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Posted: 2/19/2026 3:49:44 PM EDT
Hi, new reg user here. Been reading for years but due to my own dumb fault, I could not get reg due to not reading about the No free emails reg rule. So now I am a member. I hopefully will be able to comment and/or help others here and sharing with say like something I am now using and/or experienced opinion. Had a few AR's over many years. Now down to just 3 AR's currently a older Armalite, a Aero Precision and, my Older Colt LE6920 w/ 14.5 SOCOM pinned Barrel (w/ Grenade Launcher attachment Flats) . I want to upgrade the Colt 14.5 to a little better 14.5 more Accurate Barrel. Just for my own personal preference I want to keep the Factory Cage code marked Colt A front sight with the and Handgrips - which are actually a set of Free Floats but factory style looking with Knights Armaments' rail covers on all 4 sides. I called Criterion but they did not have a Barrel that would fit my Handguards, with the factory Gas block and A Front sight for my desires. I am just starting to do a bit of distance shooting with the Colt out 150 - 300 yards +/-. I am using a Nikon Nikon M-223 Precision Optic Riflescope 3-12x42 with BDC and bullet drop app. I'm in no way any sharp shooter but can ring steel better than I thought I would. I also know that the Gun, Barrel, ALG trigger, and Scope are way better than I am right now. But I would like to get the new Barrel so I can set up Zero with a finished build. I am not wanting to get a 2nd upper to switch, just upgrade the existing with a more accurate Barrell swap in is all. Been trying to see if Rosco, Proof Research, Ballistic Adv, Kreiger or other have one to fit the bill for me. I had a Ballistic Adv one some years ago that I was very happy with but have seen a lot of comments here saying they are not so great now. Sorry for such a long 1st post. If any who can give me a Barrell to look at I would appreciate it. I did research here a few days some before I posted. Thank you for reading my post! |
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Those Colt SOCOM barrels tended to be really accurate for a service rifle barrel. The few that I had would consistently group under 2 MOA with halfway decent factory loads. I had one in particular that would group sub-MOA with ADI Outback 69gr SMKs. This is M4 clone configuration with either an ACOG or basic scope. Unless you have a dud that won’t group, I wouldn’t replace it. If you’re looking for more of a DMR role, I’d build an upper for that purpose. |
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Thanks this just reminded me of something I need to look into a few other Barrel company choices to call. I saw 2 different test on this a while back. 7:06 mins mins spreadsheet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NeKIJpRXIU  Testing a Colt SOCOM AR-15 Barrel (Groups, Borescope, Headspace, etc) |
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This is the 2nd one I saw. Made me think was room for improvement with a Barrel swap upgrade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQn7GVlwkpY  14.5in Colt SOCOM vs. BCM ELW Barrel - Accuracy Test |
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https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/-/118-486225/? https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Colt-M4A1-SOCOM-Barrel-Accuracy-Another-Look/118-762088/ Feed them good ammo and they will outshine many barrels. |
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR: https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/-/118-486225/? https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Colt-M4A1-SOCOM-Barrel-Accuracy-Another-Look/118-762088/ Feed them good ammo and they will outshine many barrels. So far thanks to all the post! Good to see there is lots of Love for the Colt SOCOM 14.5 as much as I have love for it myself. Also thanks for those 2 links. I have done a lot of past searching and never saw those. That 2nd one was especially interesting as he posted about that he purchased a Centurion Arms CHF SOCOM 14.5 Barrel. But there was no further post to compare the results of how it performed vs the Colt 14.5. Appreciate the responses about how good the factory one already is. I did not think it was not good, I just thought it could benefit from a little improvement of accuracy. Also I agree the right ammo that the gun and Barrel like are a major impact in tighten groups at distance. Know the 1st thing is - it's not as much the gun as it is the shooter to start with. |
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I would keep the Colt as is and upgrade the barrel of the Aero upper. Or just buy a new stripped barreled upper from DD, Geissele or Larue. My personal experience with Criterion barrels is okay. Accurate is good but not super super great. I'd prefer DD or G or Larue over. |
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Originally Posted By MJ11B4P: Those Colt SOCOM barrels tended to be really accurate for a service rifle barrel. The few that I had would consistently group under 2 MOA with halfway decent factory loads. I had one in particular that would group sub-MOA with ADI Outback 69gr SMKs. This is M4 clone configuration with either an ACOG or basic scope. Unless you have a dud that won’t group, I wouldn’t replace it. If you’re looking for more of a DMR role, I’d build an upper for that purpose. That's where I am. Also, welcome aboard OP. |
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."
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"Those Colt SOCOM barrels tended to be really accurate for a service rifle barrel. The few that I had would consistently group under 2 MOA with halfway decent factory loads. I had one in particular that would group sub-MOA with ADI Outback 69gr SMKs. This is M4 clone configuration with either an ACOG or basic scope. Unless you have a dud that won't group, I wouldn't replace it. If you're looking for more of a DMR role, I'd build an upper for that purpose." This +1000 |
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My opinion is leave the Colt alone. I had grouping issues once with an 20" Armalite. Turned out the 4-14 scope was not jee-haing with the front sight post. Shaved the post and it instantly shot like a laser. Yea, with enough magnification you see past the post, but it is still there, causing in my case something similar to paralax. |
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