View Full Version : Need help with barrel selection, 18 inch 5.56
So I'm looking to build a general purpose rifle. I already have a short gun and a heavy barrel rifle so I want something in between.
I was thinking a pencil barrel 18 inch rifle with a LPVO. I was looking at both true pencil barrels and Faxon's Gunner profile but the general feedback was both are very heat sensitive.
I've expanded my research into Ballistic Advantage Hansen Profile, Roscoe medium profile, or Faxon Gov't profile barrels. I'm trying to stay under 30 ounces and $300. Any suggestions?
WornOutGrunt
04-11-22, 05:33
I think that a BA Hanson 16" would fit the bill well for you... All the ones I have shot were very accurate. Weight distribution was good... Not sure I understand why you want to go to 18" for GP rifle but.. I personally would stick with 16".
Triarc is another barrel with Great profile and superb accuracy, along with Criterion ( if you can find one)
Asking what barrel is best is like asking what flavor Ice Cream someone likes. I am not a fan of Faxon based on several experiences with their barrel
Im just giving my $.02 based on my experiences... YMMV
*** Just saw an 18" Criterion in EE Section for a good price....Just saying... I have no dog in this hunt... but it is a nice bbl****
My personal experience with Hanson Profile BA Barrels has been favorable. My two 16" are around 1 1/4" to 1 3/4" at 100 yds, 5 shot benched groups with 1-6X LPVOs using BH mk 262.
These may have grouped better using more glass.
I have a Criterion 16" that is 1" to just under at 100 yds. with similar optic and same ammo.
No experience with Faxon or Roscoe.
Check out the Criterion Core series 18" inch barrel.
34 ounces, but something to consider.
Odin Works .223 Wylde AR-15 Barrel 1:8 Rifle Length 3-Gun - 18"
https://www.primaryarms.com/odin-works-18-223-wylde-barrel-3-gun-profile-rifle-length-b-223-18-3g-r-tg
Why would you look at Government profile but not pencil? Government is just pencil in the rear, heavy in the front.
I recall seeing some decent prices on FN hammer forged 18” barrels, those are some of the most consistently accurate chrome lined barrels around.
Why would you look at Government profile but not pencil? Government is just pencil in the rear, heavy in the front.
I recall seeing some decent prices on FN hammer forged 18” barrels, those are some of the most consistently accurate chrome lined barrels around.
Primary Arms has a number of FN barrels available at pretty good prices.
I've been looking for an 18 or 20" pencil barrel. My problem is finding one with a pencil / LW profile.
I used to think FN was a guaranteed good choice for precision, till I got one that’s mediocre at best. My first one, part of a PSA Premium upper assembly, is better but not what I would consider good.
Among your listed choices, I’d vote for Roscoe.
IMHO, for the money ($280. *free shipping and no sales tax*), the Criterion Core series 18" inch, chrome lined, rifle gas, 1-8 twist, *30.4* ounces, Wylde chamber, matte black barrel is hard to beat. For an accurate and *hard* use rifle, the pre lapped chrome lined barrel will have a longer barrel life than comparable stainless steel barrels.
The inherent accuracy of the Core series barrels with good match ammo is usually 3/4”-1 MOA .
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?235241-*-Brand-new-and-unused-*-Criterion-Core-series-18-quot-inch-AR15-barrel-*Pics*
WOA has this in stock Mk 1.9
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3-gun-mk-223-5-56-18-1-8-twist-w-gas-tube.html
I was just shopping around on my buddys site (John Hwang of Rainier Arms) looking on my own quest for an 18" barrel, and ran across the below. I have a barrel from the same RA series that someone had returned and claimed it didn't group well.
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-match-223-wylde-lightweight-barrel/
I wrote up a thread about one of the barrels in this series that was returned, but the end result is shown below. Again, this is a supposed defective barrel, that once cleaned, shot groups off a bipod that measured out at four groups of five rounds each that averaged .724 MOA with 69 grain Sierra Matchking, and a best group of .480 MOA.
