I'm currently torn between a 16" mid-length gas, 18" rifle gas, and 20" rifle gas barrel. Back in January, I ordered a WOA service rifle upper (A4 flattop, 20" 1:8 twist stainless, free flat "standard" hand guards). I was originally quoted at 8 weeks, and I've been calling since the 6th week, but I'm sick of being told "yep, it'll ship in 2 weeks." I understand how custom things work, this isn't the first custom part I've ordered, but the more I wait the more I'm changing my mind about the choice. I already built my lower back in January for it, it's an A2 stock with a Geissele SSA-E trigger. My original thought was to have a rifle in a likeness of the one I'm given at work so I can train with it, but now I'm thinking about a 16" or 18" with a 13" free float hand guard. For an idea of what I like, I've always loved the MK12 Mod 0/1, but also appreciate the "stock look" of an M16A4. I shoot both offhand and with bipods, irons and scopes.  I currently own a 16", carbine AR15 which my girlfriend has taken over and I haven't gotten the chance to shoot it in the past two year; I'm not complaining, but it's also not that accurate. I also own a 16" AR10, which is very accurate. I also own a ton of other firearms, semis\bolts Regardless of choice, I'm looking for sub-MOA, 1:8 twist. I bought a few thousand projectiles for testing, ranging from 55gr (my normal load) to 80gr. The range I shoot at regularly goes to 200yds, which is nothing, but occasionally I hit a range that's 600+. I understand either choice would be able to do this easily.

To clear up the question, would you continue to wait for the WOA upper which could take who knows how long, or build a 16/18" upper that I could have done next week. For 16" barrel, I'm looking at a "Ballistic Advantage .223 Wylde Govt. Tactical 416R Stainless," and for 18" I'm looking at a "Green Mountain M24 .223 Wylde 416R Stainless." Again, both are 1:8 twist and I do want stainless, but no, I'm not interested in spending $400 on a Rainier Ultramatch barrel.

I would not wait. Any of the barrels you listed have very good reviews. I have a Wilson Combat stainless that is great. You might check them out too.

Well.. I cancelled my order with WOA. Just as soon as I did, Palmetto sent an e-mail for a $329 18" upper with a 15" rail, which I very quickly bought. If I'm not happy with the accuracy out of that barrel, I'll get a Green Mountain barrel, and still be less than it originally was going to be for me to assemble one.

Yeah.. I know, big change from the original plans. It happens.

If WOA originally quoted you eight weeks, why were you calling them at week six?

Also, who's PSA getting their stainless barrels from? I'm assuming you're looking for ultimate accuracy and great quality if you originally ordered a barrel from White Oak. The price that PSA is asking ($329) for that complete upper would make me question the quality of the barrel, as that would be a cheap price for a high quality stainless steel barrel alone, not to mention a complete upper.

If you're going for sub MOA accuracy, I would've waited for the WOA upper. Sounds like you would've had it very soon, anyway.

Because sometimes companies get product out quicker than their deadline. The last excuse I heard was they had trouble getting barrels in. Being this is week 16 and I've been hearing "it'll be done in two weeks" for the past 10 weeks, I got tired of waiting. Had I been told it could take 4-6 months in the first place I wouldn't have had an issue. To be told 6 weeks and then constantly have the date change made me lose hope. I will say they were very friendly and easy to deal with to cancel my order, so they at least have that going for them. If I find one of their barrels in stock I wouldn't hesitate to order it, I've shot one before and know they're good which is what pushed me to order from them in the first place.



I'm not sure who makes their blanks, and to be honest I don't know if I could get an honest answer if I asked - it's not their "premium" line made by FN, I know that much. It could turn out to be a shooter, but for the price of the entire upper with BCG I paid about the same as I would have for a stripped upper, parts kit, handguard, muzzle device, BCG, and charging handle. If I'm not happy with the barrel, I can order a WOA barrel for $250 and still be in it for less than my original upper quote. Hell, I can order a Lilja barrel and only be about $50 more than my original quote.

EDIT: Upon further research, it might just be made by FN.