Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Rifles and Shotguns > Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles Dedicated to the Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Rifles


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-25-2012, 09:09 PM
dirty gary's Avatar
dirty gary dirty gary is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: extreme So. Florida
Posts: 298
Likes: 112
Liked 83 Times in 38 Posts
Default Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?

I'm going to order am M&P15, and notice some models have a 1 in 8 inch twist, while some have a 1 in 9. Gun will be mainly for recreational fun. Any thoughts on what twist rate is best? I handload everything, 223 usually 55 gr FMJ with H335 performs great in a Mini 14 (stop snickering, I actually like the gun).
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 07-25-2012, 09:32 PM
Buckey08 Buckey08 is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: mid-michigan
Posts: 600
Likes: 322
Liked 415 Times in 179 Posts
Default

I'd go with a 1-8 twist, have a couple of Bushmasters with 1-9 and with heavy bullets some times I'm on the ragged edge in getting them to shoot. Over spinning a bullet to a point isn't as bad as under spinning it, to a point!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-26-2012, 08:42 AM
storeyteller's Avatar
storeyteller storeyteller is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Southwest GA
Posts: 988
Likes: 521
Liked 461 Times in 294 Posts
Default

Either will handle those 55's without a hitch. The 1:8 on my sport will shoot the heck out anything I load, from 50gr to 80gr. Have a friend with a 1:9 that LOVES 75's. I would get the MODEL I want and not base my decision on a twist delta of 1", because there aint a whole lot of difference between the 2.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-26-2012, 09:33 AM
oneyeopn's Avatar
oneyeopn oneyeopn is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ford, Ks
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 5,343
Liked 2,270 Times in 1,273 Posts
Default

I agree the difference lies more with the models than the twist rate, so get what floats your boat the highest.
__________________
Grover Oathkeeper
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-26-2012, 10:50 AM
Fat B Fat B is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 377
Likes: 83
Liked 101 Times in 65 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirty gary View Post
I'm going to order am M&P15, and notice some models have a 1 in 8 inch twist, while some have a 1 in 9. Gun will be mainly for recreational fun. Any thoughts on what twist rate is best? I handload everything, 223 usually 55 gr FMJ with H335 performs great in a Mini 14 (stop snickering, I actually like the gun).
I like the mini 14. It's a fun little gun to shoot!
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 07-26-2012, 02:02 PM
dirty gary's Avatar
dirty gary dirty gary is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: extreme So. Florida
Posts: 298
Likes: 112
Liked 83 Times in 38 Posts
Default

Thanks for the input, my choice will be based on model like everyone says. Special thanks to Fat B for sticking up for the Mini - I read some cruel posts, one said wouldn't use a Mini unless he was pounding in fence posts
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 07-26-2012, 02:31 PM
M29since14 M29since14 is offline
SWCA Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 11,907
Likes: 10,039
Liked 10,047 Times in 4,758 Posts
Default

Most of the rifles I have experience with have either 7- or 9-inch twists. I am inclined always to favor heavier bullets, so I would prefer my rifles all had 7-inch twists, but 8-inch would probably do as well. The 9-inch twist seems to be a good compromise for bullets from 55- up through 68- or 69-grains. If you always shoot lighter bullets, get the slower twist.

The Mini does take a lot of beating around here (), but it has its defenders. I am one of them. I do not have the .223 version, but I rather like the Mini-30. They are not meant to be target rifles!

I think they are fine, for what they are - but I would appreciate a little better sights. I suppose Ruger thinks everyone will mount a telescope on them, which, of course, ruins them, in terms of handiness.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-02-2012, 09:40 PM
Maddmax's Avatar
Maddmax Maddmax is offline
US Veteran
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: N.E. Iowa Boondocks USA
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 5,524
Liked 1,597 Times in 993 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirty gary View Post
Thanks for the input, my choice will be based on model like everyone says. Special thanks to Fat B for sticking up for the Mini - I read some cruel posts, one said wouldn't use a Mini unless he was pounding in fence posts
Another Mini 223 lover here too. Old 181 series. Still a tack driver.

