View Full Version : AR10 barrel options
Alright guys I need some input. I'm contemplating an AR10 build once I get my taxes back. It's going to be a slow build just to keep my budget in check, I'd love to have a scar 17, sr25, or larue but the cash just isn't there. I have my mind made up on glass and the trigger. I'm a leupold guy so I'm going to get a mk4 hopefully soon once I get the MIL price list from leupold next week. And the trigger will be a geissele ssa-e. Should I sweat about the receiver? I know AP just released a matched receiver set around 300 bucks but I'm not sold on it yet. My biggest concern is barrel choice. Id like to run 20" but I'm not too sure on barrel selection for an AR10. I've been thinking of getting a m110 contour barrel from Krieger, thoughts? I'm sure I'd hunt with it but want something that I can take to a long range class and hang. I have some time behind an m110 at work and really haven't shot more than 800m. With the right hand loads of like to reach near 1000m with this build. Just wondering what you guys think?
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For factory off-the-shelf I'd try one of Rainier's 20-inch Ultra-Match barrels built from a medium profile Shilen blank.
For a full-out custom I'd find a good cut-rifle barrel and have a machinist flute it or turn it to a medium profile.
Most AR-10s and LR308s are too damned front-heavy.
7.62 is a fine 800 yard/Meter cartridge, rifle or carbine. Your wind reading expertise, proficiency, and finesse will come out as you try for targets at 900 and beyond (using 175 to 185 grain boat tail match bullets).
The Geissele SSA-E is a very good trigger, but the National Match High Speed is Bill's top-of-the-line for a good reason.
Aero and Matrix put out fine matched sets. There are others as well.
I build my rifles on the legacy Armalite 10B pattern.
I appreciate the input! I'll read up what I can on the rainier barrel. I know the rifle won't be light... But I'm not planning on humping it very far. I'll have plenty of time behind it before it goes anywhere besides the bench.
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caelumatra
02-12-15, 20:26
Lilja sells them complete, but be prepared to pay for them. $505. But I think Noveske's are even more though. $550+
http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/ar_10.htm
http://www.rainierarms.com/noveske-7-62mm-barrel-18
To get a custom one you're looking at even more. Sinister's suggestion of Rainier's ultramatch is good since they're $430
http://www.rainierarms.com/barrels/308-7-62?limit=all&manufacturer=60
The ultra match barrel and bolt would be a nice duo and they'll headspace it also. I might be sold. I'd like to see what kind of groups guys are shooting with this barrel
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Careful on barrels. It's important to distinguish between AR-10 pattern and LR-308 (DPMS) pattern. The extensions are not the same and neither are the bolts. I see barrels from both patterns have been recommended here, so I just want to make sure you don't end up with incompatible parts. Using AR-10 as a general term to describe .308ARs is like using the word "clip" for magazine, but worse since it can actually cost you money.
Criterion (http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfatitan20nmm110ss1x12875gasblockthreaded.aspx) makes a good barrel too.
I'm tracking. Everything I've been looking at is dpms pattern and components.
Do you own a criterion barrel? I was just reading about the earlier.. Prices weren't bad at all.
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I'm tracking. Everything I've been looking at is dpms pattern and components.
Do you own a criterion barrel? I was just reading about the earlier.. Prices weren't bad at all.
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I don't, but a friend of mine does and lots of people on a .308AR forum I'm on have their discontinued 16" rifle-length gas barrel (we've convinced them to make these again :D).
The_Hammer_Man
02-13-15, 08:39
I'm tracking. Everything I've been looking at is dpms pattern and components.
Do you own a criterion barrel? I was just reading about the earlier.. Prices weren't bad at all.
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I've built several DPMS pattern uppers using Criterion barrels and have never had an issue with accuracy or dependability. If this is going to be a range only/hunting rifle then the stainless barrels that Criterion produces would be a good choice. Their chrome lined 4150 barrels are my preferred choice to use for "service rifle" builds.
Criterions are very good. I have one in my son's M14, one in a CMP H&R 7.62mm M1, and the one below (a Criterion heavy taper 16-inch with rifle gas system):
http://i63.tinypic.com/2qkjitd.jpg
Good deal. FA carries them, I'm diggin it!
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With all the .308 AR factory options right now, I wouldn't bother with a build, personally.
Like already mentioned, careful about the compatibility thing (Armalite AR-10 pattern vs DPMS pattern vs other patters). Most aftermarket stuff not is for the DPMS patter, but you have to make sure.
.308 ARs can get front heavy. I picked up a factory Armalite AR-10 with a 16" chrome-lined lightweight profile barrel last year, put in a Geissele SSA and a MI SS-Keymod forend, and it has served me well thus far. If you are looking for precision, you'd probably look for a thicker stainless barrel.
Armalite is putting out some new configurations of the AR-10, which come with light barrels and freefloat Keymod handguards.
16": http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=AR10TAC16&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=4c2a2c00-47e0-4ac2-a1d5-57537c8ffe90
http://www.armalite.com/images/Medium%20Images/Rifles/2014_AR10TAC16_R_FlipUpSights.jpg
18": http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=AR10TAC18&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=4c2a2c00-47e0-4ac2-a1d5-57537c8ffe90
http://www.armalite.com/images/Medium%20Images/Rifles/2014_AR10TAC18_R_NoScope.jpg
20": http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=AR10TAC20&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=4c2a2c00-47e0-4ac2-a1d5-57537c8ffe90
That's very tempting. I've thought about buying a complete rifle but it works out better for me buying parts as I go. Yes It can be a pain but I end up paying for everything I want versus paying for stuff I have to replace. I need to get my hands on these rifles. I thought about the cmmg, windham, and armalites. I remember a lot of negative talk about dpms a couple years back as well as PSA, and bushmaster. I've also thought about the M&p10 but I heard those aren't too great anyhow
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I'll throw in my experience with a Mega barrel. I built a MATEN last year and decided to go with a 16"Mega barrel. They guarantee sub MOA so I was expecting that but it far exceeded what I thought I was going to get for precision. I consistently shoot sub .5 MOA with this rifle. Most 100yd groups are .3". I can outshoot a lot of bolt guns and I did not expect that out of this barrel.
Hell, a couple weeks ago I was shooting on a buddies land and we were hitting cattails at 200 yards...this is a fantastic barrel. I'm bringing this up because it was such a surprise for me and I don't hear anyone ever mention Mega barrels for precision rifles...I'm convinced they need to be brought into the discussion now.
Good luck and enjoy building your rifle!
That's awesome. I'm still trying to narrow down what exactly I want. Mega has crossed my mind.
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Both the Mega and Criterion barrels are a great choice - I have both a 20" M110 profile Criterion and an 18" Mega. Both have produced sub-MOA 5 shot groups. The Criterion has been 100% reliable, and the bore/machine work is top notch. The Mega has a better profile for a walking around, and consistently produces accuracy almost as good as the Criterion in a lighter package. Mine was overgassed though and required an adjustable gas block for reliability. My top choice for a general purpose carbine would be the 18.5" medium profile Criterion.
In terms of other more premium barrels, I wouldn't hesitate to get a Lilja or Noveske, with the usual caveat to match the bolt to the barrel extension.
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