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TED
06-23-10, 21:59
I've been reading up on and searching the forums for info about lightweight barrels. It is getting a little overwhelming.

I would like a barrel that is...
14.5"
mid-length gas system
.750 gas block
cold hammer forged
chrome lined
1/8 or 1/7 twist

It seems my closest choice particularly regarding the cold hammer forgin is the daniel defense offering. However their gas block appears to be smaller than .750.

Any suggestions?

TED
rob_s
06-24-10, 04:49
In the current market I believe you're going to have to choose which is more important; CHF or .750".
matt86
06-24-10, 06:46
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=GB-DD
500grains
06-24-10, 08:06
Centurion's CHF lightweight barrel is CHF and has a 0.750 gas block.
rob_s
06-24-10, 08:08
Centurion's CHF lightweight barrel is CHF and has a 0.750 gas block.

and, while it's certainly "lighter" weight, it's not actually the same profile as the DD and BCM (or Colt) "lightweight" barrels.

chart (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPsdGlBeGN1eERSWHVhaHRHejVRMURKUmc&hl=en&output=html)
ge_traveler
06-24-10, 10:32
I've been reading up on and searching the forums for info about lightweight barrels. It is getting a little overwhelming.

I would like a barrel that is...
14.5"
mid-length gas system
.750 gas block
cold hammer forged
chrome lined
1/8 or 1/7 twist

It seems my closest choice particularly regarding the cold hammer forgin is the daniel defense offering. However their gas block appears to be smaller than .750.

Any suggestions?

TED

Is your reasoning for the .750 gas block due to availability in that size? More and more gas blocks are becoming available in the .625 diameter.

If you decide to go with a .625, the DD is a good option.
Check out the ones offered from G&R. Can even get one with the FSB installed.
TED
06-24-10, 21:26
PLEASE NOTE: I DO plan to use this with a suppressor but only in semi-auto and with a low rate of fire. I'm planning to get a gemtech titanium G5.

Yes, my reason for wanting the .750 gas block is primarily for the larger selection of gas blocks and front sight towers.

However, if I had to choose between the cold hammer forging and the gas block size, I'd go with the cold hammer forging. One reason being that I do believe that the CHF will help to cope with heat better than non-CHF and since this is a lightweight barrel, that will help make up for the accelerated temperature gain.

I think I will most likely end up going with the Daniel Defense when they come out with a mid-length 14.5".

TED
500grains
06-24-10, 22:26
and, while it's certainly "lighter" weight, it's not actually the same profile as the DD and BCM (or Colt) "lightweight" barrels.

chart (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPsdGlBeGN1eERSWHVhaHRHejVRMURKUmc&hl=en&output=html)

Centurion adds 4 oz. over DD. So Centurion customers should skip lunch to even out the weight differential. ;)
TehLlama
06-24-10, 23:39
The DD with their new narrow low profile gas blocks are great - I'm going with a similar setup and VTAC Extreme rail, I can't wait for the results.

Centurion is attractive as a more precise rig, but the price and availability of the DD and BCM units is a draw for me. Either would be comparable suppressed, so go there aren't any bad choices among these.
vicious_cb
06-25-10, 00:37
Anyone got the weight of the DD 14.5" carbine LW barrel?

http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=253
Neo Mara
06-25-10, 02:30
I just posted the weights for that barrel in Rob's weight chart thread.
vicious_cb
06-25-10, 03:43
Doesnt look like its up yet. All I see is the DD 16" LW up there.
Warg
06-25-10, 11:43
Also posted weight for the set screw VLTOR 0.625" GB available from G&R (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=GB-2) in Rob's weight chart thread.
TED
06-26-10, 16:32
So far I am leaning heavily towards the Daniel Defense lightweight barrel. It is very impressive. If I understand correctly, they are forging the chamber integrally with the barrell in the same manner as Diemaco. That is particularly impressive.

Does anyone know if Daniel Defense is planning to make a mid-lenght 14.5"? If they are I'll wait. If not, I will go ahead and get theri 14.5" lightweight carbine gas system barrell that they are currently offering.

TED
rob_s
06-26-10, 16:44
I have a 14.5" carbine-length sitting here waiting to be made into a lightweight carbine. I think it makes the most sense if absolute weight savings is your ultimate goal. While virtually meaningless, it's obvious slightly lighter due to less gas tube. Likely meaningless in the grand scheme of things but...