It'll pound fence posts and still shoot like new.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 08-02-2012, 09:50 PM
Maddmax's Avatar
Maddmax Maddmax is offline
US Veteran
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: N.E. Iowa Boondocks USA
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 5,524
Liked 1,597 Times in 993 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirty gary View Post
I'm going to order am M&P15, and notice some models have a 1 in 8 inch twist, while some have a 1 in 9. Gun will be mainly for recreational fun. Any thoughts on what twist rate is best? I handload everything, 223 usually 55 gr FMJ with H335 performs great in a Mini 14 (stop snickering, I actually like the gun).
I'm still on the fence with the 15T.

I've been loading 52 grain BTHP with IMR 4895 powder and have got great results out of my Mini. Wondering how the 15T would like it.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-02-2012, 10:34 PM
oneyeopn's Avatar
oneyeopn oneyeopn is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ford, Ks
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 5,343
Liked 2,270 Times in 1,273 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maddmax View Post
I'm still on the fence with the 15T.

I've been loading 52 grain BTHP with IMR 4895 powder and have got great results out of my Mini. Wondering how the 15T would like it.
Before I started loading with the CFE223 I was loading with the IMR4895 and the sport loved the 53gr bullets with around 26 grains of IMR4895. Once I got up to 26.5 I was compressing the powder so that was when I went to the CFE with the 53gr
__________________
Grover Oathkeeper
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-03-2012, 05:54 AM
TangoFoxtrot's Avatar
TangoFoxtrot TangoFoxtrot is offline
US Veteran
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Nowhereville, USA
Posts: 767
Likes: 139
Liked 315 Times in 191 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirty gary View Post
Thanks for the input, my choice will be based on model like everyone says. Special thanks to Fat B for sticking up for the Mini - I read some cruel posts, one said wouldn't use a Mini unless he was pounding in fence posts
Hey I'm with you guys. I shot a mini 14 for awhile. I think it is a cool little rifle.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 08-03-2012, 07:57 AM
storeyteller's Avatar
storeyteller storeyteller is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Southwest GA
Posts: 988
Likes: 521
Liked 461 Times in 294 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maddmax View Post
I'm still on the fence with the 15T.

I've been loading 52 grain BTHP with IMR 4895 powder and have got great results out of my Mini. Wondering how the 15T would like it.
I've have loaded the 53grain V-max's over IMR 4895, Benchmark, H335, and Varget. When it comes to bullets or powders the sport is like the honeybadger...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 08-04-2012, 08:16 PM
Maddmax's Avatar
Maddmax Maddmax is offline
US Veteran
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: N.E. Iowa Boondocks USA
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 5,524
Liked 1,597 Times in 993 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by oneyeopn View Post
Before I started loading with the CFE223 I was loading with the IMR4895 and the sport loved the 53gr bullets with around 26 grains of IMR4895. Once I got up to 26.5 I was compressing the powder so that was when I went to the CFE with the 53gr
I'd have to look in my old notes,but I think I was loading 26.2 grains of 4895. It filled the case to the bottom of the neck and no "powder crunch" when I seated the bullet. How much "room" is left in the case with the CFE223 ? It "seems" I get/got better powder expansion results with a full case,with the 52 grain BTHP and tighter groups at 250 yards. At first I was worried about the bullet not having enough "poop" at that range to drop a Coyote,but they never knew what hit them.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 08-04-2012, 09:38 PM
oneyeopn's Avatar
oneyeopn oneyeopn is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ford, Ks
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 5,343
Liked 2,270 Times in 1,273 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maddmax View Post
I'd have to look in my old notes,but I think I was loading 26.2 grains of 4895. It filled the case to the bottom of the neck and no "powder crunch" when I seated the bullet. How much "room" is left in the case with the CFE223 ? It "seems" I get/got better powder expansion results with a full case,with the 52 grain BTHP and tighter groups at 250 yards. At first I was worried about the bullet not having enough "poop" at that range to drop a Coyote,but they never knew what hit them.
The CFE is heavier by volume so my loads are coming up to just a little over the shoulder. I shot some armscor last night, just 15 that I had loaded 55gr FMJ over 27.3 gr of CFE, I really liked the way they shot. But I wasnt really locked down like normal I was offhanding my second rifle. Which does not have the Sport Barrel.
__________________
Grover Oathkeeper
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-06-2012, 09:26 PM
Fat B Fat B is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 377
Likes: 83
Liked 101 Times in 65 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirty gary View Post
Thanks for the input, my choice will be based on model like everyone says. Special thanks to Fat B for sticking up for the Mini - I read some cruel posts, one said wouldn't use a Mini unless he was pounding in fence posts
No problem but I never understood why the Mini got so little respect. It's like a bigger 10/22 that shoots .223's. What's not to like about it?

