View Full Version : Which 12.5 barrel? BCM or DD?
Called the ATF today and was told I was approved TODAY for my first SBR. I can't decide between the BCM barrel: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Standard-12-5-Carbine-Barrel-Stripped-NFA-p/bcm-brl-s-12%20std.htm or the DD: http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=228
This will be a hard run setup. I am going to give it my best effort to get it down to TN for an up comming EAG class but not sure if the lower will be back from engraving in time, if my mailed form 1 will be here in time, and have my approved 5320-20 back. Both are great barrels and both companies stand by there product. Any opinions either way? I will be assembling the parts and the one advatage the BCM barrel gives is it pre dimpled for the easy gas block allignment. Is this a flip of the coin choice?
The Daniel Defense is cold hammer forged, which most people would say is a great feature for a hard use gun.
Other people may say that you'll likely never wear out the BCM anyhow, so you might as well save some money and set it aside for travel expenses for the EAG class you want to goto.
Though both are excellent barrels, I think I would get the DD. In the grand scheme the ~$40 isnt really much, so I wouldnt find it too difficult to buy the more expensive one.
Congrats on your new sbr.
I went with the DD barrel. It has been great. I ran it hard through my Magpul class without issue. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
I've been very happy with my DD. Why wouldn't you get a CHF barrel if it's going to be hard use? I'm sure the BCM is great, too, but my money would be on the CHF.
If one accepts that a BCM and DD barrel are likely to have equivalent accuracy, I'd definitely be inclined to get the DD in a hard-use gun because CHF is likely to be (marginally) longer-lasting.
Personally, I went for 11.5 inches, which I think is the sweet spot in an SBR relative to convenient length, weight, accuracy, gas system reliability, and I opted for BCM's 11.5 hammer-forged barrel. I have been VERY pleased with that setup. If you're committed to 12.5 inches, I would go DD.
Thanks for the replies. I am committed to the 12.5 as that's what is on the Form 1. I was really really hoping BCM would offer a CHF barrel by the time I got approved. When I was planning this build I didn't even look at DD and just recently discovered they offered the 12.5 in CHF. That might be the ticket. Do any venodors sell the DD barrels for less the MSRP? I know sometimes it can be cheaper to buy from a vendor rather directly from the manf and paying MSRP.
Thanks for the replies. I am committed to the 12.5 as that's what is on the Form 1. I was really really hoping BCM would offer a CHF barrel by the time I got approved. When I was planning this build I didn't even look at DD and just recently discovered they offered the 12.5 in CHF. That might be the ticket. Do any venodors sell the DD barrels for less the MSRP? I know sometimes it can be cheaper to buy from a vendor rather directly from the manf and paying MSRP.
Permanent barrel length change on a registered SBR is just a "letter of notification" to the NFA branch. Doesn't require re-approval, cost any money, or take any time.
Permanent barrel length change on a registered SBR is just a "letter of notification" to the NFA branch. Doesn't require re-approval, cost any money, or take any time.
True...but I already have the rail for this (Larue 11") and it will not work with a 11.5 barrel. I plan on getting more uppers for this lower, possibly a 12" 6.8 and maybe anther 5.56 sometime in the future.
True...but I already have the rail for this (Larue 11") and it will not work with a 11.5 barrel.
Daniel Defense it is, then :).
12.5" .... www.centurionarms.com .. hammer forged, no brainer
+1 for Centurion Arms. Have had mine for 7 months and I love it!
My .02 DD lightweight 12.5" or the Centurion Lightweight Danno listed.
The DD is a true lightweight with .625 gas block size (if thats an issue)
Why not Noveske?
Noveske's only 12.5 inch barrel is stainless. Not optimal for a hard use gun due to shorter barrel life.
Noveske's only 12.5 inch barrel is stainless. Not optimal for a hard use gun due to shorter barrel life.
How much shorter life is it going to have?
I have one on a Full-Auto Post-Sample Beater and it is working out fine.
The only reason I didn't add Noveske as a choice is flat due to cost. I have one of their barrels on a 16" recce build. If I build a 6.8spc upper I will more than likely use a 12.5 noveske barrel for that.
The only reason I didn't add Noveske as a choice is flat due to cost. I have one of their barrels on a 16" recce build. If I build a 6.8spc upper I will more than likely use a 12.5 noveske barrel for that.
That is what I figured. It is pricey. When I bought it years ago, they were the only ones making 12.5 with 1:7 . (that I knew of).
Robb Jensen
10-16-10, 08:53
I'd get a BCM 12.5 BFH upper.
