View Full Version : 18 Inch AR Barrel Questions
I am in the process of building my first AR. I am looking at barrels and am having a hard time picking one. I think I want an 18 inch .223 barrel with a rifle length gas system that's got a 1/8 twist. I am planning on using a free float rail and comp. I'm not very experienced in this area and don't know which brands are better than others. If any of you have experience with this setup, what barrels do you like and recommend? I looked for threads on this subject, but didn't find many. If there are any that you think address this topic well, please point me to them.
My AR15 SPR has an 18in barrel setup in 1/8 twist and chambered in .223 Wylde. The barrel is from T-Box but I bought mine through one of their dealers. From what I was told, T-Box barrels come from a Bergara blank. Here is the link: https://www.tbox-barrels.com/product/223-wylde-match-grade-t-box-barrel-bolt/
With 69gr. Gorilla Match Ammo, I am getting sub-MOA results. I am really happy with this barrel.
These pictures were taken when I was zeroing my scope.
https://i.imgur.com/dd1NAlEl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4yfxrd0l.jpg
RobertTheTexan
10-29-18, 02:06
I’ll answer your barrel question first. But have some comments past the barrel response that I feel are even more important than giving you a good barrel recommendation.
I have had great results with my Ballistic Advantage 18” barrel. Sub MOA when I did my part. I’ve built more AR’s with BA barrels and they are a solid choice. They have a 20% site wide sale going on. If your military-LEO you’ll get an additional 10% mil/vet/LEO discount.
Here is the barrel I used on my SPR. It’s $164 not including any mil/LEO discount. Solid barrel and accurate.
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-556-spr-rifle-cmv-performance-barrel-ops12.html
There are other options out there, but at $164 for that barrel - you’d be hard pressed to beat that.
If you want an even more accurate rifle, I’d recommend this barrel. I’ve used their SS barrels and they were all tack drivers.
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-223-wylde-spr-rifle-length-ss-premium-barrel-ops12.html
As far as your M4C “Google Fu”. Try different search criteria. Try searching for “SPR barrels” instead of (18” barrels). An AR with an accurate 18” barrel is often referred to as an “SPR” or Special Purpose Rifle and typically the focus is on accuracy.
SPR barrels search
https://www.m4carbine.net/google.php?cx=010536845846440650985%3Aridd3_u3s3i&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=SPR+barrels&sa.x=0&sa.y=0&sa=Search
One hit....
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?43684-Trying-to-make-a-decision-about-an-18-quot-SPR-barrel
Another hit...
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?179975-DMR-SPR-rifle-barrels
You said this is your first build so I’ll throw some more food for thought your way. This is just my opine on the matter though...
To me, the barrel is one of the big 3 when you’re building an AR. By that I mean the 3 areas where you don’t want to skimp. Period. (not saying you should in any area, but there are area where you can maybe get away with it.)
My Big 3
1. Barrel
2. Trigger
3. BCG
I’m sure other peoples list may vary, but those area are where I make sure I buy quality.
Also be careful to not fall into a “single part silo”. That’s where you focus on a single part, exclusive of other part. Instead look at the rifle from a purpose perspective. What’s the purpose of the rifle? Identify that and let that drive your parts selection. Thinking about parts you want from that viewpoint will also help you put together parts that are more complimentary.
ETA: I didn’t mention optics in my Big 3, because while purpose definitely impacts optic choice, I consider that separately. I’m strictly talking function and performance of the weapon itself.
So what’s the purpose of the AR?
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I use to think an 18" barrel was cool. In fact, I have two 18" rifles. But, I quickly realized that a good 16" will do anything you need within reason. The question that needs to be answered is what are you plans for this? Strictly a bench type rifle or something you plan on lugging around or using for HD/SD?
Don Quijote
10-29-18, 08:32
Sometimes the only reason one needs for a longer barrel (or any other choice) is "I want one".
Having said that, if you let the forum know of the principal use that you plan for this rifle, the reasoning behind the suggestions can be given.
Renegade04
10-29-18, 15:47
Here you go.
http://www.compasslake.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61&products_id=336
In 18" you run the risk of getting a Wylde chamber, which you should be aware of. For me, it's a negative. If you want that chamber and aren't going to shoot hot 5.56, then fine. I get pressure signs with hot ammo, and only shoot .223 in my Wylde.
