Green Mountain AR-15 Barrels?

[The_Hammer_Man]

Hey guys,

I have recently received a "20,1:8, gov profile barrel from Green Mountain. These folks are pretty well known for making Ruger 10/22 barrels and Barrels for for blackpowder rifles and pistols.

The barrel was ordered by one of my clients and shipped direct to me for assembly of an upper. I won't be anything special or "tacticool". It will be a pretty plain jane build.

GM 20" 1:8 gov profile barrel

Midwest Industries 15" SS tube

Spikes Receiver

BCM BCG ( i'll be head spacing it of course)

A.R.M.S. 71L buis

Not sure what optic he's going to go with.. I'll add that later.


The reason I am bringing it to you attention is that it is VERY reasonably priced and apparently worth a look see from all I've read about them.


I'll post pics and a range report on this build in the near future.

(yes, yes, I finally got a digital camera)

Regards,
TJ

ETA: Here's a link to the manufacturer's website: http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/catalog.aspx?catid=militarysurplusriflesbarrels

[SomeOtherGuy]

Their prices look nice for the claimed specs.

Can you test the chamber to see if it's a true 5.56 NATO chamber vs. a .223 Rem?

Do you have the practical ability to measure things like bore diameter and rifling twist to see how well made it is from a precision standpoint?

I read the title and was quite skeptical given that company's background. Not that I've heard of any problems with their black powder and low cost AKM barrels.

[fivefivesix]

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/productdetail.aspx?id=GM-M16
this is the barrel i just bought for an a2 build. it has really thick parkerizing, and the chrome lining looked great. i heard they supply some barrels too colt for one of there rifles.

[OMD]

I've had no issues with their 1022 barrels. They have held 1/2" or less at 50yds with the right ammo.

[The_Hammer_Man]

Their prices look nice for the claimed specs.

Can you test the chamber to see if it's a true 5.56 NATO chamber vs. a .223 Rem?

Do you have the practical ability to measure things like bore diameter and rifling twist to see how well made it is from a precision standpoint?

I read the title and was quite skeptical given that company's background. Not that I've heard of any problems with their black powder and low cost AKM barrels.

funny you should mention these actions....

I intend to perform those tests and a few others such as measuring crown angle and depth and a few other things.

The end product is going to be this guys "tractor" rifle that he takes with him just about everyday. Seems they've been having issues with feral dogs and hogs in his neck of the woods.

If it turns out to be within spec I'll probably get another and torture test it. IE, Do a "dirty 20" thang and just beat the holy hell out of it.

[MarkG]

BCM BCG ( i'll be head spacing it of course)



Just gaging it or actually changing it?

[HeavyDuty]

I've had good luck with GM's 10/22 barrels, and I'm pretty sure Ballistic Advantage uses GM blanks for their .22LR AR barrels - mine has been great. Whether that rimfire experience translates to 5.56, no idea.

[Pumpkinheaver]

If these are as goos as thew rimfire bbls then they will be great. I know for a long time you could not fine a green mountain rimfire bbl, they told people waiting for them that they where concentrating on military and government orders. Could be they where making bbls for Colt. I don't know this as fact just what I've heard.

[The_Hammer_Man]

Just gaging it or actually changing it?


Ever tried to ream a chromed chamber?

"shudders at the thought"

IF it's out of spec I'll send it back rather than try to modify it.

Remember, it costs time and money to do that sort of thing and 95%+ of my customers cannot/will not pay for that degree of OCDishness on my part.

Also remember in my OP I mentioned that this rifle will be in the cab of this gents tractor or in the back window of his "pick em up" truck.


Optic Update: He's finally decided on a scope. A Burris 3-12x. Not a bad choice considering the price point and in a decent mount it will do him fine for the purpose stated.

[sonofagun2012]

So anyone have one of there AR barrel and have data on it.

[az doug]

I have been considering one. I look forward to your findings.

[yuck]

any update on this?

I am about ready to part with my $$ on a GM barrel.