How much shorter life is it going to have?
I have one on a Full-Auto Post-Sample Beater and it is working out fine.
Noveske says "8000 - 12,000 rounds" before throat erosion takes a noticeable toll on accuracy. I shoot about 3000-5000 rounds per year in my "hard-use" rifles, including mag dumps etc. I don't want to have to re-barrel every 2-3 years, so I went with a $250 BFH BCM. If I could have bought an 11.5 Noveske Light Recce barrel....THAT would have been the ticket for me, cost be damned.
I'd get a BCM 12.5 BFH upper.
They don't make one that I now of?
I'd price out complete uppers with the handguard/upper/BCG combination you want from BCM, DD, Centurion, and Noveske.
All four of these will be more than adequate shooters, so whichever makes the most sense to buy, buy.
Robb Jensen
10-16-10, 12:40
They don't make one that I now of?
It's not listed on BravoCoUSA currently but I can swear we've sold 2-3 of these uppers in the shop.
It's not listed on BravoCoUSA currently but I can swear we've sold 2-3 of these uppers in the shop.
I wouldn't be surprised if Paul made a couple special runs but I don't think it's a regular stocked item.
Noveske says "8000 - 12,000 rounds" before throat erosion takes a noticeable toll on accuracy. I shoot about 3000-5000 rounds per year in my "hard-use" rifles, including mag dumps etc. I don't want to have to re-barrel every 2-3 years, so I went with a $250 BFH BCM. If I could have bought an 11.5 Noveske Light Recce barrel....THAT would have been the ticket for me, cost be damned.
Wow I passed that in the first few months. I will have to do a precision accuracy check and see, as the normal type of shooting I do with that gun (steel plates, Tannerite), it still has no problem hitting. Now that there are more choices I doubt I will go back to that though.
Thanks for the info.
If I could have bought an 11.5 Noveske Light Recce barrel....THAT would have been the ticket for me, cost be damned.
Exactly the reason for my purchasing the 10.5" N4 barrels they DO sell separately.
Exactly the reason for my purchasing the 10.5" N4 barrels they DO sell separately.
I don't think that was available when I bought the 11.5 from BCM, but I was pretty entrenched in the "1 inch longer and get 40% more dwell time" mantra. True or not, I don't know, but I haven't had a single gas issue with this rig.
I don't think that was available when I bought the 11.5 from BCM, but I was pretty entrenched in the "1 inch longer and get 40% more dwell time" mantra. True or not, I don't know, but I haven't had a single gas issue with this rig.
IIRC this is a big reason why BCM doesn't offer a 10.5 barrel.
It is
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=138&t=174764
12.5" .... www.centurionarms.com .. hammer forged, no brainer
If I was building a SBR I would go with Centurion Arms as well.
Just bought the BCM 12.5. Should be here some time middle of next week. Paul is good people.
Please post a pic when done.
Updated with pics:
BCM 12.5 Barrel, Larue 11" rail
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo356/rushca01/DSC00396.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo356/rushca01/DSC00397.jpg
If I was building a SBR I would go with Centurion Arms as well.
+1 for centurion
+1 for Centurion Arms as well, some amazing products.
And rush very nice rifle, love the Larue rail.
How do u like the BCM 12.5???
+1 for Centurion Arms as well, some amazing products.
And rush very nice rifle, love the Larue rail.
How do u like the BCM 12.5???
I like it. This is going to be a very hard run gun. I am going to put about 1600 rounds through it in 2 weeks during an EAG class. For 229 dollars for a properly spec'ed barrel I don't think you can beat it.
Yea i agree, for 229 u really cant beat that.
Once u run it for the 2 week class post back ur feedback on how the rifle handled.
Yea i agree, for 229 u really cant beat that.
Once u run it for the 2 week class post back ur feedback on how the rifle handled.
The carbine portion of the class is only 3 days (leaving in just under 2 weeks). So that will be aprox 1600 round in 3 days of heavy abuse and fire.
snackgunner
06-21-11, 22:01
I'd get a BCM 12.5 BFH upper.
They don't make one that I now of?
It's not listed on BravoCoUSA currently but I can swear we've sold 2-3 of these uppers in the shop.
Does anyone have any update on this?
Does anyone know for sure if BCM already has, or will have 12.5 HF barrels in the near future?
Love my DD 12.5" barrel
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/m249saw/sbr2-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/m249saw/sbr1-1.jpg
Fire_Medic
06-22-11, 09:34
I sent my paperwork in for an 11.5" barrel but starting to wonder if I should go 12.5 to have a little more rail space.....
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