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Posted: 3/8/2010 10:18:39 AM EDT
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OK, so not to hijack other posts... but I am doing my first ground up build (have built 2 lowers in the past - no uppers) I have purchased Mega Machine matched upper and lower with charging handle. Now it is time to get eveything else. I will get a decent LPK, and likely the adjustable trigger from Mega as well. I am looking for a barrel suggestion. I want a lightweight 16" quality barrel in 5.56. Also suggestions on accessories would be great... kindof thinking mid length free float quad rail, low profile gas block, Troy flip up sights etc. Any ideas welcome. Also whatever is easiest upper for a new guy to assemble.
Thanks 
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I built a gun awhile back using a 16" Bushmaster "pencil" barrel with Vortex flash hider (original A1 diameter basically) - I love that carbine. There are others who will say it must be 1/7 twist, etc.
Sabre Defence makes a better barrel, and it's damn hard to beat Noveske's barrel (kinda ruled out here though because I don't think they make a true lightweight barrel) - but if you're building a lightweight then IMO there's no need for a $300 plus barrel when the Bushy will do just fine. So, I guess the next question to ask is how much do you want to spend? You can do a Bushmaster or Doublestar for probably the least $$$ and still get a good chrome lined barrel, or you can spend more money for better stuff. I have 3 Noveske N4's for the high mileage barrels with 1/7 - this other one I wanted to keep cheap and simple, and it has been everything I hoped it would. I also would forego the free float rail since the really lightweight barrels will be a bit whippier than others anyway - would probably go with a Troy DI rail or Surefire if you must have a rail, DD Omega if it must be free float. My lightweight wears carbine handguards, and shoots less than 2" with M193 which for me is good enough for what I built it for. YMMV. |
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Ok, you can take this for what it's worth, but I just built a carbine using a barrel from DEZ Arms. It was dirt cheap. Something like $125. If you call them, they will likely give you the same discount. Anyway, it is a non chrome lined barrel in 1:9 twist, but it shoots VERY well. I'm talking right at MOA at 100 yards with 62gr Silver Bear. It shocked the heck out of me. If I recall, the pencil barrels are a bit more expensive, but still a bargain. At the prices that they have, you can get two barrels for what one from a name brand company will.
There is one caveat through. I also ordered the gas tube and barrel nut from them. The accessory parts were junk. The gun short stroked until I got a new gas tube and the barrel nut was so out of spec that my wrench wouldn't fit on it. Check them out, unless you just have to have a "name." |
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Check out Centurion Arms and their barrels. They have a lightweight Cold Hammer Forged barrel with mid length gas system made from an M249 SAW blank- double thick chrome lining and a tapered bore. All for $325. I just got a 12.5" carbine for my use and a 16" lightweight for a build for my friend. Pinned gas blocks are nice (got one on my 12.5") and are only $50 more for the block AND pinning. Monty is also great to deal with.
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