Renegade04
10-29-18, 17:10
A .223 Wylde chambered barrel is ideal as it can handle .223 REM and 5.56 NATO very well. You will find that many AR-15 precision barrels have .223 Wylde chambers and 1/8 twist. A 1/8 twist barrel can handle some the lighter loads better than a 1/7.
A .223 Wylde chambered barrel is ideal as it can handle .223 REM and 5.56 NATO very well.
That's how I was sold it too. However my results (WOA barrel) and reports from my last instructor were that the chamber was problematic with hot 55 gr (WCC), for example, ammo. Popped primers weren't uncommon. I definitely see spooky bulges near the rear of my brass if I shoot 5.56.
IMO, a good 5.56 chamber is a better choice.
Renegade04
10-29-18, 18:47
That's how I was sold it too. However my results (WOA barrel) and reports from my last instructor were that the chamber was problematic with hot 55 gr (WCC), for example, ammo. Popped primers weren't uncommon. I definitely see spooky bulges near the rear of my brass if I shoot 5.56.
IMO, a good 5.56 chamber is a better choice.
I have never had an issue with any 5.56 NATO 55 gr. ammo I have used in my .223 Wylde chambered barrels. The ammo I primarily use is Federal and American Eagle. Even 5.56 NATO 62 gr. poses no problems. One of the barrels is a Ballistic Advantage 16" .223 Wylde 1/8 SPR stainless steel mid-length, Premium Series and the other is a Compass Lake Engineering Recon 16.1" Douglas Stainless (polished) 1:8 twist w/mid-length gas system and .223 Wylde chamber. I even have an older RRA A2 20" HBAR with a 1/9 .223 Wylde chambered barrel that shoots 5.56 NATO ammo very well. My Mk12 Mod 0 has a WOA SS 18" 1:7 .223 Wylde chambered SPR barrel and it shoots any good quality 5.56 NATO ammo I put in it.
It appears every barrel has its own personality, but why gamble when you don’t have to. I like 556 chambers and I have enjoyed great accuracy with them. YMMV
If you buy a quality barrel and quality ammo, it SHOULD shoot.
PB
Don Quijote
10-29-18, 21:21
That's how I was sold it too. However my results (WOA barrel) and reports from my last instructor were that the chamber was problematic with hot 55 gr (WCC), for example, ammo. Popped primers weren't uncommon. I definitely see spooky bulges near the rear of my brass if I shoot 5.56.
IMO, a good 5.56 chamber is a better choice.
Your example of one is absolutely no indication of the Wylde chamber's suitability for safely shooting 5.56 NATO ammo. It's just an indication of your barrel and its problems.
Too many people have had success running heavy loads (like 25 grains of RL15 topped with a Hornady 75 seated to 2.25) safely in Wylde chambered barrels. That includes me.
Jammer Six
10-29-18, 23:11
Here's what I don't understand.
A .223 Wylde and 5.56 are different calibers. (As 5.56 and .223 are different calibers, for that matter.)
Why would you run a different caliber in any weapon? What is gained? Why not run the caliber the weapon is chambered for?
I use to think an 18" barrel was cool. In fact, I have two 18" rifles. But, I quickly realized that a good 16" will do anything you need within reason. The question that needs to be answered is what are you plans for this? Strictly a bench type rifle or something you plan on lugging around or using for HD/SD?
I’m not wanting it for home defense. I think my LMT fills that role. I’m thinking more along the lines of a 3 gun or bench rifle. I want to mount a scope on it, not a red dot or just iron sites. I’m also wanting less recoil which is why I am thinking I want a rifle length gas tube.
A 16" or 14.5" barrel can also work nicely for this.
The key to a smooth cycling barrel is a properly matched gas system length for that barrel length with a properly sized the gas port.
This means MID length for the 14.5" and longer than mid length (Extended/Intermediate) for the 16".
Don Quijote
10-30-18, 04:16
Here's what I don't understand.
A .223 Wylde and 5.56 are different calibers. (As 5.56 and .223 are different calibers, for that matter.)
Why would you run a different caliber in any weapon? What is gained? Why not run the caliber the weapon is chambered for?
They are not different calibers. For that matter neither are 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO.
The CIP MAP limit for 223 Remington is identical to that of 5.56 NATO, SAAMI has a lower MAP for 223 Remington compared to CIP.
This isn't as simple as you think.
Jammer Six
10-30-18, 04:42
They are not different calibers. For that matter neither are 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO.