I know that the 10/22 productes they make are top notch but I'm still reserved on their AR stuff.

[The Cat]

As crummy as their AK barrels are, there's NO way I'd touch any of their AR barrels. Plus, with so many known good manufacturers out there, there's really no reason to.

[Magic_Salad0892]

bkb0000 did a thread on their barrels if I remember correctly. Use the search button, because I remember there being some good info in that thread about them.

I still wish bkb0000 wasn't banned, I learned a lot of good stuff from him. :(

[EzGoingKev]

As crummy as their AK barrels are, there's NO way I'd touch any of their AR barrels.

Gun Kings had Green Mountain's 16", 1/7 twist, chrome lined, fluted barrels for $159 w/ free shipping.

I was looking for something decent and cheap for an upper I wanted to play with so I searched this board and came up with:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=69527

I have about 600 rounds through it w/ no issues. I am shooting at small sized paper plates at 100 yards with it and my groups are the same as my 6920 upper.

[saleen]

Are none of their barrels available with a FSP installed? I kind of like the option of a 1/8 with a chrome lined bore and NATO chamber, but I don't want to try drilling and pinning a FSP on.


Saleen

[SomeOtherGuy]

Are none of their barrels available with a FSP installed? I kind of like the option of a 1/8 with a chrome lined bore and NATO chamber, but I don't want to try drilling and pinning a FSP on.
Saleen

I actually emailed them that question a few days ago and got this response yesterday:



Hi ___:

Thank you for contacting Green Mountain Rifle barrel Co. Unfortunately, we do not offer any custom gunsmithing services. You might try one of these distributors of Green Mountain Military barrels:

http://www.wildhorsemfg.4t.com/ Cody Friede Machine shop

www.bandhtactical.com ,Military rifle kit builder division of Lone Star Rifle

You can buy a Green Mountain Rifle Barrel through either of these distributors, or direct from us. Attached is our price list / catalog for your review. I hope you will find this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you find that I could be of any assistance with regard to placing your order. Thank you for your inquiry, and best regards with your project J

Dennis P____
Customer Service

I think there's an opportunity for more sales here, either if Green Mountain decides to offer this option, or if someone with the machining capabilities wants to be a dealer and can offer this at a competitive price. It wouldn't hurt for you or anyone else interested to email or call Green Mountain with this question and suggestion.

[EzGoingKev]

I think Adco could do it.

[The_Hammer_Man]

Are none of their barrels available with a FSP installed? I kind of like the option of a 1/8 with a chrome lined bore and NATO chamber, but I don't want to try drilling and pinning a FSP on.


Saleen

ADCO does have this service available. In fact they're in the process of doing that for a barrel of mine

Call it a pseudo update on the OP:

I've , since then, purchased and installed four more of their barrels. One more 20" and 3x 16" (all 3 had 1:8 twist rifling)

ALL of them are very accurate and the fit and finish, out of the box, was perfect. The only thing I had to do as an extra service was dimple the underside of the barrel for set screw FSB's. One of which is now in Adco's very competent hands being pinned.

No complaints about their accuracy either.

The 20" with a competent shooter behind the stick should have little or no trouble hitting sub moa. The 16"ers average 3/4 MOA to 1MOA... so while not "uber perfect" they are MORE than adequately accurate.

[saleen]

Thanks for the update. I did contact ADCO, but I don't know if the cost of having that FSB installed is quite worth it. For less money I could do an A.R.M.S. #41BL without any machine work.....

The project I inquired about was for someone else, and I think they are holding off on the project for now. I am going to keep them in mind for the future though. I've only got a .22 with their barrel and I've been very happy with how it shoots!


Saleen

[JSantoro]

Okay, sweetheart....

You've been posting at the damned cyclic rate for the last two days, and ALL of it has been surface fluff with no meat, with only a couple engineered to provide the appearance of having anything to do with the topic (usually when the question has already been answered).

This is your public notice: Postwhoring for the purposes of running up one's post-count will not be tolerated, dual-cool avatar or not.

