What's the word on Aero's barrels? Are they worth buying for a budget build?
Printable View
What's the word on Aero's barrels? Are they worth buying for a budget build?
Which barrel in specific? AP list their Chrome Moly barrels as being MPI and HP tested. However they also list these barrels as having a "mil-spec" coating. The problem with this claim is that QPQ is a heat treatment in high-temperature salt baths, not a coating. Also, chrome lining is the only mil-spec coating out there according to the technical data package. AP is hurting its credibility by claiming something is mil-spec when it technically isn't as well as incorrectly listing QPQ as a coating.
I wouldn't say it is an inferior barrel. If AP had these barrels lead-lapped prior to QPQ than they would be a hell of a deal. For the price it isn't a bad option.
It is this one.
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aero-pre...05-barrel.html
Not saying they're bad but if it's the QPQ treatment you're after, You may want to check out Ballistic Advantage as well.
I'd be interested in hearing from people who've used these, too.
I have one of the AP 10.5" barrels coming, not sure when I'll get it built up and shoot it though. In the pics it looks very much like the BA barrels, and I've read that BA makes them but I have no idea if that is true or not.
Interesting. They actually listed the gas port diameter. I'm not sure I've seen that from other retailers. .077 for their 10.5
So, I finally got my 10.5" barrel in. It weighs exactly 19oz as advertised. A 0.078" drill bit just barely slides into the gas port (although I didn't put a micrometer on the bit to get the actual size). Nothing notable in terms of appearance, but the fit/finish is nice if that matters to anyone. The packing for shipping leaves a lot to be desired and it's really lucky this barrel didn't end up poking out the side of the box it was shipped in.
I also picked up one of their gas blocks on this order. It seems to be designed so that you push it up against the shoulder on the barrel rather than leaving a space the thickness of a handguard cap like I normally have done with other LP gas blocks. The gas port lines up perfectly without any gap at all. It comes with two knurled set screws, but no roll pin for the gas tube. Nothing notable in terms of appearance, looks pretty much like most other LP gas blocks other than having their logo on the side.
I literally just threw this thing together the other day and got a chance to shoot a little this evening. I basically zeroed it and shot it side by side with my LMT MRP 10.5" upper both suppressed and not. I really could tell little difference in the recoil and cycling of the two. They felt identical to me and even ejected brass in about the same direction. I'll be using this upper with the AP barrel with an H3 buffer for now. FWIW, with the H3 buffer or an A5H3 unsuppressed the brass ejects at about 3:30 and suppressed at about 2:00. The suppressor used was an AAC Mini-4. And I was using an LMT enhanced carrier, which can have some effect on ejection as well.
I've just barely shot it but I think this AP barrel is a tad overgassed, which is what I expected based on the port size. That said, it really seems very close to my factory MRP 10.5" barrel. You will want a pretty heavy buffer, or you could always use an adjustable gas block and turn it down some. I'd expect it to run on some pretty weak ammo with no gas regulation though, which is good for some people. I was shooting some of my bulk reloads with 54gr tracers and 24.5gr of WC844F powder...not hot but not all that weak either.
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps69e50866.jpg
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf55b5b5a.jpg
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps26b59d7f.jpg
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa9837a3f.jpg
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd09c350f.jpg
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps8e0c0d8c.jpg
Great review. Thanks Krichbaum.
I've got one on the way too. If it's a touch overgassed, that works just fine for me. I'm no ammo snob so I'm sure it'll see weak loads through it.
Just as an FYI on Aero Precision, they apparently ship everything signature required. I called in today to try and get that changed and was informed there was a fee for them to do that (wtf?). Maybe if you put it in the comments section when you place your order that could be avoided.
Any updates to those running this barrel?
I'm too broke and busy to have put mine through the ringer, but I'm pleased with my purchase. (10.5" barrel)
Prelim accuracy met my expectations and I've had no cycling problems with XM193 or Hornady 5.56mm duty loads (standard weight carbine buffer, trying an H2 out next time I make it out).
Glad to hear. I am looking to get one of them soon, though it's a hard choice between this, BCM, and Sionics. The price makes a strong case though.
I am interested to hear if anyone has any further information on this topic since last post. Updates?
