Colt Socom Heavy Barrel questions...

[Kimbo]

Just wanted to see if anyone had input on these barrels. I've read that they were made for full auto fire for Spec Ops guys. How does everyone like theres? And is it worth to buy? I'm having a hard time finding them, I emailed S.A.W. and they have yet to reply. And I'm not too sure about buying anything from Gunbroker just yet.

[Molon]

They're really closer to a medium profile than an HBAR.

[Shihan]

Unless you are planning a FA weapon they will really serve you no use and the extra weight up front is not helpful.

[Kimbo]

Ic, I figure it would be one of those "hey look what I have" things. Thanks for the input. I guess I won't be spending time or money on this barrel than.

[Razorhunter]

Originally Posted by Molon

They're really closer to a medium profile than an HBAR.

Hey Molon,
Can you list the different muzzle devices you have pictured in your three different pics? I know there is probably a Smith Vortex, and possibly an AAC Blackout? in the first two pics, but not sure which is which? Also, what about that last pic? What is that one? Looks unique with that "ring" milled out portion on the end of the prongs.
Are those first two pics both 14.5" or 16" w/permanently attached muzzle devices?? The profile looks like my Colt 6920 bbl profile (sort of), but the larger diameter "flat" that is directly ahead of the M203 notch, seems to be much shorter than my Colt 6920 bbls, and I always thought Colt just chopped the end of the 16" bbls off, to make a 14.5". ?? What exact bbls are those, and what length?
Finally, in the very first pic, what type of crush washer is that? It appears to be grey, but maybe just the pic?
Thanks.

[frbowers]

Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo

Can you list the different muzzle devices you have pictured in your three different pics? I know there is probably a Smith Vortex

The M4 barrel has a Smith Enterprise Vortex.

[Molon]

Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo

Hey Molon,
Can you list the different muzzle devices you have pictured in your three different pics? I know there is probably a Smith Vortex, and possibly an AAC Blackout? in the first two pics, but not sure which is which?




The SOCOM barrel has a Young Manufacturing flash hider.


The standard M4 has a Vortex.


Also, what about that last pic? What is that one? Looks unique with that "ring" milled out portion on the end of the prongs.


The HBAR has an older version of the Vortex.

Are those first two pics both 14.5" or 16" w/permanently attached muzzle devices??


The first two pics are both 14.5" barrels with permanently attached flash hiders.

I always thought Colt just chopped the end of the 16" bbls off, to make a 14.5". ??

Negative.

What exact bbls are those, and what length?


1. Colt 14.5" SOCOM barrel

2. Colt 14.5" M4 barrel

3. Colt 16" HBAR (6721)


Finally, in the very first pic, what type of crush washer is that?
Unknown.

Thanks.

S.E. has produced a variety of versions of the Vortex.

[Army Chief]

Not sure we achieved an entirely balanced perspective on this one, as there are some advantages to the HB configuration that reach beyond FA applications, depending upon your usage model. Even in sustained-fire (non-FA) training sessions, these barrels have the advantage of being much slower to heat up, since the extra material acts as something of a heat sink. The potential down side, of course, is that they also take much longer to cool back down, but I wouldn't dismiss the HB out of hand.

Weight might be a relevant issue though, once again, how much of a factor this might be depends upon what you're doing with the weapon, and how much superfluous crap you're bolting onto it. One might counter the weight argument by pointing out that you also get added strength and rigidiity but as before, the degree of benefit or liability is largely dependent upon your applications. Since the added weight is under the handguards, rather than forward of the front sight base, for example, this isn't as much of a handling or balance issue as it might first appear.

I'm not suggesting that the HB is a universal solution for all comers, but neither is it completely devoid of utility. If your preference is for a USGI configuration (i.e. to baseline your personal training carbine to your issued M4, for example), then the HB can actually make a great deal of sense. While I believe the HB fad has come and gone for the most part, there is no reason why these barrels can't anchor an excellent carbine platform. The trend these days is actually in the opposite direction, with pencil barrels rightfully earning high praise, but there is still a place for the HB -- and one such place might just be in your safe, provided this alternate configuration otherwise meets your needs.

AC

[Kimbo]

A friend of mine always said, instead of lighter gear they need to make stronger Marines lol. Then again he's a Scout Sniper and a hard charger

[mvician]

I have one on this build I did a couple years ago.

[wild_wild_wes]

Anyone know the weight of an M4 barrel, and an M4A1 barrel, stripped?