So, your choices are the following: 1) start putting some actual content in your posts, that they may slow down to something approaching a reasonable rate that provides contributing material, 2) stop posting until you can post something that contributes to the forum, or 3) just get banned.

PM me with your decided course of action.

[The_Hammer_Man]

Sorry for the long delay on getting pic's posted. It took me this long to figure out how to upload them :)

(I don't know if this is going to work or not. Sorry guys, I'm not that internet savvy.)
http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/?action=view&current=20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper001.jpg

http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/?action=view&current=20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper002.jpg

There is nothing fancy about this weapon.

Overstock Spikes upper/lower with a DD parts kit.

Rock River 2-stage trigger (after fiddling with it a bit it breaks crisply at 2.7 lbs)

Magpul PRS stock (nice stock but heavy)

15"Midwest Industries SS free float tube (easy to install)

Vltor low pro gas block (under the rail)

Harris bipod

Ergo grip

http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/?action=view&current=20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper004.jpg

Yes I cherry picked this example. It was the best of a five target,5shots per target string I did when testing the barrel. Even so... a 3/8's inch group is kinda nice :)

Have fun people... and stay safe,

Regards,

TJ

[EzGoingKev]

Even so... a 3/8's inch group is kinda nice :)

What was the distance?

[The_Hammer_Man]

What was the distance?

LOL...I'm a dolt!

That will teach me to play on the internet before coffee!

ok.. lets try this again..

Distance: 100 yrds
(conditions= sunny afternoon/no breeze about 86F)

Ammunition used: Hornady 55 gr TAP
(I generally use issue ammo for testing)

Group size: Just under 3/8"
(Didn't have my micrometer with me.)

This was the best group out of five. After sight in groups averaged 1/2" to 3/4"

Hope this clears up any muddle.

Regards,

TJ

[Merle]

Sorry for the long delay on getting pic's posted. It took me this long to figure out how to upload them :)

(I don't know if this is going to work or not. Sorry guys, I'm not that internet savvy.)
http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/?action=view&current=20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper001.jpg

http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/?action=view&current=20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper002.jpg

There is nothing fancy about this weapon.

Overstock Spikes upper/lower with a DD parts kit.

Rock River 2-stage trigger (after fiddling with it a bit it breaks crisply at 2.7 lbs)

Magpul PRS stock (nice stock but heavy)

15"Midwest Industries SS free float tube (easy to install)

Vltor low pro gas block (under the rail)

Harris bipod

Ergo grip

http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/?action=view&current=20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper004.jpg

Yes I cherry picked this example. It was the best of a five target,5shots per target string I did when testing the barrel. Even so... a 3/8's inch group is kinda nice :)

Have fun people... and stay safe,

Regards,

TJ

let me help you

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper002.jpg
http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/the_hammer_man/20inchGrnMtnBarrelUpper004.jpg

[Merle]

I just assembled a rifle for a buddy with a Green Mountain 16" fluted 1/7 barrel, a S&W lower, Vltor MUR upper, Troy MRF-MX rail and a Spikes BCG. It seems like a nice barrel. Light weight and the machining and finish look great. Accuracy was as good as one could expect from a 16" barrel with cheap ammo. There is a nice recessed crown hiding under the flash hider. It is markeed 5.56 but I can not say for certain if it is as I have no way of checking it. It functioned flawlessly through 200 rounds of Federal .223 55gr fmj during its first trip to the range after being put together. My buddy was pretty happy with it. I went ahead and ordered another one for a lightweight build of my own.
Link to barrel: http://www.gunkings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=125&products_id=1508

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-06-13182252-1.jpg

[angelonm]

I assembled a rifle a month or so ago that included a GreenMountain Barrel. 16 in M4 profile chromlined with a 1/7 twist. Fit and finish was excellent. Gun will shoot MOA at 100 yds. These were handloads. I did have a conversation on the phone with GM and i was told that the chambers were 5.56. Loaded some hot stuff and shot some Milspec ball not one sign of overpressure. Very satisfied i will look to buy another when i build another.
Photo is a 20 round string. Actually 2 ten shot strings at 100 yds

[The_Hammer_Man]

Thanks for the pic assist Merle !