Besides, ever watch the TV show , The A-Team? The Mini-14 with a stainless barrel and a folding stock was their go-to gun. Any gun that is good enough for the A-Team is good enough for me.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 08-06-2012, 09:35 PM
AABEN AABEN is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Princeton IN
Posts: 166
Likes: 153
Liked 13 Times in 10 Posts
Default

There is a lot of people that like to shoot the heaver bullets so for resale go with the 1/8 twist with that twist it will make a good hog gun.GOOD LUCK
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 08-06-2012, 09:40 PM
Tman72's Avatar
Tman72 Tman72 is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

1:8 a good all around twist rate



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
__________________
Si vis pacem para bellum
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 08-07-2012, 01:16 AM
cyphertext cyphertext is offline
US Veteran
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wylie, TX
Posts: 4,670
Likes: 1,075
Liked 3,823 Times in 2,040 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat B View Post
Besides, ever watch the TV show , The A-Team? The Mini-14 with a stainless barrel and a folding stock was their go-to gun. Any gun that is good enough for the A-Team is good enough for me.
Did you notice that no one ever got shot and killed on the A-Team? Even Hollywood couldn't make an accurate mini 14!

My stepdad had one. I liked shooting it as a kid. I killed many milk jugs with it. I wouldn't mind having another one.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 08-14-2012, 03:35 AM
Argonnakid's Avatar
Argonnakid Argonnakid is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Virginia Beach,VA
Posts: 460
Likes: 85
Liked 126 Times in 92 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maddmax View Post
I'm still on the fence with the 15T.

I've been loading 52 grain BTHP with IMR 4895 powder and have got great results out of my Mini. Wondering how the 15T would like it.
I have been shooting 50gr. nosler over 25.5gr. of benchmark, and my 15T loves the stuff, 10shots, one ragged hole at 100 yards, do have the once in awhile flyer, but I really think that that is me
__________________
15T,15-22,5946 & some not S&W
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 08-14-2012, 03:37 AM
Argonnakid's Avatar
Argonnakid Argonnakid is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Virginia Beach,VA
Posts: 460
Likes: 85
Liked 126 Times in 92 Posts
Default

That's with the 1/8 twist
__________________
15T,15-22,5946 & some not S&W
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-05-2014, 09:17 PM
rchrd53 rchrd53 is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I've looked to 4 different dealers. They all have the S&W M&P Sport with the 1-9" twist only. This is an entirely different barrel than the 5R- 1-18" twist barrel. They both have the same SKU#: 811037. Is there any way of getting a 5R-1-18" barrel in the Sport?
Thanks, Rich Hayes
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-05-2014, 11:11 PM
MichiganScott MichiganScott is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: God's Country
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 1,235
Liked 3,535 Times in 1,770 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rchrd53 View Post
I've looked to 4 different dealers. They all have the S&W M&P Sport with the 1-9" twist only. This is an entirely different barrel than the 5R- 1-18" twist barrel. They both have the same SKU#: 811037. Is there any way of getting a 5R-1-18" barrel in the Sport?
Thanks, Rich Hayes
Find one used. You probably mean 1-8".
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-05-2014, 11:16 PM
JaPes's Avatar
JaPes JaPes is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NW Suburbs, Illinois
Posts: 4,013
Likes: 3,272
Liked 3,961 Times in 1,871 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rchrd53 View Post
I've looked to 4 different dealers. They all have the S&W M&P Sport with the 1-9" twist only. This is an entirely different barrel than the 5R- 1-18" twist barrel. They both have the same SKU#: 811037. Is there any way of getting a 5R-1-18" barrel in the Sport?
Thanks, Rich Hayes
Hi Rich,

