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Posted: 1/25/2011 12:12:13 PM EDT
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hey guys I have been looking at upper assemblies for a while and i had a question about a barrel.
what is the difference between a lightweight barrel and a non lightweight? as the difference between there two http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Barrel_Assembly_p/dt1023.htm and http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Barrel_Assembly_p/dt1021.htm sorry if it sounds stupid but i am new, if someone would let me know the pros and cons i would greatly appreciate it thanks |
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A light weight bbl is basicly just that: A lighter weight bbl. It will have a smaller outside diameter.
Although lighter than others, it may have a shift in point of aim/point of impact as you begin to send more bullets down range when the bbl begins to heat up. A heavier bbl may have less change. This would be most noticable under very rapid fire. A lighter bbl would not necessarily wear any quicker or last any longer than a heavier bbl if the steel and chrome lining was of equal quality. Gas blocks or front sight bases may be different due to differences in exterior bbl diameter but nowhere else. I personally don't have any lightweight bbls and prefer the standard weights. |
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More about these light weight barrels is that the gas block diameter is shaved down to save weight. Most of the lightweight barrels save weight on the front end of the barrel. Most ar s have a .750 gas block diameter with the new light weight barrels it is .625. While never having handling lightweight barrel I was interested in them my self and would like to handle an ar with one. But things I considered and thought about after research is that hearing rapid firing can change point of impact is what really turned me off. Its said that the barrel will heat up faster than that of a regular mil spec barrel. Me being a pretty stocky guy I didnt think a few ounces of wieght would of really made a difference. Look at bravocompanyusa.com under barrel assemblies and you can see the characteristics that are changed when comparing it to other barrels. But, BCM, Daniel Defense put out quality barrels along with other brands so I think you ll be happy either way. Also, things to think about is what do you intend to use the ar for. Are you looking to make the rilfle lightweight all around like with light weight rails/tubes, stocks,optics, assecories, etc.? If you can save weight on the whole ar then you'll have speed on your side, faster when transitioning from targets, and faster follow up shots. I think it would be great for cqb or even home defense if you built a lightweight carbine. Unless for some reason you plan on dumping mags and getting into sustained fire fights. I hope some of this information helps in your decision for an upper and good luck with your build.
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