I am picking up this old thread, because I have been looking for data on the accuracy of the Colt SOCOM profile barrels.
I have a number of mil/LE agencies who tell me that for under 16", like 14.5", and 10.3" and 11.5" that they will not buy anything but Colt SOCOM for a two reasons: 1) accuracy and 2) durability. Some are changing from other name-brand barrels and demanding Colt.
My nerdiness kicks-in on barrels and optics. And, or late, I have been designing and manufacturing sniper barrels. I am a fan of a number of barrel makers, including Pac-NOR, who makes the Noveske barrel. Noveske has always made good barrels. I would contend that in the last three years, other barrel makers have risen, and now there are some great choices in the 16" to 24" variety in 5.56mm, 6.5mm and 7.62mm, and none of those are Colt.
However, in the SBR area, Colt SOCOM owns the space. #2 is Colt, LMT or Daniel Defense Gov't profile. In the 10.3" area, it is hard to find SOCOM. I am getting some from Colt shortly, but mostly, your choice is factory DD, or cut-down Colt, both in a Gov't profile.
Now, let's go back to heavy profile. Here is a great article on the actual barrel movement (harmonics) and heat transfer affect the barrel enough to cause a 1/2 MOA improvement in accuracy of the Colt SBR SOCOM, compared to the 16" Colt Gov't profile barrel.
http://www.thenewrifleman.com/why-ar...s-so-accurate/
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