Options for an AR 15 barrel?
Hi all.
I want to get my first AR15 to be used as fun shooter at 100 to 200 yards. I want it to be pretty accurate when I shoot from a bench rest. I also enjoy the rapid fire a semi-auto at shorter ranges like 50 to 100 yards. Can you give me some advice for making the following choices related to the barrel?
caliber? 223 or 5.56 (leaning towards 5.56 for cheaper ammo)
barrel length? 16″, 20″, 24″, … (leaning towards 16″ for the compact size)
number of twists? 1:7, 1:12, … (I have no clue here how to make a choice)
chrome lined? yes or no (thinking chrome lined is better, but why)
barrel weight? light, heavy, bull, … (thinking medium weight for rapid fire sessions)
Finally, is brand important? I’d rather pay more the first time and get something I’ll be happy with down the road. The stingy man pays twice….
Thanks!
Ray
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http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17567&cat=250&page=2
18″ Stainless
Mid-length gas system, (you want this or rifle length)
Wylde chamber, (accurate with 5.56 and .223)
1-7 twist, stabilizes 77gr and over bullets for longer shots
Just add a barrel extension and bolt head and have them fit it then it is a drop-in assembly once it is delivered.
Or could custom order a Lothar Walther LW50 barrel and specify everything for a little more money and waiting time. I ordered a LW-50 tube for my AR-10T, specify the steel used, chamber, rifling twist, twist rate, length, profile, gas hole port size, gas port location, muzzle threads, and it is made. Then it is delivered with the barrel extension installed and a matching bolt head so no worries about headspacing. (Mine was a 20″ .308 Match chamber, 1-11.25 polygonal twist, .080 gas port 1″ longer than rifle length, and heavy’ish profile, .750″ gas block area and .748″ to the muzzle and threaded for suppressor/brake.) Larue uses LW-50 barrels and they have proved to be performers.
X2 what Syn said. The chrome lining is a mil spec thing and adds to durability but not accuracy.
I would look at adding a Ciener conversion kit. It will allow you to shoot 22 long rifle.
One thing to remember is that high volume shooting and match grade accuracy do not go hand in hand.
Here is what i’d do, ymmv…
5.56 (can shoot both)
20″ or 16″ (longer is usually better, but weight becomes a factor if it’s a bull)
1:7 (works with most surplus ammo, 1:12 will not work well with a ball weight above 65 grains)
no chrome (one more thing to go wrong and will wear or peel),
bull barrel profile, or fluted (more surface area helps the barrel cool quicker),
pick a barrel in the mid priced range (with the velocity of the 556 rounds wear will be an issue, no need to go all out for 200 yard shooting)
Don’t forget to post pictures and a review when you get it. 😉 😀
Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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DPMS get the bull barrel if your shooting on the range most of time, 556 is the way too go,chromed barrels are not as accurate in my opinion.only draw back bulls are loud..Bushmasters are also a good choice..