Pictures: "Government" Barrel vs. "Pencil" Barrel Weight Difference

**butlers** · 05-31-18, 14:45

I'm new to AR-15 builds, so please bear with me if I make any mistakes.

That being said, for those who are curious about the actual weight difference between a "government" barrel profile (also known as an A2 barrel profile) and a "pencil" barrel profile (also known as an A1 barrel profile): (EDIT: this picture/schematic isn't mine; I found it in a Google search, but I don't recall where)

I did an apples-to-apples comparison between two barreled upper assemblies from Palmetto State Armory (PSA). Both have 16" barrels with a midlength gas system; both have rear back-up iron sights (BUIS), bolt carrier groups (BCG), charging handles (CH), front sling swivels, and muzzle devices removed.

I know it's an informal test at home (using a baby scale, no less), but the government/A2 style barreled upper assembly came in at 2 pounds, 13.5 ounces (sorry about the glare):

In contrast, the pencil/A1 style barreled upper assembly weighs 2 pounds, 8.0 ounces (again, sorry about the glare).

The weight difference may seem negligible, but it really does seem to assist with handling/weight perception.

But it could be all psychological....

**MountainRaven** · 05-31-18, 15:45

The weight difference in handling is exaggerated by the leverage of having that extra weight on the end of the barrel.

**butlers** · 05-31-18, 15:53

Originally Posted by Fjallhrafn

The weight difference in handling is exaggerated by the leverage of having that extra weight on the end of the barrel.

I think you've got a solid point. It's only 5.5 ounces, but it's forward of the center of gravity, so physics!

**GH41** · 05-31-18, 15:56

Originally Posted by Fjallhrafn

The weight difference in handling is exaggerated by the leverage of having that extra weight on the end of the barrel.

Yea, 5-6 ounces in front of the sight is a ton. BTW, I wonder if his wife knows he is weighing gun stuff on the baby scale?

**17K** · 05-31-18, 19:25

The FSP location on a midlength does throw the balance away forward.

The BCM ELW barrels are beautiful!

**MistWolf** · 05-31-18, 19:41

The difference in moment is approximately 60 in/oz, or about 4 in/lbs.

**mack7.62** · 05-31-18, 22:19

Yeah but the major point is what does that extra 6 oz in front of the FSP gain you, not a f'ng thing, move it back under the hand guards and it adds heat sink out front it does nothing except spoil balance. What makes sense is a SOCOM profile under handguards and a pencil front end but does anyone make that profile, h@ll no. Rant off.

**Mrgunsngear** · 06-01-18, 02:31

Originally Posted by mack7.62

Yeah but the major point is what does that extra 6 oz in front of the FSP gain you, not a f'ng thing, move it back under the hand guards and it adds heat sink out front it does nothing except spoil balance. What makes sense is a SOCOM profile under handguards and a pencil front end but does anyone make that profile, h@ll no. Rant off.

100% agreed. I make this very point in pretty much every barrel video on my channel. Problem is, most consumers have no idea what a "barrel profile" is never mind which is best nor why it is so.

**Stickman** · 06-01-18, 09:36

Originally Posted by mack7.62

Yeah but the major point is what does that extra 6 oz in front of the FSP gain you, not a f'ng thing, move it back under the hand guards and it adds heat sink out front it does nothing except spoil balance. What makes sense is a SOCOM profile under handguards and a pencil front end but does anyone make that profile, h@ll no. Rant off.

That style of tapered profile has been made, but it doesn’t sell well.

OP- Your pics? Or does that first one belong to someone else?