I make no claim in being the best shooter, but that sold me on the barrels in that series from RA. Best of all, its $260 (I think your mark was under 3 hundo), and in stock.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/b8936a25960e1ac42bc958defbe84655/tumblr_onymals8Zf1rrcg2fo1_1280.jpg
Here is a link to the complete thread if anyone cares to read it.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?194718-Project-Reject-***(MAJOR-Update-page-3)***-IT-GROUPS!!!
WOA has this in stock Mk 1.9
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3-gun-mk-223-5-56-18-1-8-twist-w-gas-tube.html
I had the heavier version of that one, and it was a fantastic shooter. I can't say that it was as good as the one I linked to, but I'll happily admit that I don't know if I shot all the same variations of ammo, it perhaps that would have made the difference. I also feel that some barrels that come off the line are "magic", while others produced that same day are only "really good". Not sure if that makes sense or not to anyone else. I gave my WOA barreled upper away to a good buddy who has shot more people than me and is an awesome vet and fantastic guy. That dude is cool enough that he got the upper with DD rail and 4x optic for being so great.
Take a hard look at Green Mountains 18" offerings. I think youll recognize a few models....
https://www.gmriflebarrel.com/ar-15-m16-m4-rifle-barrels/?sort=pricedesc
I was just shopping around on my buddys site (John Hwang of Rainier Arms) looking on my own quest for an 18" barrel, and ran across the below. I have a barrel from the same RA series that someone had returned and claimed it didn't group well.
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-match-223-wylde-lightweight-barrel/
~SNIP~
Light weight, within budget, and from a company that allows returns if you are unhappy for any reason. Stick says his shoots very well. They have a military discount.
Just order it :)
I would suggest emailing them and asking if they will verify headspace if you purchase a bolt.
Edit - I do realize that other great barrels have been suggested. GM, WOA, Criterion, etc. and you are almost guaranteed to end up with an AR that just flat out shoots with any of them.
Andy
Light weight, within budget, and from a company that allows returns if you are unhappy for any reason. Stick says his shoots very well. They have a military discount.
Just order it :)
I would suggest emailing them and asking if they will verify headspace if you purchase a bolt.
Edit - I do realize that other great barrels have been suggested. GM, WOA, Criterion, etc. and you are almost guaranteed to end up with an AR that just flat out shoots with any of them.
Andy
They should do that without any trouble at all.
I also agree there are a lot of great barrels out there. RA is probably not the only one who has a guarantee, but it is something to think about if the barrel being a good shooter concerns you.
*** Just saw an 18" Criterion in EE Section for a good price....Just saying... I have no dog in this hunt... but it is a nice bbl****
Honestly this. Buy it before I do. Yes, I am fickle.
Andy
Go with the Original Douglas Premium 18” MK 12 barrel
While the Crane Spec Centurion Arms MK12 18 inch barrel is an excellent barrel, it weighs 38.3 ounces. The OP said he is trying to stay at 30 oz or under.
WornOutGrunt
04-17-22, 07:48
Any updates on this thread ? Hey OP ... what did you get ? or are you still on the quest ?
He probably figured out he won't find a sub 30 ounce 18" barrel and punted. I certainly couldn't easily find one.
WornOutGrunt
04-17-22, 07:59
Not sure why he didn't jump on the Criterion that is in EE... that's a solid deal...still unsure of the 16 vs 18 for a GP rifle but... to each their own....
Thanks everyone for your replies. Got some good ideas. Yes under 30 oz may not be doable but I can get close and still have a stiffer then pencil barrel.
Thanks everyone for your replies. Got some good ideas. Yes under 30 oz may not be doable but I can get close and still have a stiffer then pencil barrel.
FWIW, an 18” government profile (with rifle-length gas) comes out just under 30 oz. Faxon sells one, but they call it a SOCOM profile.
Bellycrawl
05-03-22, 14:39
Thanks everyone for your replies. Got some good ideas. Yes under 30 oz may not be doable but I can get close and still have a stiffer then pencil barrel.