You resurrected an old thread. S&W changed the barrel spec of the 15-Sport from the 1:8 5R barrel to a standard 1:9. The only way to get a 15-Sport with a 1:8 5R barrel is to buy a used 15-Sport or find "new" old stock.

When you search the forum, you'll see that we like to debate the technical and theoretical superiority of the 1:8 5R barrel. I own AR-15's with both the 1:8 5R and a 1:9 barrel. For range plinking and out to 100 yards using commonly found factory "practice" ammo, I have not seen any practical difference between the two barrels.
__________________
-John
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-06-2014, 12:49 AM
gunny4053's Avatar
gunny4053 gunny4053 is offline
US Veteran
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Rigby, Idaho
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 539
Liked 1,475 Times in 601 Posts
Default

What John said! If you're loading 55gr already, 1/9 is plenty good.

Good Luck and good shooting.
__________________
SFC, US Army, Retired
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-07-2014, 09:13 AM
M29since14 M29since14 is offline
SWCA Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 11,907
Likes: 10,039
Liked 10,047 Times in 4,758 Posts
Default

Probably 90% or more of the .233/5.56 shooters never load 77-gr or heavier. If you are one of those, then the 9-inch twist is actually a better alternative (probably).

I thought it interesting that the recent review in The American Rifleman noted batter accuracy with the Army's new 5.56 ammunition from a 9" twist barrel than from the 7-inch. That particular load has a very long bullet, but apparently the 9-inch twist barrel did the job - at least at the ranges they tested.

I fully realize that comparing results from only two barrels, particularly with no history of the quality of either, is a bit opening a can of worms, but I wouldn't be afraid to buy one of the new Sports with the 9-inch twist for anything up to and including the 69-gr BTHP target loads.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 07-07-2014, 06:34 PM
rchrd53 rchrd53 is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thank you all for your input. It all shaped my opinion on the matter. Yes, to my first response, I did mean 1-8" 5R barrel. Anyhow, I am unhappy that S&W uses the same SKU# for the 1-8" 5R barrel as they do to the 1-9" 6 groove barrel. There is no way to differentiate the two; neither of them have the barrel specs on the box. One would have to physically examine each one to determine which is which.
Thanks,
Rich Hayes
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 07-07-2014, 07:30 PM
78Staff's Avatar
78Staff 78Staff is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 816
Likes: 389
Liked 258 Times in 171 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rchrd53 View Post
...I am unhappy that S&W uses the same SKU# for the 1-8" 5R barrel as they do to the 1-9" 6 groove barrel. There is no way to differentiate the two; neither of them have the barrel specs on the box. One would have to physically examine each one to determine which is which.
Thanks,
Rich Hayes
Don't start looking at the 15T's then lol. Several running changes on that model as well.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 07-07-2014, 09:50 PM
spad124 spad124 is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 973
Likes: 1,460
Liked 705 Times in 351 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rchrd53 View Post
Thank you all for your input. It all shaped my opinion on the matter. Yes, to my first response, I did mean 1-8" 5R barrel. Anyhow, I am unhappy that S&W uses the same SKU# for the 1-8" 5R barrel as they do to the 1-9" 6 groove barrel. There is no way to differentiate the two; neither of them have the barrel specs on the box. One would have to physically examine each one to determine which is which.
Thanks,
Rich Hayes
Hi Rich,

As John mentioned, S&W changed the twist spec on the Sport. About a year ago I started considering purchasing a Sport. From what I was able to tell then, S&W phased in the 1:9 barrel during the spring of 2013 when ARs were in hot demand. I suspect the initial spec change may have been an effort to produce as many Sports as possible as the 1:9 is a more common twist rate. The sku is the same because all new Sports now are shipped with the 1:9 barrel and have been since mid 2013.

