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Posted: 3/15/2023 1:36:47 PM EDT
[#1]
Nice! I don’t need one, I think, but now I have this sudden urge to buy one anyway.
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Posted: 3/15/2023 2:19:48 PM EDT
[#2]
16 inch barrel wouldn't be bad if you were looking to do something like a gau5 or an XM 177 with slip over flash hider without having to do all that stupid paperwork...
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Posted: 3/15/2023 3:03:21 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 16 inch barrel wouldn't be bad if you were looking to do something like a gau5 or an XM 177 with slip over flash hider without having to do all that stupid paperwork... https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/9749/20230306_170939-2746898.jpg Or if you wanted to cut it to 14.5" for a 723 build. |
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Posted: 3/15/2023 3:11:04 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Or if you wanted to cut it to 14.5" for a 723 build. That too |
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Posted: 3/15/2023 8:26:52 PM EDT
[#5]
When the hell did Brownells update their website? It looks like something from the 21st century now, not the dawn of the internet.
 I'm tempted by one of the 11.5" barrels for my soon to be built H&R Commando carbine. https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-barrels-parts/ar-15-11.5-a1-carbine-barrel-assembly?sku=078000377 |
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Posted: 3/16/2023 12:24:54 PM EDT
[#6]
Saw that last week. That is a good sale.
I bought the 20" 1/7 chrome lined pencil barrel, a gas tube, and a set of the retro triangle hand guards. Put them and a A2 birdcage on a Colt A2 upper I bought off the EE for a new upper for running on my M16. Been running a 16" mid length upper but still runs too fast for my taste, even with a hydraulic buffer, so decided to build a 20" upper for it. Add coupert as an extension to your web browser and it will automatically look for discount codes everywhere you shop online. It found me an additional $30.00 off. Here is the above referenced upper mounted on my Colt M16A1 lower.  RCA |
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Posted: 3/16/2023 2:06:25 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Saw that last week. That is a good sale. I bought the 20" 1/7 chrome lined pencil barrel, a gas tube, and a set of the retro triangle hand guards. Put them and a A2 birdcage on a Colt A2 upper I bought off the EE for a new upper for running on my M16. Been running a 16" mid length upper but still runs too fast for my taste, even with a hydraulic buffer, so decided to build a 20" upper for it. Add coupert as an extension to your web browser and it will automatically look for discount codes everywhere you shop online. It found me an additional $30.00 off. Here is the above referenced upper mounted on my Colt M16A1 lower. https://i.postimg.cc/zfW9M50t/20230316-105038.jpg RCA Nice! |
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Posted: 3/16/2023 10:03:45 PM EDT
[#8]
Thanks for sharing this. I just bought a bunch of other stuff off Brownells 2 days ago and was able to use the code MARCH50 and saved $50 off a $200 or more purchase. Worth a try for anyone buying one of these barrels.
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Posted: 3/17/2023 12:51:58 PM EDT
[#9]
Well crap, I ordered one last week and now it’s $32 off.
I did use the MARCH50 code though. ETA: Never mind, I misread it and we did get the sale price. |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 1:30:31 PM EDT
[#10]
Why no M-4 feed ramps? I know they wouldn't be "period correct"; but don't they greatly improve the overall function?
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Posted: 3/17/2023 1:44:23 PM EDT
[#11]
Sheeit...
$256 barrel on sale for $199.99. Code does not work. Add $.83 roll pin. My $256 barrel is now $175 shipped insured, and with a free roll pin.
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Posted: 3/19/2023 3:36:08 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why no M-4 feed ramps? I know they wouldn't be "period correct"; but don't they greatly improve the overall function? Highly debatable whether or not M4 ramps in a semi auto gun have any benefit at all. They were developed to overcome a function issue with the early XM4 guns which had a very high cyclic rate during full auto fire. Like you said, M4 ramps on a retro gun isn't period correct, and that matters to enough people so that Brownells doesn't put them on their retro barrels. |
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Posted: 3/19/2023 1:42:44 PM EDT
[#13]
Bought a palmetto H&R A2 lower last night for a 733 build. Grabbed the retro 11.5 barrel just now. Great price but this is moving quick. Now I gotta hunt down a C7 upper.