The fluted BA 18" barrel would be close. BA claims 32 oz while some retailers have it at 31 and the one below has it at 27 oz.
https://ar15discounts.com/products/ballistic-advantage-18-223-wylde-spr-fluted-stainless-steel-rifle-length-ar-15-barrel-premium-series/
FWIW a carbon Proof 18" barrel ($979) shows 31 oz on their website.
I must have bought the last one but I bought this 18" barrel that shoots pretty well.
https://criterionbarrels.com/products/ar-15/ar-15-core-series-rifle-gas/?v=7516fd43adaa
It weighs 1.90 lbs, has a .625 gas block, shoots very smooth and under an inch 5 shot groups so far. I've had pistol matches the last two weekends and one more this weekend then I'll get to ring it out but I'm very happy with it.
https://i.postimg.cc/VvWTt37v/B9AE0BF2-9198-45F5-9901-74503E3EFEFB.jpg (https://postimg.cc/p5yqb1MM)
not it's best group but 77 grain SMK's at 2720 fps.
https://i.postimg.cc/yYg7Gz19/A1056338-A08E-41B9-AF7C-9519FB586B0F.jpg (https://postimg.cc/nCx8sgQc)
IMHO, for the money ($280. *free shipping and no sales tax*), the Criterion Core series 18" inch, chrome lined, rifle gas, 1-8 twist, *30.4* ounces, Wylde chamber, matte black barrel is hard to beat. For an accurate and *hard* use rifle, the pre lapped chrome lined barrel will have a longer barrel life than comparable stainless steel barrels.
The inherent accuracy of the Core series barrels with good match ammo is usually 3/4”-1 MOA .
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?235241-*-Brand-new-and-unused-*-Criterion-Core-series-18-quot-inch-AR15-barrel-*Pics*
For the money I think the Criterion Core series 18 inch barrel is hard to beat.
BrigandTwoFour
05-05-22, 07:12
I support the Criterion core option, but I'm curious as to the Faxon being "heat sensitive." What have you heard that gives you pause?
I ask because I've had a Faxon 18" Gunner for a few years, and it's one of my favorite rifles. Seen here:
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/minuteman-complete.jpeg
What defines too heat sensitive to you? A pencil or light taper profile like this isn't really meant for high volumes of fire. It's meant to be carried a lot. With the Faxon specifically, the widest I've read about groups opening up once "hot" is up to about 2.5 MOA, which is well within acceptable combat rifle (or even action rifle) standards. On the other end, I've seen reports that "hot" groups opened up from 1 MOA to 1.5 MOA.
Anyway, the bottom line is that I think either the Faxon Gunner or Criterion Core would work really well.
titsonritz
05-05-22, 18:53
A couple LW 18" options...
https://www.ballisticadvantage.com/17-7-5-56-ba-hanson-3-gun-midlength-ar-15-barrel-w-lo-pro-performance-series.html
https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/product-p/mi-c18lw223w.htm?v=7516fd43adaa
Chris Bonesteel
05-10-22, 10:01
Its only 16" not the 18" youre looking for, but here is another option.
https://www.bonesteelarms.com/product/ar-15-light-weight-fluted-match-grade-chrome-lined-barrel/
It may not be obvious at a glance, but I personally spent over a month calculating and obsessing over the profile.
My goal was to create what you were looking for, a truly general purpose barrel. I calculated to achieve what I believe is the best balance of heat, weight and accuracy. I went with criterion chrome lined, as I feel their process provides the best balance of accuracy and durability. The fluting added $100 to barrel price, but to me it is totally worth it, giving a slight edge in both stiffness/weight and heat dissipation/weight. At under 25 oz I was able to keep weight down to a range comparable with pencils, and with the fluting and well designed profile, keep the accuracy comparable to a nice mid weight barrel.
I support the Criterion core option, but I'm curious as to the Faxon being "heat sensitive." What have you heard that gives you pause?
I ask because I've had a Faxon 18" Gunner for a few years, and it's one of my favorite rifles. Seen here:
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/minuteman-complete.jpeg
What defines too heat sensitive to you? A pencil or light taper profile like this isn't really meant for high volumes of fire. It's meant to be carried a lot. With the Faxon specifically, the widest I've read about groups opening up once "hot" is up to about 2.5 MOA, which is well within acceptable combat rifle (or even action rifle) standards. On the other end, I've seen reports that "hot" groups opened up from 1 MOA to 1.5 MOA.
