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Posted: 9/23/2013 8:30:41 PM EDT
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I confess, I am a noob.
I am trying to build my first AR, but I have no clue what barrel to choose. There are so many out there, different metals, lengths, fluted, mid-length, etc. I have tried to research the types, but I still do not understand. Would anybody be willing to explain if fairly good detail what the different terms mean, quality and advantages of different metals, and the different barrel types. You help is extremely appreciated. Maybe point in the direction of sites or current deals going on as well. |
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It would be easier for you to tell us what you are looking for in a rifle.
Are you looking to build a rifle for home defense, or long range hunting? 3 gun competition? Do you prefer a longer free-float handguard, or are you wanting to clone a military carbine with an A2 front sight? There are 3 gas length systems; carbine, midlength, and rifle. This is the most basic knowledge that you need to understand, and then we can go from there once you tell us what you are trying to accomplish. But first... I suggest you read the stickied threads at the top from beginniing to end. It is one of the most informative parts of this site, and will help you understand a great deal. Good luck |
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I'm not looking to do any hunting (though I would like to), it would just be a gun to take to the range, and self defense.
I think I've decided on just doing a 16" barrel, 5.56, probably lightweight since I don't do a lot of shooting the gas system is one of those things I'm not clear on. Does the distance have an effect on accuracy, or are they dependent on barrel lengths? |
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Not on accuracy, but the midlength gas is going to be the smoothest, and most trouble free. You can set up a good 16" midlength to digest any ammo with only a standard spring and carbine buffer.
I suggest you start your search for a good quality 16" midlength complete upper from a reputable company. Rainier or Bravo Company Machine is where I would start. |
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Quoted:
I'm not looking to do any hunting (though I would like to), it would just be a gun to take to the range, and self defense. I think I've decided on just doing a 16" barrel, 5.56, probably lightweight since I don't do a lot of shooting the gas system is one of those things I'm not clear on. Does the distance have an effect on accuracy, or are they dependent on barrel lengths? I would go with a mid-length gas system on a 16" and a rifle length on a 18" and 20". I have a theory that the farther the gas port is from the chamber, the more velocity you get. Basically once the bullet passes the gas port, the pressure drops to re-route gas to the gas tube. Base on my theory, velocity would increase as follows: Carbine, mid-length, rifle, Bolt action. One thing to note, it's just my theory, may not be worth for much. Even then, velocity increases may be minor. More advantages of Middy over Carbine: Longer sight radius Not as over-gassed more handguard real estate Here is a good write up on Gas systems: http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/06/foghorn/ask-foghorn-gas-system-length-ar-15/ Here is a good barrel that has all the perks I like about barrels: http://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/11562/4307 5r rifling m4 feedramps 4150V steel Melonited!! Wylde chamber Only thing is it has different threads (5/8-24) than a regular AR barrel (1/2x28) |
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Keep in mind that the 16" and shorter barrels are going to produce significant amounts of report/blast, make sure you will be wearing high quality hearing protection.
With that said, I would agree at the 20" Bbl. length using a Rifle gas system is the Ideal length for the 5.56mm round as it was originally designed by E. Stoner...JMHO. Good Luck. |
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