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10/21/2012 8:42:29 PM EDT
Should the barrel profile be a factor in my selection? I plan on building my upper with a free float barrel and I notice three different profiles: LW, M4, GOV. Is there a reason to select one profile over another or is it just preference?

For reference, here are the profiles I've been noticing:

LW
M4
GOV
10/21/2012 8:53:31 PM EDT
[#1]
Just preference IMO. Is this build gonna be a fighting rifle or bench shooter?
10/21/2012 8:57:17 PM EDT
[#2]
Maybe some bench shooting every once in a while, but not much.
10/21/2012 9:03:24 PM EDT
[#3]
I would go with the LW then. Also look at Spikes FN midlength barrels. They have theirs turned down to an "Optimum Profile". It's between a Light Weight and a Government Profile.
10/21/2012 9:11:41 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
It's between a Light Weight and a Government Profile.


All three are the same at the breech end and under the handguards, so all three have the same effective heat dissipation, etc.  The Government profile and its derivative, the M4 profile, add weight at the gas block and forward to the muzzle.  This adds weight, shifting the balance of the rifle forward.  The M4 profile is for carbine gas system length and adds a cutout down to lightweight diameter in the middle of the heavier profile part forward of the FSB/gas block.

IMO the government and M4 profiles just hang extra weight on your rifle which is effectively useless.
10/21/2012 9:37:16 PM EDT
[#5]
Good to know, so not really a difference other than wait and any will work with a free float barrel?
10/21/2012 9:55:12 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
It's between a Light Weight and a Government Profile.


All three are the same at the breech end and under the handguards, so all three have the same effective heat dissipation, etc.  The Government profile and its derivative, the M4 profile, add weight at the gas block and forward to the muzzle.  This adds weight, shifting the balance of the rifle forward.  The M4 profile is for carbine gas system length and adds a cutout down to lightweight diameter in the middle of the heavier profile part forward of the FSB/gas block.

IMO the government and M4 profiles just hang extra weight on your rifle which is effectively useless.



Just because it's useless to you doesn't mean the profile was designed for you

And don't get me started on my 5.5lb ar..


10/21/2012 9:57:25 PM EDT
[#7]
Yes all of them can be set up for a free float hand guard/forend rail.
10/21/2012 10:15:23 PM EDT
[#8]
Many say that lightweight profiles heat up very fast for accuracy after so many rounds.
Yet gov't profile is what most of us have, and my impression from here is that its better for heat vs lightweight.
10/22/2012 4:34:31 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Many say that lightweight profiles heat up very fast for accuracy after so many rounds.
Yet gov't profile is what most of us have, and my impression from here is that its better for heat vs lightweight.


Doesn't make much sense does it?  If the Gov and the lightweight is the same profile under the hand guards they're going to heat up the same.  The only thing the Gov. profile does it hang extra weight off the very front of the rifle.  Needless weight, esp with a free float rail.  I've got a Gov. profile barrel myself, but only because I was a misinformed first time buyer.
10/22/2012 7:50:48 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Many say that lightweight profiles heat up very fast for accuracy after so many rounds.
Yet gov't profile is what most of us have, and my impression from here is that its better for heat vs lightweight.


Doesn't make much sense does it?  If the Gov and the lightweight is the same profile under the hand guards they're going to heat up the same.  The only thing the Gov. profile does it hang extra weight off the very front of the rifle.  Needless weight, esp with a free float rail.  I've got a Gov. profile barrel myself, but only because I was a misinformed first time buyer.


This.

M4 and GOV are the same except for the cut out to add a grenade launcher.  I don't like either - no need for the cuts and why have the extra weight out front?

Of your choices, I would go LW.
10/22/2012 8:27:20 AM EDT
[#11]
I went with a LW and would do it again no question.
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