The CIP MAP limit for 223 Remington is identical to that of 5.56 NATO, SAAMI has a lower MAP for 223 Remington compared to CIP.
This isn't as simple as you think.
I don't need it to be simple, but I would like to try to understand it. Are you saying that .223, .223 Wylde and 5.56 are merely different names for the same caliber?
Renegade04
10-30-18, 05:45
I don't need it to be simple, but I would like to try to understand it. Are you saying that .223, .223 Wylde and 5.56 are merely different names for the same caliber?
Here is a good article to read that explains things fairly well.
https://www.americanweaponscomponents.com/clearing-the-caliber-confusion-223-wylde-vs-5-56-nato
Don Quijote
10-30-18, 05:50
I don't need it to be simple, but I would like to try to understand it. Are you saying that .223, .223 Wylde and 5.56 are merely different names for the same caliber?
Forgive me if you know some of this already. All of what I say below needs to be known and understood to provide a thorough explanation
1. 223 Wylde is not a cartridge, it's the name of a chamber (and its reamer) designed by Bill Wylde. This Wikipedia article is a very accurate description of what it is, what it does, and why it came to be: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.223_Wylde_chamber
2. 223 Remington and 5.56x45 are dimensionally the same exact cartridge. The former is the SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) and CIP (Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives) designation, the latter is the NATO designation.
3. 5.56 NATO is a shorthand name used to describe that the 5.56X45 cartridge has been adopted and standardized as a service cartridge by NATO and its member nations.
4. SAAMI (in conjunction with the American National Standards Institute, ANSI) develops and publishes standards for the testing of small arms and ammunition in the US. Those standards are voluntary, insofar as there is no law or regulation requiring that ammo or arms meet them before being offered for sale in the US. SAAMI centerfire rifle ammo standards are here: https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Z299-4_ANSI-SAAMI_CFR.pdf
5. CIP does the same thing as SAAMI with a few key differences. Number one, most countries outside of the US require by law proof testing of small arms and ammo before they are legal to sell. Number two, most of those countries have membership in the CIP or require the use of CIP standards. Number three, many countries require the proof testing be done by independent (and sometimes government owned) proof houses. In other words, manufacturer's proof is not enough. CIP rimless rifle cartridge standards are here: http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/en/tdcc_public?page=1&cartridge_type_id=1
6. SAAMI and CIP pressure standards for small arms ammunition are not always the same for the same cartridge. That is the case for the 223 Remington (regardless of what you call it here or in Europe). The SAAMI maximum average chamber pressure (MAP) for 223 Remington is 55,000 psi. The CIP MAP for both 223 Remington and 5.56x45 is 4300 bar (62,366 psi). Any European-made 223 Remington ammunition sold here could potentially develop that pressure. Any European-made rifle marked "223 Remington" will have been proof tested based on the 62,000 psi MAP.
7. SAAMI chamber dimensions for 223 Remington rifles: https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Z299-4_ANSI-SAAMI_CFR.pdf#page=13 page 68. SAAMI velocity and pressure test barrel chamber dimensions for 223 Remington: https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Z299-4_ANSI-SAAMI_CFR.pdf#page=13 page 264
8. CIP chamber dimensions for 223 Remington rifles: http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/tdcc/tab-i/223-rem-170406-en.pdf. CIP velocity and pressure test barrel chamber dimensions for 223 Remington: http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/annexe/annexeiii-en-cr1.pdf (basically take the chamber drawing and apply the tolerances specified in the annex).
9. US military ammo standards, see chapter 10 page for 5.56 ammo: http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/MILITARY/united_states_army_tm_43-0001-27%20-%2029_april_1994.pdf. In summary, max chamber pressure for M193 is 52,000 PSI, for M855 it is 55,000 psi, and for M995 it is 50,250 psi. Presumably those pressures were established in a 5.56 NATO chambered V&P test barrel but I haven't found a drawing for it. I would assume it's similar to the CIP test barrel. As an aside, the M197 high pressure (proof) test cartridge develops 70,000 psi which is not quite as high as the CIP proof pressure limit for 223 Remington of 5375 bar (77,958 psi).
10. As this post https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?55149-5-56mm-NATO-versus-223-Remington-Chamber-Differences points out, there are differences in where chamber pressure is measured between SAAMI and the military. ETA: this seems to support testing equivalency between NATO and CIP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_EPVAT_testing
PS, your sig line is puzzling.
