EDT

[#15]

This one from PSA might fit the bill. A few people here loved it and I think FN makes it.

Posted: 3/30/2015 6:11:17 PM EDT

[#16]

I have heard some very good things about Faxon Firearms barrels and they won't break the bank

Posted: 3/30/2015 6:57:02 PM EDT

[#17]

ARP. 18 rifle gas, fluted, great shooter, $250.00 .223 wylde chamber 1x8 wist.Yup!!

Posted: 3/30/2015 10:20:24 PM EDT

[#18]

Mega Arms 18" SPR. Stainless, melonited, 1:8, 11* target crown, sub MOA guarantee. Can be had for around $265 and flat shoot.

Posted: 3/31/2015 8:23:01 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have heard some very good things about Faxon Firearms barrels and they won't break the bank

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We try not to. We like piggy banks.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 18" Barrel Recommendations & Suggestions

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