WOA has this in stock Mk 1.9
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3-g...-gas-tube.html
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WOA has this in stock Mk 1.9
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3-g...-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-...weight-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/b8936a25...g2fo1_1280.jpg
Here is a link to the complete thread if anyone cares to read it.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...)***-IT-GROUPS!!!
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-...sort=pricedesc
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
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.