Barrel for my new build

[jayman9207]

After building my lower recently and having a lot of fun doing so I now have the bug to build a full AR. I bought another billet lower from the local manufacturer here in Central Texas and they are in the process of building new billet upper receivers now. I have signed up to be one of their first customers / testers. I already have decided on most of the parts for my upper build but can't decide on a barrel yet. I am really liking the barrel in my Sport so I might get another one similar to it. I can't decide between another Melonite with 1 in 8 5R barrel, a Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined with 1 in 7 6R barrel, or a Stainless Steel Fluted Match with 1 in 7 6R barrel. So many to pick from.

 

[lagavulin62]

I am putting one together myself and I went with the 1-7(standard BCM) but only because they didn't have the Cold Hammer Forged in stock. I'm pretty sure I will never know the difference but for a future 20 inch I just may hold out for it. I like the idea of building for ruggedness as opposed to precision so at least at this point I don't bother with Match type parts. Whatever works for your needs is best. Sounds like you have a plan.

 

[jayman9207]

I just noticed something with the Melonite 1 in 8 5R barrel I was looking it. It has a 5/8-24 threaded muzzle. Won't that make things a bit difficult to find a good compensator?

 

[lagavulin62]

Not an expert by any means but when they come in from the range hopefully they will help out. Just based on a few internet searches it may be you are looking at an AR-10 barrel? What is the caliber? All of mine have the 1/2 - 28 threads.

 

[jayman9207]

It is a 5.56 barrel - Barrel, Rifle, 5.56, AR-15, AR Performance

 

[lagavulin62]

It is a 5.56 barrel - Barrel, Rifle, 5.56, AR-15, AR Performance

Well I think you have a good question. They are out there but don't know if you can get the A2 equivalent for 8 dollars.

 

[WBlacklidge]

If you want a 1 in 8 barrel... is it possible to source one directly from S&W that they use on their M&P 15?

I am in the process of finishing my lower and I want a 1 in 8 twist barrel. I sent S&W an email asking if they would sell the 16" 1 in 8 twist barrel they use and I haven't received a reply.

 

[jayman9207]

Started my new build and finished off my lower. Ambi safety selector gave me a fit and I had to take the trigger out to get it all in. They should be done making the upper receivers in a few weeks so I have some time to get the rest of my parts ordered and in. Probably going to go with mostly BCM parts for much of the upper build.

AR15Targets Billet Lower Receiver
+ Spikes Enhanced Lower Parts Kit (Includes billet trigger guard, ST battle trigger, ambi safety, and KNS pins)
+ BCM Buffer Tube, Castle Nut, & Spring
+ Spikes ST2 Heavy Buffer
+ Hogue Grip
+ Magpul ACS-L Stock
+ Magpul ASAP

 

[oneyeopn]

Jayman that AR Performance barrel is a great barrel and finding flash hider/ muzzle brakes are not really a problem. The reasoning behind the AR performance 5/8x24 thread is a little heavier barrel. I to am wanting one of the 1:8 5R barrels 20" long, the people that I know that have bought one really swear by its performance!!

 

[SmokeandSteel]

I have a 1/7 16" chf barrel made by fn for spikes tactical. It is a great improvement on the m4 profile. But to be accurate you need heavier grains bullets like the mod 0 77gr smk @ ~2700 fps.

Just make sure any barrel is properly installed:
1) have the receiver ring lapped
2) have the receiver ring bedded
3) have peak pressure established
4) should free float it

Words from the guy who had way too many cycling and accuracy malfunctions.

 

[jayman9207]

My BCM BFH 14.5" barrel just showed up! Only have to go pick my MI Gen 2 SS rail tomorrow and I can start building my new AR.

 

[jayman9207]

I picked up the last piece of the puzzle today! Hope to finish the upper soon.

 

[gdogs]

I picked up the last piece of the puzzle today! Hope to finish the upper soon.

I just installed one of these on a lightweight carbine I've been building. All done as of this week, just needs to go to the range. The forearm is so light, I think even lighter than a mid length carbon fiber tube that me and a friend of mine put on his new upper last week.