Your example of one is absolutely no indication of the Wylde chamber's suitability for safely shooting 5.56 NATO ammo. It's just an indication of your barrel and its problems.
Too many people have had success running heavy loads (like 25 grains of RL15 topped with a Hornady 75 seated to 2.25) safely in Wylde chambered barrels. That includes me.
Your example of 1 is worthless. Why are you still posting on this site? You're an abrasive imbecile. I cited the reports from an instructor with the Sheriff's Office as to the unsuitability of (at least some) Wylde Chambers with 5.56 ammo... which mirrored my experience as well.
I don't need it to be simple, but I would like to try to understand it. Are you saying that .223, .223 Wylde and 5.56 are merely different names for the same caliber?
Different chamber/leade cuts.
pointblank4445
10-30-18, 10:50
Anybody know if there is anything special on the Mk12 5.56mm reamer/chamber/lead compared to a standard 5.56 NATO in say an M4/M16?
The 5.56 CLE Match has very short free bore and slightly steeper throat angle.
Anybody know if there is anything special on the Mk12 5.56mm reamer/chamber/lead compared to a standard 5.56 NATO in say an M4/M16?
Don Quijote
10-30-18, 11:10
Your example of 1 is worthless. Why are you still posting on this site? You're an abrasive imbecile. I cited the reports from an instructor with the Sheriff's Office as to the unsuitability of (at least some) Wylde Chambers with 5.56 ammo... which mirrored my experience as well.
There are thousands of 223 Wylde barrels being fed everything from NATO milsurp junk to borderline nuclear loads with 80 - 85 grain bullets without a problem. But we should believe you and your cop buddy that they don't work.
OK
pointblank4445
10-30-18, 11:15
The 5.56 CLE has very short free bore and slightly steeper throat angle.
Is the 5.56 CLE the same as "CLE match"?
Yes
http://www.compasslake.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=21
http://www.compasslake.com/images/Chamber.jpg
Is the 5.56 CLE the same as "CLE match"?
pointblank4445
10-30-18, 11:57
And this is the chamber in the mk12?...that’s “optimal” for MK262?
There are thousands of 223 Wylde barrels being fed everything from NATO milsurp junk to borderline nuclear loads with 80 - 85 grain bullets without a problem. But we should believe you and your cop buddy that they don't work.
OK
Your opinion may differ from others, but there are ways to discuss them without being abrasive. I suggest you read what ArmyChief had to say on the subject-
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?70019-The-Good-The-Bad-and-The-Ugly-an-M4C-Style-Guide
Alright, let's settle down on the topic. First had knowledge and from reputable sources are important. The chamber, pressure and cartridge differences are all known. You may also have reamer inconsistencies and cartridge dimensions that are manufacturing issues. One can potentially see how problems may occur and at the same time expose weaknesses in "theory" pertaining to "compromises"
In other words and my opinion, get a 5.56 chambered barrel. My 5R LMT MRP 5.56 has zero accuracy or functioning problems. I can speak of a named match barrel with a Wylde chamber that I loaded for and had to stay on the low end, it also showed problems with 262. It was accurate though but no more than my current LMT.
Wow. I asked for barrel suggestions, not for a couple of guys high jacking the thread to argue about what I didn’t ask about. Thanks
Jammer Six
10-31-18, 04:58
Different chamber/leade cuts.
I'm starting to see this. No difference in caliber, but different chambers and loads. Given all this, why wouldn't one want either the Wylde or the 5.56, precisely because they handle either load safely?
In other words, why would anyone buy a .223 barrel, particularly for an AR?
(I have a .223 bolt gun. It was the first .223 I bought. In that isolation, being the only .223 I loaded for until I bought an AR, I was perfectly content. .223 everything, never even looked at the AR section of the reloading manuals.)
Renegade04
10-31-18, 05:13
I'm starting to see this. No difference in caliber, but different chambers and loads. Given all this, why wouldn't one want either the Wylde or the 5.56, precisely because they handle either load safely?
In other words, why would anyone buy a .223 barrel, particularly for an AR?
You rarely see any AR barrel that has a .223 REM chamber anymore. Most all are .223 Wylde or 5.56 NATO. The benefit to these chambers is that they allow for a broad range of ammunition to be used. An AR with a .223 REM chambered barrel is restricted to .223 REM ammunition.