One of these days I'll figure out how to do that.

Very nice build btw.. how's it shoot with heavier rounds? I've been getting above average to superior results with 77 gr SMK ammo at intermediate (under 350 yrds) distances with that exact barrel.

For the price point I have to hand it to GM for producing such nice barrels.

On a technical note:

I've noticed that results vary, sometimes significantly, depending on if I use a forged versus a billet upper receiver. Obviously with the billet upper being more rigid that the accuracy results will be more consistent.

Have you noticed this too? Or am I just being OCD ?

Regards,

TJ

[Merle]

Thanks for the pic assist Merle !

One of these days I'll figure out how to do that.

Very nice build btw.. how's it shoot with heavier rounds? I've been getting above average to superior results with 77 gr SMK ammo at intermediate (under 350 yrds) distances with that exact barrel.

For the price point I have to hand it to GM for producing such nice barrels.

On a technical note:

I've noticed that results vary, sometimes significantly, depending on if I use a forged versus a billet upper receiver. Obviously with the billet upper being more rigid that the accuracy results will be more consistent.

Have you noticed this too? Or am I just being OCD ?

Regards,

TJ

I didn't get a chance to shoot any good ammo through it as it is my buddies rifle now and I doubt if he ever will try anything other than 55gr, but I do reload most of my own ammo and I've been meaning to load up some heavier stuff for my AR. As far as the upper receiver affecting accuracy I couldn't say but I know it can't hurt accuracy. I have a vltor upper receiver on a 14.5" 1/7 colt barrelled upper that I can consistently ring the 18" gong with that is at my range that is hanging at 192 yards with open sights using my 55gr fmj reloads.

[The_Hammer_Man]

Sorry for the side track from the original OP but, I had noticed a subtle but significant difference between billet receivers and forged when using CM ( chrome moly) barrels w/ government profiles.

The forged upper receivers seemed to take longer, subjectively, to harmonically reset. IE, it took longer for the vibration induced by discharging the weapon to damp out completely. This has led me personally to using billet uppers and lowers almost exclusively in my personal weapons. (even if they are a tad heavier)

Just wondered if anyone else had noticed this.

[EzGoingKev]

The forged upper receivers seemed to take longer, subjectively, to harmonically reset. IE, it took longer for the vibration induced by discharging the weapon to damp out completely. This has led me personally to using billet uppers and lowers almost exclusively in my personal weapons. (even if they are a tad heavier)

Just wondered if anyone else had noticed this.
Did it ever occur to you that maybe it has more to do with the increase in mass vs the method of manufacture?

Regarding the barrels, I assembled an upper with the same 16" fluted barrel and have over 500 rounds through it. It is as accurate as my 6920 at 100 yards with a 4x optic on it. IMO the only thing bad about GM is they do not make a 16" mid length.

[Merle]

I just received another one of the 16" fluted barrels today and I am going to be building a low cost/light weight rifle around it soon. Here are a few pictures of the barrel. It looks very nice for the money.

On the scale. 1lb, 11oz.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-06-20190200.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-06-20185829.jpg

M4 barrel extension
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-06-20190040.jpg

Recessed crown. Notice the chrome lining.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-06-20190121.jpg

Close up of flutes and finish.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-06-20190105.jpg

[The_Hammer_Man]

Good on ya Merle,,,

Funny coincidence.. I'll be taking delivery of two of that exact barrel pattern this week. (Hopefully they'll be here on Wed.)

They going to be used for new builds I've been planning for awhile.

[dom1104]

Harmonically resetting upper receivers.. lol...now I have heard everything. I can die in peace.

I have just ordered a 1/12 twist GM A1 profile barrel, they are one of the few that makes them.

Other than that, I see no reason to diverge from the established barrel makers we all know and trust.

[Merle]

Other than that, I see no reason to diverge from the established barrel makers we all know and trust.