I recently purchase a 14.5 1/7 mid-length QPQ treated barrel.
Many mfg's incorrectly describe this surface treatment process as a "coating" which it is not. The process is basically nitriding which is done several different ways. It is also called melonite by other mfg's. but the principle is pretty much the same.
Aero does not turn the barrels themselves as I found out and wont say who does.
In any case I have found Aero to sell a very good product. Most of us are familiar with their lowers and uppers which at least for me have always been "in-spec" and very well machined so I chose to trust them when it came to getting a barrel with their name on it.
Here's a pic of my last group of the night shooting Wolf Gold 55gr (M193 clone) at 100 yards. I was simply shooting with a bipod (no sandbags/or anything special to help beyond the bipod). The range was shutting down and I only had about two minutes to put this 10 round group on paper. I believe its about 2.3 MOA.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S...005_190423.jpg
It is the 16" stainless steel wylde barrel (http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aspx/sto...l.aspx?pid=115)
To be honest, I'm pretty sure I could have done a bit better had I had more time.
I have not yet assembled the upper that this new barrel will be a part of so of course could not comment on its accuracy.
As far as the finish, I have closely inspected it and it looks great. Very nice finish inside and out. This barrel is currently on sale at Aero for 160.00. I would recommend it, yes.
That's good to hear! I was looking for a 10.5" and the only ones I could seem to find are Noveskes for $350 and DD. I've owned a few Noveske barrels and love them but that is a little out of my budget. When I saw APs barrel for $160 I was worried it might be too good to be true. I've heard several good things though and I like that they list their gas port sizes
That is just beyond retarded. I don't want to sound like a Noveske basher, but their product is SUREFIRE level of overpriced. You have to be nuts to pay 350 for a barrel. Shit... a bergara at $160+/- will shoot as good, if not better than any noveske I've tried.
Yeah, I know its pretty typical. I just wanted to confirm that the aero barrels aren't terrible. I have a few boxes of 69gr/77gr fiocchi SMK and I'll report back when I get a chance to shoot them. I expect the groups to be about 1 MOA like other decent quality barrels.
I'd say that group is pretty darn good for 55 gr m193. I bet you're easily MOA with good ammo.
I sure as hell would not pay that much...in fact 200 is pretty much tops.
Although, recently I have been reading on some forums that people have been complaining about tight or unfinished chambers with some of the latest cheaply priced barrels (sub 140.00) being offered.
I have a BA 5.45 barrel that seems to work well. 14.5" midlength. Haven't had any issues with it. 3-4" groups (10rd) at 100yd on irons and I'm not a great shot.
I also have an AP barrel, 16" midlength, that I haven't shot yet. It's a nice tapered medium profile, I started a thread here asking about it not too long ago.
Not to derail the thread, but has anyone had any experience with their BCG's? The specs checked out, and they are priced at $125. I'm thinking it would make a cost effective back up.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I got a BCG along with their complete upper. As far as I can tell it's unmarked, other than MPI on the bolt. Machining is nice on the outside, a little rough on the inside. It's staked, maybe a little more than I would. NiB seems pretty good.
For some reason now that I took it apart the firing pin retainer doesn't want to go back in.
I'm pretty sure this barrel is more accurate than I am. Anyway, went out to the range again today. Just using a bipod (no sandbag/rest/etc).
55 gr wolf gold (M193 clone again)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g...011_132559.jpg
Fiocchi 69 gr (oops @ flyer). It started off quite well. Not sure what caused the vertical inconsistency - probably just me sucking.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G...011_132520.jpg
I tried some of my 77 gr Fiocchi but it wasn't worth showing. I'm pretty sure I just shot like shit.
I assembled a AR pistol for a friend using the 10.5" barrel. He told me it very accurate and U.S. definetly a shooter. This is coming from a guy who shoots a LOT, and has shot out than a few barrels on his personal AR's, including over 10k on his work rifle.
The description now reads:That's the same Melonite/Nitride finish I suppose?Quote:
Finish: QPQ corrosion resistant finish both inside and out
Thanks. I wonder if these Aero barrels have addressed the barrel extension loosening issue.
According to WMD its a non-issue:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...rrel-extention
I, however, would prefer it done before the extension is installed.