BRT 16" OPTIMUM Barrel w/ Extended Length Gas System

[fledge]

Looking forward to barrel arriving and the report on the 77gr IMI through it!

[tdo]

Looks good I might have to pick one up!

[BufordTJustice]

I'm psyched. It's going to form my new patrol upper and displace the faxon 18" gunner from that role.

I'll be taking it out to 500 on our SWAT rifle range. Cannot. Hardly. Wait.

[opngrnd]

I'm psyched. It's going to form my new patrol upper and displace the faxon 18" gunner from that role.

I'll be taking it out to 500 on our SWAT rifle range. Cannot. Hardly. Wait.

I always hate hearing the term "game changer", but for some people, this might be. If the profile works as well I'm hoping it will, this could change a lot of people's need for heavier barrels. I'm still dreaming of an 18 or 20 inch one for a lightweight SPRish build, and this is a definite step in that direction.

[Clint]

Once a complete upper is assembled, the results are immediately noticeable.


This complete carbine weighs in at 6lbs 11oz.

That's not ultralight, but its not intended to be either.

Instead, it's a full featured, serious use carbine that's easy to carry and maneuver.

The lower is complete with A5H2 buffer, SL stock and MOE+ grip, while the upper sports a 13" ALG rail and RDS.

The first thing you notice when picking it up is the excellent balance.

In fact, the balance point is right at the cam pin cutout, almost in the middle of the mag well.

This makes it feel extremely handy, but still solid in the hands.




Here are a few observations from assembling a couple OPTIMUM uppers.

Assembly goes quickly due to the set screw dimple and the longer gas tube.

The gas block self aligns nicely into the dimple and everything lines up on the first try.

A quick check of the bolt carrier shows perfect alignment and the almost complete lack of movement or sound when engaging the key.

Most midlengths seem to exhibit slightly more engagement noise.

Of course, the shorter the gas tube, the less flexible it is and the harder it is to line up if everything isn't perfect.

[BufordTJustice]

I always hate hearing the term "game changer", but for some people, this might be. If the profile works as well I'm hoping it will, this could change a lot of people's need for heavier barrels. I'm still dreaming of an 18 or 20 inch one for a lightweight SPRish build, and this is a definite step in that direction.

I hate it too. It's used so often, it's almost lost its meaning.

Your desire was also mine and why I landed originally with the excellent faxon 18" gunner. However, that was A) before this barrel and B) before I caught the "strap a can to your rod" disease.

It was just a little too much of a musket with the Saker mounted to be useful in and around a vehicle.

Shifting the center of gravity rearward is huge. This is akin to an enhanced/optimized BCM ELW 16". But with precision threads, 5R rifling, hybrid muzzle crown, better gas system, and 1:8 twist.

[fledge]

Shipping notification for pre-order landed today!

[Clint]

Here is a detail of pinned gas block option


The pin is shipped loose to facilitate installation of the barrel nut.

[Clint]

...If the profile works as well I'm hoping it will, this could change a lot of people's need for heavier barrels.

I'm still dreaming of an 18 or 20 inch one for a lightweight SPRish build, and this is a definite step in that direction.

...

Your desire was also mine and why I landed originally with the excellent faxon 18" gunner. However, that was A) before this barrel and B) before I caught the "strap a can to your rod" disease.

It was just a little too much of a musket with the Saker mounted to be useful in and around a vehicle.

Shifting the center of gravity rearward is huge. This is akin to an enhanced/optimized BCM ELW 16". But with precision threads, 5R rifling, hybrid muzzle crown, better gas system, and 1:8 twist.

There are many different ways we could go with this concept.

The 16" w/ EXT gas system is a great combination, so the next logical step is a little thicker version with a .750 gas block, possibly in stainless.

Think light SPR.

[fledge]

This weekend's project.