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Posted: 3/19/2023 1:57:50 PM EDT
[#14]
I got a 20” 1/7 Brownell’s a few months ago, it’s great.
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Posted: 3/20/2023 6:04:08 PM EDT
[#15]
They are sold out on the 1:7 20" but they are in stock at Luth-AR for $207.
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Posted: 3/21/2023 9:52:42 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sheeit... $256 barrel on sale for $199.99. Code does not work. Add $.83 roll pin. My $256 barrel is now $175 shipped insured, and with a free roll pin. Notes: As of this morning, the package had not been picked up. As of this post, the package was delivered. That's some interesting tracking. Ordered the 1:12 11.5 A1 retro barrel. Came with grey flat handguard ring, and neutered bayo lug. Photos show bayonet lug and handguard ring matching the barrel. Not the end of the world, but somewhat misleading. |
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Posted: 3/21/2023 10:56:16 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Notes: As of this morning, the package had not been picked up. As of this post, the package was delivered. That's some interesting tracking. Ordered the 1:12 11.5 A1 retro barrel. Came with grey flat handguard ring, and neutered bayo lug. Photos show bayonet lug and handguard ring matching the barrel. Not the end of the world, but somewhat misleading. Not sure about the slip ring, but the bayo lug has been discussed before. All of their retro short barrel offerings as of late have had the lug ground off, like period correct short barrels of the day. |
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Posted: 3/21/2023 11:56:13 AM EDT
[#18]
Not a deal breaker, but would have been nice to know.
Got the FSB removed, but found out the triangle cap I have is .750, not .625. Off to order the right part. lol.. |
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Posted: 3/21/2023 8:12:45 PM EDT
[#19]
Make sure that you get an aftermarket "lipless" handguard cap for that Brownells barrel.
USGI barrels have a recess cut into the rear of their front sight bases, and a corresponding protruding lip on their handguard caps. The Brownells front sight bases do not have this recess cut, so a flat-faced handguard cap is used. |
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Posted: 3/22/2023 10:27:46 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Make sure that you get an aftermarket "lipless" handguard cap for that Brownells barrel. USGI barrels have a recess cut into the rear of their front sight bases, and a corresponding protruding lip on their handguard caps. The Brownells front sight bases do not have this recess cut, so a flat-faced handguard cap is used. I'm not 100% sure that I understand what you mean. I have replaced a few handguard caps, and never noticed a different style of cap or FSB. Don't the caps typically index on the gas tube? Here's what I ordered; looks just like my existing one, only it's .625 instead of .750. https://bravocompanyusa.com/handguard-cap-triangle-625-ar15/ |
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Posted: 3/23/2023 6:15:26 PM EDT
[#21]
Seeing alot of reviews on the 20" barrels about canted front sight bases. Samer thing with the previous two H&R barrels i bought. Wonder whats going on
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Posted: 3/23/2023 9:01:48 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Here's what I ordered; looks just like my existing one, only it's .625 instead of .750. https://bravocompanyusa.com/handguard-cap-triangle-625-ar15/ Just wanted to say, this fit perfectly. As for cant on my 11.5, I'll have to take a closer look. |
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Posted: 3/24/2023 8:51:14 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm not 100% sure that I understand what you mean. I have replaced a few handguard caps, and never noticed a different style of cap or FSB. Don't the caps typically index on the gas tube? Here's what I ordered; looks just like my existing one, only it's .625 instead of .750. https://bravocompanyusa.com/handguard-cap-triangle-625-ar15/  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 3/24/2023 1:35:36 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just wanted to say, this fit perfectly. As for cant on my 11.5, I'll have to take a closer look. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Here's what I ordered; looks just like my existing one, only it's .625 instead of .750. https://bravocompanyusa.com/handguard-cap-triangle-625-ar15/ Just wanted to say, this fit perfectly. As for cant on my 11.5, I'll have to take a closer look. Just got my 1/7 11.5", no cant. Nice, clean bbl. |
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Posted: 3/24/2023 2:53:14 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The original M16A1 triangle end caps have a lip on them. The front sight base is has a relief cut for it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548798/Screenshot_20230324_074657_DuckDuckGo_jp-2757053.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548798/Screenshot_20230324_074805_DuckDuckGo_jp-2757054.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I'm not 100% sure that I understand what you mean. I have replaced a few handguard caps, and never noticed a different style of cap or FSB. Don't the caps typically index on the gas tube? Here's what I ordered; looks just like my existing one, only it's .625 instead of .750. https://bravocompanyusa.com/handguard-cap-triangle-625-ar15/ https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548798/Screenshot_20230324_074657_DuckDuckGo_jp-2757053.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548798/Screenshot_20230324_074805_DuckDuckGo_jp-2757054.JPG A picture truly is worth 1,000 words; thanks for the images! I've never seen that lip before, will have to take a closer look at my earlier triangles at home. |
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Posted: 3/26/2023 12:16:56 AM EDT
[#26]
Anyone confirmed the gas port size on the 11.5" bbls?
