AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/3/2013 1:47:05 PM EDT
|
OK, wife build folks. I'm trying to do a relatively lightweight build using a pinned/welded, but not as of yet purchased 14.5 in barrel. This will mate up with my Black Friday special $99 Lantac Dragon Comp and soon to be purchased pink MAG Tactical lower.
The big selling point of the MAG Tactical lower is its lighter weight due to magnesium alloy construction. This will remove some weight from the very center of the rifle. Concerned that a weighty SOCOM barrel could make it a front heavy. On the other hand I'm also concerned that a lightweight barrell won't maintain its accuracy and I'm just generally skeptical of the durability of a lightweight contour. On the other other hand, finding regular gov't contour (regular weight) 14.5 barrels is tough right now. So my question is simply regarding balance usinf the MAG Tactical lower and 1) what contour 14.5 barrel I should be using and 2) are my concerns regarding LW barrels unfounded? 3) should I just have the patience to wait for available regular contour (government) to become available. Not an option in my book is using an M4 barrel (I hate the M203 cutouts) or a heavier weight stock to balance things out. Remember, lightweight/accuracy is the goal! Thanks! |
|
Daniel Defense makes a excellent (I have it on mine) LW 1:7 mid length barrel, MidwayUSA had them on sale last month, not sure if it is now. Anyway, I love it, it is accurate, hammer forged so you know it'll be strong as hell. I'm no sniper but I'm sure their LW 14.5 will not preform any less, than a heavier contour, unless you're shooting from a bench with the gun in a vice, even then the difference, if any would be minuscule.
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/Primary/963/963991.jpg |
| Obviously the life of the barrel depends on the kind of us it is going to be subject to. Correct bullet grain with correct twist rate is also key. It's great that your trying to make it light, as for balance if you feel it's a little forward heavy I recommend the magpul UBR stock. |
|
The quality the manufacturer puts into the barrel will have more effect on accuracy than the weight/profile. The argument with heavier profile barrels is that they dissipate heat faster and therefore maintain consistency. I have a lightweight Krieger barrel that shoots far and away more accurately than the heavier profile barrels i have.
BCM carries govt profile 14.5's that are in stock if you don't mind mid-length gas system. Both BCM and DD have a good reputation for accuracy. |
|
Actually prefer midlength. So are my doubts and fears about accuracy using a LW but quality barrel unfounded? Living in Kalifornia, I will not be doing any full auto, and as a wife build, she'll likely never put too many rounds downrange. That said, can't afford a CHF barrel. The Adams Arms Voodoo melonited barrels looking pretty good too.
Again, adding a heavy (UBR?) stock to improve balance is counterproductive in terms of overall weight, not to mention cost concerns. |
|
I used the spikes midlength LW 14.5 for my wife's build. it's a fucking tack driver for a low priced LW barrel. the Midwest industries G2 T series covers it nicely, and keeps the weight down for her.
I have no doubts it will hold up. seems to be built very well, and spikes has a pretty good rep around the site. |
Went with Spikes Tactical Mid-length lightweight profiled 14.5 in barrel. Not exactly what I wanted (preferred Adams Arms Melonited barrel), but could not beat the $184 shipped price. I used the "BFF" coupon code which took off $29.99  . Not an insignificant savings!
So maybe it won't be a tough as I'd like, but it is a wife build and she will appreciate the lighter weight more than the nuances of anything such as accuracy! 
Despite the fact that she is a Major in the Army, this barrel will likey be (and remain) more accurate than she is capable of exploiting! 
Thanks for the help folks! |
|
Quoted:
Actually prefer midlength. So are my doubts and fears about accuracy using a LW but quality barrel unfounded? Living in Kalifornia, I will not be doing any full auto, and as a wife build, she'll likely never put too many rounds downrange. That said, can't afford a CHF barrel. The Adams Arms Voodoo melonited barrels looking pretty good too. Again, adding a heavy (UBR?) stock to improve balance is counterproductive in terms of overall weight, not to mention cost concerns. Making the gun balance better will make it feel lighter, even if it isn't. Especially for a woman's arms. |
AR Sponsor