Wow. I asked for barrel suggestions, not for a couple of guys high jacking the thread to argue about what I didn’t ask about. Thanks
I've used a couple of these, they are GTG:
http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m18-18-223-wylde-chamber/
223 WYLDE, 1:8 twist, 18" long, 416R stainless steel, weighs 2.1 lbs., honed, Fluted, passivated, bead blasted matte finish, Nickel Boron extension with M4 feed ramps, and has a rifle length gas block. button rifled, air gauged, stress relieved.
I hesitated to post this recommendation because of the differing opinions on the Wylde chamber.
Green Mountain has been making barrels for over 40 years, they are an OEM supplier to numerous manufacturers. I don't hesitate to buy their products.
Head on over to this site/page: http://ar15barrels.com/tech.shtml and take a look at this PDF: Detailed 223 vs. 5.56 reamer dimensions comparison showing different variations
A lot of the issues folks bring up in these discussions - accuracy, overpressure - can be attributed to the chamber. The type of reamer used, condition of reamer, etc.
Green Mountain has been making barrels for over 40 years, they are an OEM supplier to numerous manufacturers. I don't hesitate to buy their products.
I have a pair of Sionic Weapon Systems 18" rifle-length gas 223 Wylde chambered 1/8 twist barrels. I've shot a little bit (read very small amount) of 5.56 ammo through each one, and the brass looked fine. I'm happy with both barrels in the lighter weight and mid weight precision roles I built them for. Sionics seems to do their homework quite well.
Have you considered ARP Barrels? I have had very good luck with ARP Barrels. They are priced right and shoot straight. See the link below, it fits your criteria.
https://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/42476
Do you guys have a preference toward fluted or unfluted barrels? Is the advantage of fluted barrels more heat dissipation or lighter weight?
Do you guys have a preference toward fluted or unfluted barrels? Is the advantage of fluted barrels more heat dissipation or lighter weight?
I have always heard that stiffness at a lighter weight is the prime advantage, with heat dissapation more of a theoretical plus.
Andy
Do you guys have a preference toward fluted or unfluted barrels? Is the advantage of fluted barrels more heat dissipation or lighter weight?
I have heard of both , but neither are worth the price of admission. YMMV. I own them but I'm not sold on the advantages.
PB
I have always heard that stiffness at a lighter weight is the prime advantage, with heat dissapation more of a theoretical plus.
Andy
A fluted barrel will be less "stiff" than an unfluted barrel of the same diameter. It will obviously weigh less though and I would think with less mass and more surface area, it would cool faster.
I read an article recently on the whole fluting with heat build and cooling, I wish I could find it. Save your money. As I remember, the cooling was so minimal. This isn't the one but still a good read.
https://www.fulton-armory.com/faqs/AR-FAQs/fluting.htm
My main concern with fluting is the possibility of distorting the bore and thereby reducing the accuracy.
I read an article recently on the whole fluting with heat build and cooling, I wish I could find it. Save your money. As I remember, the cooling was so minimal. This isn't the one but still a good read.
https://www.fulton-armory.com/faqs/AR-FAQs/fluting.htm
I probably read the one you are talking about. If I remember right the only tangible positive was that it was slightly lighter but less rigid and as Clint said the possibility of the extra machining messing up the barrel.
I've been talked out of it in the past-by a good builder.
These are similar in price. Which would be my best bet? I like the look of a black barrel but am not set on black. Any other suggestions?
https://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/42476
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-223-wylde-spr-rifle-length-ss-premium-barrel-ops12.html
http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m49-18-223wylde-barrel/
http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m24-18-223-wylde/
If you would rather have a black barrel, how about the nitride BA SPR instead of stainless?
https://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XBABL556020M&name=Ballistic+Advantage+18%22+5.56+SPR+Rifle-Length+Barrel%2c+Modern+Series&groupid=8946
I know nothing about the seller, but there is a "lightly used" 18" Criterion barrel in the equipment exchange at a significant cost savings over new https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?210675-Criterion-Barrels-Inc-18-quot-Hybrid-Contour-Rife-Legth-Gas-System-223-Wylde
Andy
These are similar in price. Which would be my best bet? I like the look of a black barrel but am not set on black. Any other suggestions?
1) https://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/42476 - do you think they produced it themselves or sourced it from somewhere else?