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Posted: 3/26/2023 9:07:40 PM EDT
[#27]
Fired my 20" retro barrel today on my M16A1 lower.
Wouldn't hardly run on Sellier and Bellot .223. Kept short stroking, even on Semi Auto. Switched to my 16" mid length upper and it ran like a champ. Haven't had a chance to run it with proper 5.56 M193 or M855 yet. Thinking it may be undergassed for .223 RCA. |
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Posted: 3/31/2023 4:14:47 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Fired my 20" retro barrel today on my M16A1 lower. Wouldn't hardly run on Sellier and Bellot .223. Kept short stroking, even on Semi Auto. Switched to my 16" mid length upper and it ran like a champ. Haven't had a chance to run it with proper 5.56 M193 or M855 yet. Thinking it may be undergassed for .223 RCA. Did you try a known good bolt carrier in that barrel? |
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Posted: 3/31/2023 5:30:25 PM EDT
[#29]
Yes, a Toolkraft, also ran a second (FailZero) bcg with the same results.
Would have tried it with a standard rifle buffer in place of the hydraulic buffer, but forgot to pack it. Did have my 16" mid length upper, so the day was not lost. BTW, both bolts ran fine in the mid length upper. So it is a matter of either the 20" 1/7 twist Brownell's Retro barrel does not like the S&B .223 load (only load I had with me), the hydraulic buffer, or maybe even a combination of both. RCA |
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Posted: 3/31/2023 5:58:37 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes, a Toolkraft, also ran a second (FailZero) bcg with the same results. Would have tried it with a standard rifle buffer in place of the hydraulic buffer, but forgot to pack it. Did have my 16" mid length upper, so the day was not lost. BTW, both bolts ran fine in the mid length upper. So it is a matter of either the 20" 1/7 twist Brownell's Retro barrel does not like the S&B .223 load (only load I had with me), the hydraulic buffer, or maybe even a combination of both. RCA Ditch the hydraulic buffer and I bet it runs |
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Posted: 3/31/2023 7:02:59 PM EDT
[#31]
That is my thinking too.
I originally installed it to slow it down a bit while running the 16 inch mid length gas upper. RCA |
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Posted: 4/1/2023 8:21:15 AM EDT
[#32]
Just a heads up, got a 12.7" 1/12 on sale and it's not as nice as they were before.