Anyway, the bottom line is that I think either the Faxon Gunner or Criterion Core would work really well.
There it is…. The moment that I figured out what to do with my 18” Gunner. Did you make an entry in your blog about that one?
It’s not the Faxon nor a very scientific test but a few weeks ago I was zeroing and decided to do a mag dump to check POI shift on my BCM BFH ELW 14.5. I got a good zero, dumped 30 rounds as quickly as possible and then immediately shot another group with no noticeable shift. It was only one full mag and this was all at 50m instead of 100m but it was one more of those things that the Internet had told me to expect something that didn’t end up being the case.
Just like all of those “1 MOA groups with M193,” there are few things I’ll trust that I can easily test for myself.
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BrigandTwoFour
05-10-22, 18:38
There it is…. The moment that I figured out what to do with my 18” Gunner. Did you make an entry in your blog about that one?
Yep. I wrote up a post about here on M4C back when I first finished it: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?197885-New-Project-quot-The-Minuteman-quot
A longer piece about it (https://www.everydaymarksman.co/equipment/minuteman-rifle/) is on the site as well. I haven't really changed anything other than the Aimpoint M5. I've been mulling over a TA33, though.
Either way, I really like the barrel. The biggest pain in the butt was finding someone willing to do a drill and pin on a nitrided barrel.
I was very tempted to get a FSB on my 18" gunner, but decided to keep it with a gas block. The TA-33 works nicely on it. I only have it on paper at 100, but it's been fun clanging plates at 2 and 300. No hiccups with my XM193 fodder and even down to wimpy PMC Bronze.
https://i.imgur.com/Ct1b8F7.jpg
Rainier arms match lw barrels are close in weight and may be worth consideration
Hammer_Man
06-18-22, 11:22
OP is looking to build a general purpose rifle. No need for anything match grade, so I think a government profile barrel will do just fine, and meet his less than 30 ounce requirement.
OP is looking to build a general purpose rifle. No need for anything match grade, so I think a government profile barrel will do just fine, and meet his less than 30 ounce requirement.
Thats true, but I don't remember ever hearing anyone cussing a rifle for shooting too well.
Andy
Hammer_Man
06-18-22, 21:56
Thats true, but I don't remember ever hearing anyone cussing a rifle for shooting too well.
Andy
Also true, but most match barrels are heavy profile, and will easily exceed 30 ounces. Personally I’d go with a 16” barrel for a GP rifle, as you aren’t really losing much compared to an 18”. A 16” CHF light weight profile barrel from BCM or Centurion Arms would do nicely.
Also true, but most match barrels are heavy profile, and will easily exceed 30 ounces. Personally I’d go with a 16” barrel for a GP rifle, as you aren’t really losing much compared to an 18”. A 16” CHF light weight profile barrel from BCM or Centurion Arms would do nicely.
I thought you were replying to the post immediately before yours, which referenced a LW match barrel.
The OP mentioned he has 2 16" guns and was looking for something different.
I did a build with a rifle gas 18" CHF Rainier barrel (yes, A2 profile) for similar reasons and am pretty happy with it. Very soft shooter, but so is my 16" BRT barrel with an intermediate length gas system.
Andy
Hammer_Man
06-18-22, 22:30
I thought you were replying to the post immediately before yours, which referenced a LW match barrel.
The OP mentioned he has 2 16" guns and was looking for something different.
I did a build with a rifle gas 18" CHF Rainier barrel (yes, A2 profile) for similar reasons and am pretty happy with it. Very soft shooter, but so is my 16" BRT barrel with an intermediate length gas system.
Andy
I had that exact Rainier Arms barrel in a build, and it was a really soft shooter. It would be perfect for what he wants to do, but it’s not listed on their website anymore.. I think FN still has an 18” rifle gas A2 barrel in their catalog.