I bought a 1:9 Sport in October 2013 and am very pleased with its accuracy with 55 and 62gr. Most common commercial ammo is either 55 or 62 grain anyway. That range of grain weight seems to be the the 1:9 sweet spot, not taking into account other bullet variables that affect accuracy such as length.

I'll offer this regarding twist and the Sport barrel: my personal opinion is that the heavy barrel on the Sport is what makes the Sport an accurate rifle with 50-70 grain bullets rather than a one inch difference in twist. Before I bought my Sport I had a retro AR made from late 1970s M16A1 parts with a new pencil profile 1:9 barrel. That rifle was not accurate. My opinion is the thinner pencil profile was affected more by heat and stress from using a sling for support. From my experience the 16" 1:9 heavy barrel on the Sport is very accurate when you use 50-70 grain bullets and do your part.

Last edited by spad124; 07-07-2014 at 10:11 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 07-08-2014, 03:13 AM
CrustyShellback's Avatar
CrustyShellback CrustyShellback is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Kalibfornia
Posts: 97
Likes: 139
Liked 52 Times in 31 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirty gary View Post
I'm going to order am M&P15, and notice some models have a 1 in 8 inch twist, while some have a 1 in 9. Gun will be mainly for recreational fun. Any thoughts on what twist rate is best? I handload everything, 223 usually 55 gr FMJ with H335 performs great in a Mini 14 (stop snickering, I actually like the gun).
Won't find any snickering on my part.

I'd rate my Mini and AR #1A and #1B. Both handle their jobs well... and that Mini will eat any ammo, chew it up, spit it out... never jams... and it takes nothing more than a 1/4" punch to tear it down.

Just ignore them. If they hate on it, it just shows ignorance.

BTW... I load 25gr w748, 55gr Xtreme FMJ. Runs excellent thru both guns.

Oops... on the old thread. At least I didn't resurrect this one.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Sport_Mini.jpg (79.0 KB, 40 views)
__________________
30 Characters 4 Rent.

Last edited by CrustyShellback; 07-08-2014 at 03:17 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 07-08-2014, 08:02 AM
Voyager28's Avatar
Voyager28 Voyager28 is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 648
Likes: 598
Liked 879 Times in 293 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat B View Post
I like the mini 14. It's a fun little gun to shoot!
Ditto. I have a 581 series Mini-14 and really like it. I find it to be very accurate out to 300 yards and "hunting accurate" out to 500 yards. Quite a few Coyotes would testify to that ........ if they could.

Bob
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #31  
Old 07-08-2014, 11:11 AM
Chew's Avatar
Chew Chew is offline
Member
Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9? Barrel Twist:1 in 8 or 9?  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 119
Likes: 61
Liked 85 Times in 50 Posts
Default

I've owned both 1:8 and 1:9 sports. I second JaPes...there's zero practical accuracy difference between the two. To be honest, my 1:9 is a better shooter. But that's just because I upgraded the miserable stock trigger to a Geissele.

I'd take whatever sport I could find the cheapest and have fun with it.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Barrel Twist or canted ryanc68 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 14 03-12-2014 09:28 AM
M&P 9 Barrel Twist? imdgriz Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 7 02-15-2014 10:40 PM
Best Barrel/twist, for 38 HBWCs K38 Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 2 05-10-2011 01:17 AM
What Barrel Twist is best??????? CAUTIO75 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 18 03-30-2011 07:28 PM
barrel twist question kman68 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 7 04-03-2009 07:41 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:19 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)