2) https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-223-wylde-spr-rifle-length-ss-premium-barrel-ops12.html I don't have this barrel but I do have a 16" Hanson profile stainless from BA - good stuff.
2) http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m49-18-223wylde-barrel/
3) http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m24-18-223-wylde/
Unless you absolutely want black, I would get #4, I like the profile better. The reviews also go pretty good on this barrel.
If you want a BA, I'd spend another 45.00 and get the 18" Hanson profile: https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-223-wylde-hanson-mid-ss-premium-barrel.html
pointblank4445
11-04-18, 08:35
I've been talked out of it in the past-by a good builder.
Same...
I'm sure modern tech can help to keep things symmetrical, but the added cost and potential to screw up a good barrel is not offset by any theoretical advantages that likely aren't perceptible to the user...isn't worth the hassle.
RobertTheTexan
11-04-18, 09:35
These are similar in price. Which would be my best bet? I like the look of a black barrel but am not set on black. Any other suggestions?
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-223-wylde-spr-rifle-length-ss-premium-barrel-ops12.html
I’ve shot a lot of BA barrels. I’ve owned a few of their precision barrels.
I like the 5.66 SPR barrel with rifle gas. I’m also sold on their Hanson profile, but not sure I’d recommend that if you were wanting to build a precision rifle. For SPR’s I prefer rifle gas for a variety of reasons, and I would prefer the heavier barrel of the SPR model over the lighter Hanson profile. Mine was not a .223 Wylde, but the 5.56 and it was a sub MOA shooter all day every day.
I’ve heard good things about the other barrels in your short list but my firsthand experience is with BA. If you’re placing a premium on accuracy, I’d recommend the 416R SS over CMV. You can always cerakote the barrel. Their SS offerings are very accurate and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
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#2 is $165 shipped right now. Will there be any better deals around Thanksgiving or is that about as good as it gets?
This is a great thread. I only have a couple rifle with barrels longer than 14.5" and 16". So far the best barrel I own is a 20" Proof Research barrel. There is a velocity advantage with the 20" barrel over a 14.5" or 16" barrel. Second, I have an 18" Noveske barrel that I sent to Marvin Pitts to be dimpled. There is no accuracy difference in the dimpling of the barrel before or after. however, it is notably lightener and way, way cooler looking.
#2 is $165 shipped right now. Will there be any better deals around Thanksgiving or is that about as good as it gets?
I think that is about as low as I'd expect.
So I ordered that barrel. I got a confirmation email saying that it will ship soon. Then I saw a guy running from my porch yesterday. I opened the door to see what he was doing, and there was the barrel.
Now I’m looking at BCGs. I have heard that since the barrel has a nickel boron feed ramp extension, a nickel boron BCG is a good match. True? I am looking at this one. https://www.armorally.com/shop/ar15-toolcraft-nickel-boron-bcg/
Anything else I should be looking at?
everready73
11-12-18, 07:51
So I ordered that barrel. I got a confirmation email saying that it will ship soon. Then I saw a guy running from my porch yesterday. I opened the door to see what he was doing, and there was the barrel.
Now I’m looking at BCGs. I have heard that since the barrel has a nickel boron feed ramp extension, a nickel boron BCG is a good match. True? I am looking at this one. https://www.armorally.com/shop/ar15-toolcraft-nickel-boron-bcg/
Anything else I should be looking at?
I do not like NIB for BCG coating and would just go phosphate. NIB is not really effective and starts to wear quickly. If you want something coated my choice would be NP3 followed by nitride. Sionics makes a reallly nice NP3 BCG and i think armorally offers the toolcraft in Nitride and DLC which would both be better options than NIB
So, what would be the opinion on hard chrome?
everready73
11-12-18, 19:00
So, what would be the opinion on hard chrome?
I have not used it but from what I have read would def be a better option than NIB. If you want info on all the different BCG options check out Chris Bartocci on YouTube. I think his channel is small arms solutions. He did a the part series on different BCG types and coatings.
He personally speaks highly of chrome and had a lot of industry experience as a former employee of Colt and several others as well as authored Black Rifle 2
NP3/NP3+
Chrome
Nitride
Phosphate
In that order. However, I probably would buy a known-quality phosphate before an unknown quality nitride, which most of them are. Above that, it just depends how much you are open to spending. I personally buy NP3 when I want supercool, and phosphate when I want a gun that just runs.
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