The slip ring is silver grey, and the endcap has no parking on it, was actually a bit rusty. This is the 4th time I've been 'brownelled' and it's always over finish issues. Got some H&R grey ano parts and not as bad as Brownells, but surprising for the former NDS to put out substandard ano and sell them for full pup. I'll post pics and make a thread. |
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Posted: 4/1/2023 4:51:10 PM EDT
[#33]
@tiger222
Is this what you are referring to regarding g the slip ring?  Attached File Attached FileThe end cap on mine is parkerized and matches the FSB. |
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Posted: 4/1/2023 8:30:04 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted: @tiger222 Is this what you are referring to regarding g the slip ring? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/958/9C50AF6C-4BCF-404D-9B8F-2E32AECEA1BA_jpe-2766783.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/958/7625374D-2A32-4229-8E97-CC13FECD75FE_jpe-2766785.JPG The end cap on mine is parkerized and matches the FSB. Yes that is exactly it with the slip ring. More silver then grey. Lucky you on that end cap! I’m not sure if should return mine or just grin and bear it? |
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Posted: 4/2/2023 4:33:18 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ditch the hydraulic buffer and I bet it runs Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Yes, a Toolkraft, also ran a second (FailZero) bcg with the same results. Would have tried it with a standard rifle buffer in place of the hydraulic buffer, but forgot to pack it. Did have my 16" mid length upper, so the day was not lost. BTW, both bolts ran fine in the mid length upper. So it is a matter of either the 20" 1/7 twist Brownell's Retro barrel does not like the S&B .223 load (only load I had with me), the hydraulic buffer, or maybe even a combination of both. RCA Ditch the hydraulic buffer and I bet it runs Range report. Removed the hydraulic buffer and installed a standard rifle buffer. Rifle ran perfect using the .223 Sellier and Bellot that was short stroking with the hydraulic buffer. 2 things to note: 1) recoil while still light, is significantly more noticeable with the standard buffer on the 20 inch upper than it was with my mid length gas upper using the hydraulic buffer. 2) The hydraulic buffer is significantly heavier than the rifle buffer. Don't know how much more, as I don't have a scale to quantify it. Next thing I'm going to try is 5.56mm M193 and M855 run in the 20 inch upper with the hydraulic buffer installed. If that works, that is how I will run my M16 all the time. RCA |
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Posted: 4/2/2023 5:13:31 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Range report. Removed the hydraulic buffer and installed a standard rifle buffer. Rifle ran perfect using the .223 Sellier and Bellot that was short stroking with the hydraulic buffer. 2 things to note: 1) recoil while still light, is significantly more noticeable with the standard buffer on the 20 inch upper than it was with my mid length gas upper using the hydraulic buffer. 2) The hydraulic buffer is significantly heavier than the rifle buffer. Don't know how much more, as I don't have a scale to quantify it. Next thing I'm going to try is 5.56mm M193 and M855 run in the 20 inch upper with the hydraulic buffer installed. If that works, that is how I will run my M16 all the time. RCA Well that's good that it ran. I wonder if it's got a wonky sized gas port. I wonder if you could use the standard rifle buffer and a wolf extra power recoil spring and see if that brings the recoil down. It might and it still might run with the S&B ammo because it won't be as heavy as the hydraulic buffer. |
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Posted: 4/4/2023 5:22:54 PM EDT
[#37]
Quoted: I'm sure that most of you know this, but just in case... https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-barrels-parts/ar-15-16-a1-carbine-barrel-assembly/ Thanks for posting that, Strela. I went ahead and ordered one of those. Have a new Bushy 16" pencil barrel, in 1/8 twist, that I was going to use for a build but guess I'll just stick it on the EE. |
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Posted: 4/16/2023 4:30:06 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Well that's good that it ran. I wonder if it's got a wonky sized gas port. I wonder if you could use the standard rifle buffer and a wolf extra power recoil spring and see if that brings the recoil down. It might and it still might run with the S&B ammo because it won't be as heavy as the hydraulic buffer. Range report #2 Did some more testing and got it to run with the S&B .223 ammunition coupled with the hydraulic buffer. Culprit was the buffer spring I had in it. When I bought the M16A1, it was N.I.B/N.O.S. I have never fired the original Colt A1 upper, BCG, charging handle, and until recently, the buffer spring and the buffer. I built a 16" mid, bought a couple of NiB coated BCGs, a buffer spring, charging handle, and a hydraulic buffer. Put the Colt buffer spring back in and it runs like a sewing machine with the S&B .223 ammunition in it with the hydraulic buffer. Zero short strokes. You can feel when compressing the offending spring by hand that it is stiffer than the Colt spring. Don't really remember what brand it is, or where I got it. The hydraulic buffer definitely delivers a more enjoyable shooting experience over the standard rifle buffer,......... and it's not even close. So my Brownell's sale price 20" chrome lined 1/7 twist retro barrel is GTG.  And the Colt buffer is going back in the original box with the upper, BCG, and charging handle, as will the buffer spring as soon as I locate a replacement Colt buffer spring. RCA |
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Posted: 4/26/2023 11:10:17 PM EDT
[#39]
I’m considering the 16” Brownells Retro barrel. I was leaning towards the H&R barrels, but I keep reading reports of canted FSBs. Naturally, the support group is chiming in with it might be this, or it might be that…over tightening the barrel nut, flash hider might be out of time or the flux capacitor might be pulling to magnetic north instead of true north. Anyway, are the Brownells barrels GTG?
