I'm looking to dip my toes into the precision rifle world am and am thinking that instead of investing in a new rifle, scope mounts, ammo, reloading components etc I may be better served by starting slow. I already have a lower with Geissele trigger in it, an A2 stock and a Burris XTR II 2.5-10X in a Larue mount plus a healthy stash of ammo and components. Realistically its rare I'll be able to shoot past 500 yards and I am a member at a range that is close with a 100 yard range so I can experiment with different ammo easily.

WOA barrels seem to get glowing reviews and I imagine their completed uppers would be the same? I'm thinking 1:8 twist but can't decide between an 18" or 20" barrel. They list the 18" barrels as being match but the 20" barrels having the same spec as the match. The rifle won't be carried far ever but I would plan on suppressing it occasionally if my 7.62 Saker has a somewhat consistent impact on zero when its taken on and off. I'm leaning towards the 20" but would welcome any input you guys have.

I've had one of the 18" SPR barrels for several years... great barrel. You certainly can't go wrong with WOA.

Nice! Appreciate the feedback.

Now just to decide on length......

My best barrels are WOA. I own Krieger, Douglas, Criterion, Bartlein, Hart, Noveske, Shilen, Lothar-Walther, Wilson Arms, Wilson Combat, Rock River, Colt, DD, FN and ER Shaw.

None of these barrels are better than my WOA's. A couple are just as good, at a much higher price point.

WOA is as good as it gets IMO.

How do you define "best?"

Im not a precision guy, but i have a 16 inch WOA barrel that reaches out to 850 easily.
I liked it so much that i built a twin with a 20 inch dmr to see if i could get a bit farther.
That was two years ago....still unfired.

😐

I have a 20, wish it was 18. Accuracy is on point.

Is your 20” the SDM upper with DD rail and front sight or the SPR upper with the ALG upper? Why do you wish you had gotten the 18” ?

I realize the 18” is going to be handier but can’t help but lust after the 20” SDM variant. I won’t be carrying it far, it will look awesome with an A1 or A2 and there is maybe some marginal velocity increase with the 20” barrel.

Most accurate, just like everyone else.

Not true.   Some may hold a more durable barrel as "best."  Or one that is more consistent.  Or one that is more flexible.  Or one that is handier for their particular intended use.

But I appreciate you clearing up your meaning.

To date, the most accurate 100 yard group I've ever seen from an AR was with an 18" SPR White Oak barrel.

I had one (had to sell it ) in 18” and still have one in 16”

Both are tack drivers but the 18” was the best. Right out of the box it shot the best group I’ve shot with an AR.

I’ll build or buy another 18” WOA barreled upper one day.

Any idea what blanks WOA uses?

I've ready somewhere that they are Wilson blanks.  But someone else will need to fact check me on that.

In any event, I think JP also uses Wilson blanks....no one accuses them of being inaccurate.

Wilson on the low end. Krieger and Shilen on the high end.

This.

Best barrel for the money IMO.

I paid $190 for my 18" WOA during their Pirate day sale. It spanks my $400 Criterion.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/precision-rifles/Precision-AR-barrels-My-experiences/4-8424/

Thank you for the link.  Very helpful.

@870Fan my upper was an off the shelf oddity.  Someone ordered the fluted 20" barrel but had it installed into their varmint handguard, then didn't pay for it.  I have since modified it with a Geissele MK4

CLE IS MY PREFERENCE