I had that exact Rainier Arms barrel in a build, and it was a really soft shooter. It would be perfect for what he wants to do, but it’s not listed on their website anymore.. I think FN still has an 18” rifle gas A2 barrel in their catalog.
Yeah, they have a LW profile SS barrel in a lightweight profile.
I'm thinking it would be a nice light barrel that gets good accuracy for a few shots before warming up. 18" is a 33oz barrel, so close to his "30oz' goal.
Of course Colt barrels are also accurate so there is that option as well.
OGmechanic
06-20-22, 10:16
I have the BA MK12 profile .223 wyle barrel in 18" with rifle gas system. it does well with 75 OTM and is a sub MOA barel. doesnt like 77 OTM though. Im about to switch to a 20" MK12 profile BCM match and put this 18 up for sale. Only thing I do not like is the barrel didn't come dimpled.
For those still shopping for lightweight 18" 5.56mm barrels here are some lightweight 18" barrel currently available: OK one's only 17.7 but it's close. Most will be a little heavy, in both price and weight. I just went on a deep shopping experience looking for my 'perfect' 18" barrel for a new build. I finally went with a 18" Wilson Combat Fluted Barrel, @ 37 oz so not exactly a true lightweight, but below are some that I considered.
@31 Oz
https://www.ballisticadvantage.com/17-7-223-wylde-ba-hanson-3-gun-stainless-steel-midlength-ar-15-barrel-w-lo-pro-premium-series.html
@33 Oz
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatch-mod2-223-wylde-barrel-18/
@32.2 Oz
https://noveske.com/products/ambidextrous-stainless-lo-pro-gas-block-barrel-5-56/
@33 Oz
https://www.odinworks.com/223-Wylde-Barrel-18-3-Gun-Rifle-p/b-223-18-3g-r-tg.htm
@30 Oz
https://www.roscomanufacturing.com/shop/barrels/purebred-barrels/purebred-18223-wylde/
davidjinks
01-21-23, 12:00
Rainier Mountain Series would be a good choice.
So I'm looking to build a general purpose rifle. I already have a short gun and a heavy barrel rifle so I want something in between.
I was thinking a pencil barrel 18 inch rifle with a LPVO. I was looking at both true pencil barrels and Faxon's Gunner profile but the general feedback was both are very heat sensitive.
I've expanded my research into Ballistic Advantage Hansen Profile, Roscoe medium profile, or Faxon Gov't profile barrels. I'm trying to stay under 30 ounces and $300. Any suggestions?
Hammer_Man
01-21-23, 12:39
Rainier Mountain Series would be a good choice.
Rainier Mountain barrels don’t come in 18” or 20” variants anymore. Additionally, they only come in a heavy profile with fluting.
BufordTJustice
01-21-23, 13:01
I had a Rainier Mountain CHF 18" rifle gas fire a few years. Sold it to a buddy. Built an even lighter upper using a Faxon first gen 18" rifle gas "Gunner" barrel.
VERY handy. Goverment profile behind the GB, .625" journal, pencil between gas block journal and muzzle.
I know Faxon quality has fallen off, but this one has been really solid. 1.5moa with good ammo and an Aimpoint, lighter than many 16" guns. Very soft recoil for the weight.
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If you can find one, Criterion Core barrels should fit the bill. They should be making another run of them in a few months.
davidjinks
01-21-23, 15:22
Well then…..I didn’t know that. I swear I was on their website a couple weeks again looking for an 18” and they had the regular 18” mountain barrels.
Rainier Mountain barrels don’t come in 18” or 20” variants anymore. Additionally, they only come in a heavy profile with fluting.
Hammer_Man
01-22-23, 00:28
Well then…..I didn’t know that. I swear I was on their website a couple weeks again looking for an 18” and they had the regular 18” mountain barrels.
Could you be thinking of their Select Barrels?
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-select-5-56-nato-barrel/
I had a Rainier Mountain CHF 18" rifle gas fire a few years. Sold it to a buddy. Built an even lighter upper using a Faxon first gen 18" rifle gas "Gunner" barrel.
VERY handy. Goverment profile behind the GB, .625" journal, pencil between gas block journal and muzzle.
