Whats a good non SS barrel?

[sapper36]

I am trying to find a 16" barrel for a reccce type build. I dont think that I shoot good enough to justify a stainless barrel, and would also like a longer barrel life. So what would be a good barrel? Thanks

[bp7178]

Centurion Arms or Noveske, the latter is very hard to find as a stripped part.

[TacMedic556]

Colt, Bravo (BCM) or LMT. Colt is spendy and hard to find.

Bravo Company barrels are 100% certified and meet the following guidlines:

M4 Feed Ramp Barrel Extension
In developing the USGI M4 carbine as one of the primary weapons for today’s infantry, some modifications were performed to the original M16 platform to enhance the reliability of the shorter barreled carbines. With the shorter carbine gas system and the increased gas port pressure, the carbine cycled faster, and at times the cycle rate could be faster than the magazine would feed ammunition. One of the modifications done to increase reliable feeding included enhancing the angle and the length of the feed ramps. This USGI modification was done to both the barrel extension and the upper receiver, creating a longer and steeper feed ramp. These Mil-Spec M4 feed ramps are part of the original CNC manufacturing process. As a result, the factory machined M4 feed ramps on the receiver are hard coat anodized which adds significant strength to the aluminum. This feature is offered on all BCM barrels.


USGI 1/7 Twist Rate
The USGI 1/7 twist rate of all of the BCM barrels is the preferred twist rate by most professional infantryman. This twist rate has proven very versatile and can effectively run the new heavier 5.56 ammo that is hugely popular with military and private security personal for its’ superior ballistics.

Mil-Spec Barrel Steel (Mil-B-11595E)
BCM barrel steel is Mil-Spec per MIL-B-11595E. This grade (CMV) of steel is a Mil-Spec steel used in the USGI M16 family of rifles; it is stronger and will last longer than the typical barrels offered in the commercial market. The Mil-Spec grade steel gets its’ additional strength and rigidity from an increase in carbon and/or vanadium in the alloy. This will offer increased barrel life and performance through use in all types of extreme environments and temperatures.

Chrome Bore and Chamber
One of the first modifications that were made to the original M16 in the mid 1960’s was the addition of the chrome lined bore and chamber. It is now a world wide standard in the industry for a battle rifle. The chrome bore and chamber is harder than the barrel steel and on the USGI M16/M4 rifles will aid in chambering, extraction, and reliability. It increases velocity, and also resist against fouling and corrosion from extended use in the field. This gives the end user a longer barrel life with less required time in maintenance and cleaning.

Manganese Phosphate Barrel Finish
Barrels are parkerized with the manganese phosphate finish (Mil-Spec A-A-59267). Military specifications also state that the entire barrel surface is phosphate finished to create a porous surface to absorb oil as to resist against corrosion from the elements. BCM barrels are phosphated before installation of front sights. This is a much more extensive assembly operation, but insures that the entire barrel is finished and protected . . .even under the front sight base.

5.56 NATO Chambers
The USGI 5.56 NATO chamber is the best choice for effective deployment, reliability, and compatibility, of higher chamber pressures of military ammo.


Government Barrel Profiles
Duty rifles are built to be carried - day in and day out. The USGI barrel profiles (often referred to as the Government Profile) enable the operator to carry their weapon for longer periods of time and deploy them faster than the heavier commercial H-Barrel counterparts. The government profile barrel is also compatible with the current M203 mounting systems.

HPT / MP Inspected Barrels
Military specifications require that barrels undergo a HPT (High-Pressure Test) load as a part of quality assurance procedures. Commonly referred to as a proof load, the M197 HPT is rated for 70,000 psi. BCM barrels are proof loaded and then MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) to detect any possible flaws in the barrels surface. The barrels are MP inspected with both circular and longitudinal magnetic fields per ASTME1444-01 (current Mil-Spec) to assure a high quality finished product. All BCM barrels are marked HP MP as our proof load marking.

[TacMedic556]

Bravo makes Forged and button rifled barrels. Button rifled is the military and standard issue make, typically slightly more accurate but does not last as long as a BFH-Barrel Forged Hammer.

I am actually ordering myself a 14.5 inch BFH BCM Mid-length this week. I like the 14.5 being it is the standard M4 length and therefore coupled with optics such as an ACOG will have ballistics close the design of some of the optics available for it are designed for. I chose BFH because the forged barrels supposedly last a little longer.

Get the BFH BCM 14.5 with a fixed and pinned flash hider (obey NFA). You won't be disappointed.

[sapper36]

My thoughts were that Noveske would be the best, longest lasting barrel to use. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything. Thanks everyone

[bp7178]

Noveske barrels have an outstanding reputation for accuracy, both the stainless and CL flavors.

It is EXTREMLEY difficult to find a stripped Noveske barrel for sale.

The Centurian barrel offers the same M249 spec barrel steel, hammer forging, as well as the double thick chrome lining. The difference between the two lies in the outer profile.