AR Sponsor
Posted: 1/26/2015 4:00:44 PM EDT
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Regarding a 14.5" AR barrel that will have a permanently attached flash hider/muzzle brake (choice not yet selected) I'd like to know peoples' opinions and experiences on barrels. This isn't limited to the ones I've selected but my concerns are in this order:
1. Accuracy (1 MOA and ability to maintain 2 MOA groups for at least 50 rounds is preferred) 2. Cost ($300 or less is ideal but is not a hard ceiling) 3. Durability (resistance to wearing out) 4. Weight (I won't be getting a bull barrel but I won't be getting a lightweight barrel either so most likely a government profile or medium contour to balance weight and rigidity). Barrel will be mounted in a Tactical Machine forged upper with a BCM CH and either a BCM BCG, Colt BCG, or something similar. Handguard will be a Midwest Industries or something similar. Barrel nut will be DPMS or whatever is available. For the Colt barrel I'll be using BUIS so FSB will be gone. |
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Here’s what I've found so far that I'm interested in.
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/14-5-chf-government-carbine-5-56x45mm-1-7-rh-twist-prod71548.aspx - FN 14.5" barrel - $300 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/887158/noveske-afghan-match-barrel-ar-15-pistol-556x45mm-nato-medium-contour-1-in-7-twist-145-stainless-steel-with-low-profile-gas-block Noveske 14.5" barrel - $450 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/663699/daniel-defense-barrel-ar-15-pistol-556x45mm-nato-m4-contour-carbine-gas-port-1-in-7-twist-145-hammer-forged-chrome-lined-chrome-moly-matte Daniel Defense 14.5" barrel - $275 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/14-5-m4-socom-barrel-assembly-with-sight-tower-prod71337.aspx Colt 14.5" barrel w/FSB - $280 Is the Noveske worth the 50% increase over the others? I've seen barrels from Core15, VooDoo and AR-Stoner but I haven't heard of them before so I have no idea if they're any good but I welcome all opinions. Thank you |
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Of the four you linked the only one I would expect to meet your accuracy requirements is the Noveske. Personally I would look at the Rainier Arms Ultramatch: http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatchtm-223-wylde-barrel-14-5 Their Select and Match barrels are also good. http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-matchtm-223-wylde-barrel-14-5 http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-selecttm-5-56mm-barrel-14-5-6538 Make sure you free float it. All barrels are different and hand loading can really help you find a load your rifle likes. ETA: A friend of mine has the Ultramatch and I've seen some of his three shot groups with all three bullets touching. He got rid of his select barrel because accuracy was around 1MOA. Lots of guys have had good success with ARP barrels, so you might check them out, but I think they do 16" barrels, no 14.5's. |
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IIRC the Match is slightly higher tolerance barrel. I'm not sure why they're the same price. I believe when they were first brought to market they said something along the lines of "how tight of a group do you want - Quarter size, get the Select - Nickel size, get the Match - Dime size, get the UltraMatch." |
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Quoted:
IIRC the Match is slightly higher tolerance barrel. I'm not sure why they're the same price. I believe when they were first brought to market they said something along the lines of "how tight of a group do you want - Quarter size, get the Select - Nickel size, get the Match - Dime size, get the UltraMatch." Select is poly rifling match is land/groove. |
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Voodoo 14.5" mid-length w/pinned Manimal flash hider.
This will allow you to configure and reconfigure whenever you like, no need to remove the flash hider, ever. |
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