I know Faxon quality has fallen off, but this one has been really solid. 1.5moa with good ammo and an Aimpoint, lighter than many 16" guns. Very soft recoil for the weight.
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My earlyish 20" Faxon Gunner shot ridiculously well for such a light barrel. It was an honest and consistent 1 MOA or less (5 shot groups) gun with decent ammo although it had a distinct preference for 55 grain bullets. My brother has it now.
Andy
ExplorinInTheWoods
01-22-23, 11:19
Noveske 18 SPR is the barrel you need
Noveske 18 SPR is the barrel you need
Other than costing $150 over the OP's original budget and weighing 11+ ounces more than his target weight :)
Andy
BufordTJustice
01-22-23, 12:49
My earlyish 20" Faxon Gunner shot ridiculously well for such a light barrel. It was an honest and consistent 1 MOA or less (5 shot groups) gun with decent ammo although it had a distinct preference for 55 grain bullets. My brother has it now.
Andy
I think our barrels are siblings.
Despite a 1:8 twist, mine also has a preference for lighter bullets and will also print right about an MOA with good 55gr. 1.5moa was for my preferred Hornady GMX TAP 70gr 5.56.
Mine is in my safe, without a lower. Can't bring myself to part with it.
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BufordTJustice
01-22-23, 12:50
If you can find one, Criterion Core barrels should fit the bill. They should be making another run of them in a few months.
Criterion is just impossible to go wrong with. They are worth the wait.
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i'll second this recommendation. i have a couple of the new production FN barrels and they are very acceptable for accuracy with 77gr IMI ammo. midway sells the 18" ones too i believe. not sure its HF though.
Nobody ever complains about the performance of the M4 barrel length at the range, and people frequently shoot expert with them.
davidjinks
02-01-23, 07:37
Another suggestion…it misses your cost guidance, but it is “kinda” within your weight requirements. I’ve had excellent luck with these barrels and this company. Last upper I had built with all V7 parts (Shameless plug to Retro Arms Works) and with match ammo I was able to hold just over half an inch at 100 yards.
https://www.vsevenweaponsystems.com/5-56-223-barrels/v7-stainless-match-barrel-18
So I'm looking to build a general purpose rifle. I already have a short gun and a heavy barrel rifle so I want something in between.
I was thinking a pencil barrel 18 inch rifle with a LPVO. I was looking at both true pencil barrels and Faxon's Gunner profile but the general feedback was both are very heat sensitive.
I've expanded my research into Ballistic Advantage Hansen Profile, Roscoe medium profile, or Faxon Gov't profile barrels. I'm trying to stay under 30 ounces and $300. Any suggestions?
I haven't had a chance to shoot it enough to comment on accuracy, but the BA 18" fluted spr has a nice feel to it.
https://www.ballisticadvantage.com/18-223-wylde-spr-fluted-stainless-steel-rifle-length-ar-15-barrel-premium-series.html
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coal-cracker
02-03-23, 16:49
Nobody ever complains about the performance of the M4 barrel length at the range, and people frequently shoot expert with them.An 18" will have the smoothness of rifle-length gas, my friend.
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An 18" will have the smoothness of rifle-length gas, my friend.
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Based on the onesI have tried it is probably smoother.
Some 18" use mid length which I assume would be more like shooting a 16" carbine gas.
One More Time
02-04-23, 11:44
Did the OP ever choose and build something?
Lots of stuff out there to choose from.
I went with a Wilson Combat 18" barrel.
Not too heavy and sports a 0.875" GB journal that's dimpled for a set screw with a 0.098" gas port. (not published but verified)
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/18-223-Wylde-Fluted-Barrel-Stainless-Steel-18-Twist/productinfo/TR-223USSRG18FT8/
Doesn't feel too front heavy without a scope, balances out pretty well scoped at 9.25 lbs.
Accuracy seems good with 193 and 855, cycles nice and smooth with an A5H2 buffer and Tubbs flat wire spring.
I have some 69 and 75 FGMM and S&B 5.56 77 to try out in it.
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