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3/7/2010 6:50:49 AM EDT
So I am swapping out my 16" 1/9 twist carbine upper on my S&W M&P and looking for an 18" SPR barrel.  I have found the following barrels that I believe will do what I am looking for which is a precision rifle that wont be a burden to carry around so no 12 pounders here.  I want this thing to be light enough so that it does't become a benchrest rifle only.  I would be interested in taking it out for prairie dogs, coyotes, and maybe hogs.  Any other suggestions are welcome.  Thanks.

BCM 18" SS410â„¢ Barrel with Rifle Length Gas (stripped) 1/8 Twist -  $299 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-18-SPR-SS410-Barrel-with-Rifle-Length-Gas-p/bcm-recbrl%2018ss.htm

Noveske 18.5 SPR 5.56mm Barrel w/Gas Tube - $460.00 http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=956

Rainier Arms 18 UltraMatch Mid Stainless Steel Barrel - $365.00 http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=818

Sabre Defence SS 5.56MM Barrel - 18 - $325.00 http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1634

WOA 18 Stainless Steel Match Grade Barrel - $279.00 http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=449

WOA Squad Designated Marksman Barrel - $405 - http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=774
3/8/2010 2:01:02 AM EDT
[#1]
Any opinions on any of these barrels?
3/8/2010 6:21:39 AM EDT
[#2]
The BCM's I have owned and shot have been incredibly accurate.  If thats the profile you are looking for for 299 you will NOT beat it, period.
3/8/2010 7:52:47 AM EDT
[#3]
How about the White Oak Armory 18" barrel?  Does anyone know if they HPT and MPI test their barrels.

I have heard lots of good things about them and they are slightly cheaper than the BCM barrel.  Although the price difference isn't enough to knock out the BCM if WOA customer service isn't very good.
3/8/2010 8:31:03 AM EDT
[#4]
White Oak SDM has my vote because thats what I have and have been very happy with.  Its not as heavy as it looks either.  Be aware that Noveske is probably in the lead because someones brothers friends uncle knew this spec ops guy and thats what they used in the SEALs.  I'm not saying I dont't like Noveskes barrels.  They are great and I own one myself.  Just saying alot of gearheads only vote based on brand name.  Thats why you see so many votes and so little explanations of their opinions.
3/8/2010 9:01:50 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
White Oak SDM has my vote because thats what I have and have been very happy with.  Its not as heavy as it looks either.  Be aware that Noveske is probably in the lead because someones brothers friends uncle knew this spec ops guy and thats what they used in the SEALs.  I'm not saying I dont't like Noveskes barrels.  They are great and I own one myself.  Just saying alot of gearheads only vote based on brand name.  Thats why you see so many votes and so little explanations of their opinions.


Thanks, I am pretty much down to the White Oak 18" or the BCM 18".  Both mainly due to price and reputation but I do keep coming back to the White Oak SDM because of the flutes and difference than most barrels you see.

Also I appreciate your honest view.  I really wish people would explain their vote but what are you gonna do.

ETA:  Also was wondering how the front site worked with  the White Oak SDM barrel?  I actually may just run a low profile gas block and no BUIS since this will be more of a long range rifle.  Haven't decided yet.
3/8/2010 10:10:51 AM EDT
[#6]
Not on your list, and maybe for a reason, but you should consider the DPMS 18" SS MK 12 barrel.  For about $200 you get a barrel that may be as good as any barrel on that list except the Noveske.  If there is a difference between the DPMS and the others, I'd bet it is not big enough that you could see it in any objective way.
3/8/2010 10:29:42 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
White Oak SDM has my vote because thats what I have and have been very happy with.  Its not as heavy as it looks either.  Be aware that Noveske is probably in the lead because someones brothers friends uncle knew this spec ops guy and thats what they used in the SEALs.  I'm not saying I dont't like Noveskes barrels.  They are great and I own one myself.  Just saying alot of gearheads only vote based on brand name.  Thats why you see so many votes and so little explanations of their opinions.


Thanks, I am pretty much down to the White Oak 18" or the BCM 18".  Both mainly due to price and reputation but I do keep coming back to the White Oak SDM because of the flutes and difference than most barrels you see.

Also I appreciate your honest view.  I really wish people would explain their vote but what are you gonna do.

ETA:  Also was wondering how the front site worked with  the White Oak SDM barrel?  I actually may just run a low profile gas block and no BUIS since this will be more of a long range rifle.  Haven't decided yet.


As far as the front sight goes, I used a PRI flip up front sight.  It is .750 diameter and has set screws that contact the barrel on the four "flats" that are milled into the barrel.  Using the set screws you can adjust the windage to perfectly align the front sight.
3/8/2010 1:01:04 PM EDT
[#8]
if it is a match barrel will it not shoot plinking ammo very well?  i'm thinking about the rainier arms 18" and was wondering how it'll shoot 55 or 62 grain cheap ammo out to 300 yds max.  i can't make my mind up either.
3/8/2010 1:29:38 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
if it is a match barrel will it not shoot plinking ammo very well?  i'm thinking about the rainier arms 18" and was wondering how it'll shoot 55 or 62 grain cheap ammo out to 300 yds max.  i can't make my mind up either.


It shouldn't matter since it will still be a 1/7 or 1/8 twist.

3/9/2010 3:45:30 PM EDT
[#10]
Sorry but I have to plug Monty at Centurion Arms again:













Material: 416R Stainless


Barrel extension: M4 feed ramps


Chamber: optimized for use with MK262 (Black Hills 77gr equivalent)


Twist: 1 in 7 right hand


Contour: for use with OPS inc.


Length: 18 in and threaded 1/2x28 for use with most common muzzle devices


Weight: 2 lbs 6.3 oz

3/9/2010 4:39:05 PM EDT
[#11]
Ok well I will ask what is probably a dumb question.

Which is a better steel for a  barrel, 410 or 416?
3/12/2010 5:20:31 PM EDT
[#12]
I have a WOA 18" middy that I use for three gun.  Great barrel, especially for the price.  Also have a WOA 18" middy in 7.62 on my AR10.  This was a custom barrel from a Krieger blank and can outshoot me.  Couple guys I work with have Noveske's and a couple have LaRue Stealth uppers.  All are outstanding uppers/barrels and I would use any of them, but  WOA gets my vote out of all of them from a price standpoint.  You will have to be on your very best game to tell the difference between it and any of the others I think.  Use the money you save on a really good trigger and some range time.
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