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Posted: 4/27/2023 12:53:45 AM EDT
[#40]
I picked up a 16" and put a few mags through it. just sighted in then shot steel afterwards. I'm happy with my purchase.
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Posted: 4/27/2023 8:21:08 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I picked up a 16" and put a few mags through it. just sighted in then shot steel afterwards. I'm happy with my purchase. Thanks for the response. I ordered the 16”. They still have the “Cart30” discount code going. Thanks again. |
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Posted: 5/11/2023 8:10:58 AM EDT
[#42]
Forgot to mention, I finally got the ATF permission slip to complete my 11.5 A1 build. I present to you, the Mini-A1:
 Runs like a raped ape. |
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Posted: 5/11/2023 8:18:32 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Forgot to mention, I finally got the ATF permission slip to complete my 11.5 A1 build. I present to you, the Mini-A1: https://i.imgur.com/B9vk96e.png Runs like a raped ape. @NAM How long did it take to get the stamp back? |
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Posted: 5/11/2023 8:25:39 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @NAM How long did it take to get the stamp back? Brace registration, filed 1/31, approved 5/5. |
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Posted: 5/11/2023 9:10:10 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Forgot to mention, I finally got the ATF permission slip to complete my 11.5 A1 build. I present to you, the Mini-A1: https://i.imgur.com/B9vk96e.png Runs like a raped ape. Nice! Where did you find that short stock? Was it from RRA from the past? Thanks! I'm on a hunt for one and coming up empty. |
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Posted: 5/11/2023 12:57:15 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Brace registration, filed 1/31, approved 5/5. 
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Posted: 5/11/2023 3:17:22 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nice! Where did you find that short stock? Was it from RRA from the past? Thanks! I'm on a hunt for one and coming up empty. In a box of random crap I collected over the years. I believe it's a RRA Entry stock. I noticed the butt was similar to the early sans trapdoor style, and figured it'd be perfect for a frankenbuild mini-A1.
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Posted: 5/13/2023 12:41:42 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Seeing alot of reviews on the 20" barrels about canted front sight bases. Samer thing with the previous two H&R barrels i bought. Wonder whats going on I'm actually dealing with two canted 20" H&R barrels myself. The've had both of them for a month and finally refunded me for one of them, no word on the other one yet. |
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Posted: 5/14/2023 2:33:29 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm actually dealing with two canted 20" H&R barrels myself. The've had both of them for a month and finally refunded me for one of them, no word on the other one yet. Please post a follow up regarding how this plays out. Are these canted FSB barrels only, or were they complete uppers? 20” rifle length? I’m interested in ordering several, but the H&R Canted Barrel issue causes me to hesitate. |
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Posted: 5/15/2023 5:20:53 PM EDT
[#50]
I got one of the 11.5" barrels. Wonder if anyone else is having trouble getting a hand guard on it. It has the flat slip ring. Even with help we could not get it on. I ended up sanding the hand guard down a little to enable it to go on and even then it barely fit. Not sure if I will be able to get it back off. Sure hated sanding down those original colt hand guards. just kidding.
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