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11/8/2012 4:38:35 PM EDT
Hey all!

I am looking to build my first AR-15.  As I'm sure you all know, this is an exciting time.  My goal is to buy parts I won't want to upgrade further down the road.  In other words, I'm wanting to build a "top of the line" AR-15.  

I am wanting a 16" barrel for portability reasons.  I would like maximum velocity.  So 1:7 or 1:8 is preferable.  I am planning on a mid-length gas system.  I would like to be able to shoot any kind of load. I was thinking Daniel Defense, but for no reason other than, that's what I saw on Midway's site.

My question is...

What companies should I be looking at?  Any other options I should consider?

Thanks!
11/8/2012 4:58:53 PM EDT
[#1]
Are you thinking about a complete upper assembly ... or assembling your own upper?

For complete uppers, also take a look at BCM and Noveske (I would also say Colt and LMT ... but they only come in carbine length).

If you assemble your own, there are many custom/semi-custom barrel manufacturers out there which are GTG.
11/8/2012 5:04:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Are you thinking about a complete upper assembly ... or assembling your own upper?

For complete uppers, also take a look at BCM and Noveske (I would also say Colt and LMT ... but they only come in carbine length).

If you assemble your own, there are many custom/semi-custom barrel manufacturers out there which are GTG.


I plan on going with the VLTOR VIS upper.  I should have specified.  I am more wondering what companies I should look at as far as barrels go.
11/8/2012 5:23:36 PM EDT
[#3]
I used one of the Spike's FN barrels for my first build. So far so good, about 400 rds. At first I was kinda disappointed but the groups did tighten up around the 100-150 mark. Slow fire at 100yds with Hornady 55gr hand loads is about 4in. But that's with iron sights.
11/8/2012 7:28:33 PM EDT
[#4]
For precision ... Shilen, White Oak, Lothar Walther, Superior, Lilja, Douglas........Krieger.......and a ton of others...........

Do some research out there ... see what is available ... can't go wrong with any of the above.

For kind of a standard chrome-lined barrel ... BCM, DD, FN ...
11/8/2012 7:44:09 PM EDT
[#5]
Rainierarms has nice barrels. I got an 18" ultramatch barrel and it's a laser.
11/9/2012 8:20:08 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
For precision ... Shilen, White Oak, Lothar Walther, Superior, Lilja, Douglas........Krieger.......and a ton of others...........

Do some research out there ... see what is available ... can't go wrong with any of the above.

For kind of a standard chrome-lined barrel ... BCM, DD, FN ...


Thanks for this post :) I have not seen any of these names before, but I knew there had to be other names out there.
11/9/2012 8:20:39 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Rainierarms has nice barrels. I got an 18" ultramatch barrel and it's a laser.


Thanks!  I've heard good things about that company.
11/10/2012 3:48:11 PM EDT
[#8]
I 2nd the rainier arms barrels, I have one of their match barrels, very accurate and their customer service is top notch
11/10/2012 4:00:15 PM EDT
[#9]
Kreiger

Compass Lake
http://www.compasslake.com/

Douglas (Their 18" SPR barrels are what is used in the Mk12)
http://www.fulton-armory.com/barreldouglas18navysprcm1x8threaded.aspx

Noveske

White Oak Armament
11/10/2012 7:10:23 PM EDT
[#10]
For my .308 build a bought a 20" Criterion by Krieger through Fulton Armory and am VERY happy.  I'm not sure exactly what they have in .223 ... but I would expect it to be very good.
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