AR Sponsor
Posted: 10/5/2008 2:37:10 AM EDT
I'm building a new gun which will be my SHTF, the world is coming to an end, I'm heading for the hills screaming "Wolverines!" gun! I'm still deciding between A1 upper and A3 upper w/larue BUIS. Will I notice a big difference between the M4 barrel compared to the lightweight barrel? I want it simple and light, but also strong, and I'll sacrifice a little weight if there's advantages to the M4 barrel. My plan is to put a compact acog on it in the next year. Unlike everyone else on here I like my acogs in the carry handle so I have instant access to the irons, which is why I still can't decide on an upper yet.
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I have a light weight AR, and I have a couple M4s set up with an EOTech, BUIS, and a light. If SHTF, I'll grab the M4 because it will put me on target faster, and light up the dark spots so i know if they are clear or not. A dot & light will increase your chances of living longer. First one on target gets the shot, & the one who can see better in the dark times gets to live another day. |
| A lightweight upper is fine for strength... we did fight a whole war wtht hem and they only had problems when used as prybars. You will certainly notice the weight difference. Id never get an A2 upper. Just not optic friendly and you gain no real utility. Weight savings there is minimal vs flattop plus BUIS. |
| Me? I'd get a M4 barrel and a good one at that, Something made from 4150CMV steel(or better) chromed lined, 1/7 twist, Flattop upper, Forget the plain jane 4150/4140 1/9 twist Bushmaster/RRA/Oly/DPMS barrels, You want the best you can get, after all, this is what our boys in uniform use, why should'nt you??You'll have to pony up some more money, But quality barrels aren't cheap either, Noveske, LMT, BCM comes to mind for quality barrels... |
When's the last time you had an AR hanging on a sling for 4 out of 8 hours in a day? You might change your mind if you ever do. Pencil or lighter all the way. The chances of SHTF are negligable. The chances of a heated and extended firefight during SHTF are a negligable part of negligable. I'd rather be light and quick, in and out of a fight. That extra pound adds up real quick. |
A1 barrels saw some fighting, and did pretty well w/o the "extra meat."  Both of my ARs have lightweight barrels, so I'm biased. If you don't really need a heavier profile barrel, I don't see why you would buy one, except for aesthetics. |
Exactly. The first time you stand a perimeter for six hours with your 12 pound AR will all the cool toys on it, you will change your mind. Lord knows I did. |
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you should just build a slightly upgraded KISS rifle thats fits your basic needs and add a Light and RDS and then worry about a good cleaning kit and spare parts for that maintenance MOLLE pouch and lots of MAGS! Its very doubtful SHTF will happen but its our responsibility to be prepared to fight all enemy's foreign and DOMESTIC lol 
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Yep opening C Rat cases by snaping the wires with a prong flash hider and a "pencil" barrel is a no no But opening MREs with it should be no problem  I'd go with a light wt when shtf that way I can put more ice in the cooler... |
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Many people who don't use a rifle for anything practical (read not range shooting from a bench)will tell you to go with a heavy barrel. Those who carry them on duty or in combat will tell you that the extra weight hurts more than it helps. Wringing out that last little bit of accuracy from the heavy barrel is nice if you are a sniper or designated marksman, but for SHTF go with light. If SHTF ever happens, you will likely be carrying more than just a rifle. Use the weight for extra ammo. If you are curious, I learned the hard way. I had an 11 pound rifle and spent 8 hours on perimeter. Damn thing gets heavy as hell after that kind of time. |
Ralph, I agree with everything you say but I'm just curious to know what you mean by "Or better" then 4150 CMV. Which, incidently my shtf gun is a BCM 16'' 4150 CMV. |
John Noveske has addressed that issue nicely in his N4 barrels. His 16" N4 Light Recce barrel is nearly identical in weight to a Colt 16" M4 profile barrel, yet as you can see below the profile is (IMHO) much more sensible. (No you can't attach an M203 grenade launcher to it, but that's a compromise I'm willing to make.)   |
4150 is not CMV. 4150 does not have Vanadium in it. Bravo Co uses 11595E which is another name for ORD4150- one of the types of 4150 out there. 
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HARV 24 is absolutely, 110% right. Will .125 lbs make a difference if your shooting 10 inch groups @ 5m? Will that high speed barrel that the manf. claims .00005 MOA @ 100000m make a difference? Learn to shoot what you have. Know that you can shoot a clay off hand @ 50m first round with iron sights. After that, then worry about whatever else...... Shoot straight FIRST! Cwackers |
No stuff! Most important is the familiarity and trigger time you have with whatever it is you are shooting. I know some dudes with bolt action SHTF weapons that would make short-work with more than 80% of the city slickers working AR sticks. Seriously folks . . .gov profile vs. lightweight? - |
AFAIK you can send your upper to Noveske and get an N4 barrel installed otherwise you have to buy the complete upper. The barrels are not for sale just by themselves. |
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