Yea let's not give any other companies a chance to try to make a quality product at an affordable price.

[EzGoingKev]

Other than that, I see no reason to diverge from the established barrel makers we all know and trust.
It would appear that Colt trusts them just fine.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=69527

[Merle]

My lightweight carbine is almost finished. Just waiting on my Samson Evolution 11" handguard to arrive. I ordered it on the 25th of June. They just sent it today. Hopefully it was worth the wait.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-07-15171139.jpg

[m4brian]

I know some have trashed some of their ak barrels. I have a century yugo with what I assume to be a GM barrel. It can do 1.5 " at 50 yards with wolf. It is more accurate than my VZ 58 so far. But sure wish it was chrome lined.

[Merle]

I know some have trashed some of their ak barrels. I have a century yugo with what I assume to be a GM barrel. It can do 1.5 " at 50 yards with wolf. It is more accurate than my VZ 58 so far. But sure wish it was chrome lined.

It looks like all their 7.62x39 AK barrels are chrome lined. Maybe its a new thing?

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/catalog.aspx?catid=ak47%20assault%20rifle%20replacement%20barrels

[m4brian]

Yes - I've seen that, and it may be new, and it also may be that to save cost on the Century builds, they chose not to chrome line it; the original Yugos were not.

[SA80Dan]

Anyone know if the 1:8 twist 20" Green Mountain M16A2 barrels have the M4 style feedramps?

[Scorpion]

Old thread, I know, but I have one of these barrels, and I noticed that someone asked about the chamber. Mine is a 1:8 twist 20-inch M16A2 barrel (to the poster above, I would check for you but I'm not at home).

My statistical sample of one, but mine has a 5.56 chamber. I shoot 5.56 almost exclusively (mostly American Eagle XM193 and XM855, with some Black Hills Mk 262 mod 1 mixed in). No popped primers or gas staining or anything like that, and it is actually pretty accurate.

EDIT: SA80Dan, mine has rifle feedramps.

[Merle]

I just got my Samson Evolution 11" handguard today and finished my rifle with the Green Mountain barrel. My plan was to build a low cost/light weight rifle that I could carry comfortably all day if needed. It weighs in at 6lbs, 8.25oz as pictured. Gonna shoot it this evening hopefully.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z198/merlebrooks/2011-07-22170128.jpg

[angelonm]

Nice Job

[nynco]

Let me know if you have problems with your EVO rail. I had problems with mine and sold it. No matter what I did, the rail would pull forward off the barrel nut. It was fine offhand but once on a bipod, the recoil would pull it off.

[Merle]

I made a thread in the custom build forum.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=85705

[hunt_ak]

Where did you find the 1/7 fluted? I don't even see that as an offering on their website...

[Merle]

Where did you find the 1/7 fluted? I don't even see that as an offering on their website...

They don't sell them direct. A place called Gunkings is one of their dealers. They are sold out now but you can sign up to be notified when they are back in stock. I had to do that when I wanted to buy one and they had them back in stock about a week after I signed up.
http://www.gunkings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=125&products_id=1508

[hunt_ak]

Good to know, thanks!

[EzGoingKev]

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/productdetail.aspx?id=GM-M6

[Merle]

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/productdetail.aspx?id=GM-M6

Yes, but they do not sell them. They are only available from a dealer.

[SA80Dan]

EDIT: SA80Dan, mine has rifle feedramps.

Thanks.....I decided to chase this up with GM as their latest round of pictures shows M4 ramps seemingly also on the rifle length barrels. I got this response, thought I'd post it incase anyone else stumbles across this while researching barrels:

"Thank you for visiting Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Co’s website and contacting us. Item # GM-M16 does have a M4 Extension"

-so it seems they must have changed this since you got your barrel. Good thing IMO...not because the rifle barrel particularly needs them, more for the fact that 90% of stripped uppers you find all come with the M4 ramps these days. Going to pick one up soon.

[Scorpion]

Makes sense, since mine is on an A2 upper.