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Posted: 5/12/2011 11:19:24 AM EDT
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Im looking at getting an accurate barrel for target shooting purposes-preferably out to 600yard-ish.
These are two that im looking at. Both are DPMS. The one is the DPMS 18 inch SST MK 12 Barrel listed for around $195 (with gas block). The other is the DPMS 18 inch SST Mini SASS Barrel listed for around $295 (with gas block). I like the fact that they are both black, and they are in my price range. My real question is how much accuracy will i gain going with the more expensive (seemingly more heavy) one over the other? One plus for the MK 12 is the rifle length gas tube. the both can be found here Thanks! (any suggestions of other barrels in the same price range would be helpful also) |
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Hard to say, but the extra price on the more expensive one is because its a BULL barrel (meaning it does not taper). Its fluted to help reduce weight, but its still going to be quite heavy compared to the other barrel you posted. Bull barrels are VERY rigid, which does improve accuracy. It also has a more aggressive twist rate. I guess if the weight was not an issue for you, and you can afford to feed your rifle on a steady diet of match grade, I would suggest you get the bull barrel. Its going to be very very difficult to quantify a measurable difference between the two, even if we knew the exact ammo you were using, there are SO many factors involved. The bull, all other factors being equal, should be more accurate. Whether or not you could actually SEE the difference in your shooting is a whole other matter. |
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they're both rifled in 1/8 twist
personally i'd go with with the rifle length 18" barrel and save the $100 fluting doesn't do much for me, and bull barrels while in "theory" could be more accurate, some of those most accurate AR's i've seen or shot have been in medium contour. |
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If I were going to get serious on accuracy that far out (600 Yds), I would'nt even consider either barrel. IMHO
I'd get a Krieger barrel, or one of the higher end target barrels from BCM. You are going wish you had paid a little extra on a barrel when shooting past 500 yds with a (and I guess this) 223. I would also get a longer barrel than 18 inch to squeeze every bit of velocity out of the round since this is as you stated for target use and not a carry rifle. I hate it that the barrels I linked below are twice the price as the ones you speak of, however once you shoot past about 400 - 500 yds quality barrels are needed. IMHO And you get what you pay for. YMMV http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/ http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/20-Rifle-Barrel-s/37.htm |
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If you are going to shoot at 600, and you're on a budget, get a white oak barrel. They make them in 20'', 24'' and 26''. They are what I use in NRA high power. If you're not on a budget, consider a Krieger. They will last longer. Long distance shooting is one of my favorite hobbies. I'm not very good at it, but I'm getting better. I use an AR15A2 with a white oak upper, and a lower with a geissele trigger. |
| Well it didn't take too long before people started answering a question that doesnt exist. The OP wanted info on 2 DPMS barrels...not BCM, Kreiger, WO or any other barrel. Try to stay on target. I agree that with all factors being equal, the bull barrel should be better. The barrel won't heat up near as fast due to the mass. The fluting should help cool faster due to the increased surface area. Accuracy costs, the more money you spend, the better steel, machining, polishing, porting...etc. you will get. |
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Quoted: Well it didn't take too long before people started answering a question that doesnt exist. The OP wanted info on 2 DPMS barrels...not BCM, Kreiger, WO or any other barrel. Try to stay on target. I agree that with all factors being equal, the bull barrel should be better. The barrel won't heat up near as fast due to the mass. The fluting should help cool faster due to the increased surface area. Accuracy costs, the more money you spend, the better steel, machining, polishing, porting...etc. you will get. Quoted: Im looking at getting an accurate barrel for target shooting purposes-preferably out to 600yard-ish. These are two that im looking at. Both are DPMS. The one is the DPMS 18 inch SST MK 12 Barrel listed for around $195 (with gas block). The other is the DPMS 18 inch SST Mini SASS Barrel listed for around $295 (with gas block). I like the fact that they are both black, and they are in my price range. My real question is how much accuracy will i gain going with the more expensive (seemingly more heavy) one over the other? One plus for the MK 12 is the rifle length gas tube. the both can be found here Thanks! (any suggestions of other barrels in the same price range would be helpful also) Just sayin'. |
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