Precision .223 Barrel

[Achilles11B]

I'm in the prep phase of building a precision AR upper in .223. I have all the parts picked out..except the barrel. I'm not trying to break the bank, so I'm won't be going with Krieger (if it gets to the point where I'm out-shooting the rifle anyway, I'll be thrilled). What are your recommendations and where can I get it? Thanks in advance for the help.

[TangoSauce]

Noveske SS barrels are hard to beat.

[BrigandTwoFour]

Any of the top reputable guys will serve you well.

Noveske was already mentioned, but their cost is on par with Krieger.

Others to consider:

BCM's SS 410 line is probably one of the most accurate on the market
Centurion Arms Recce/DMR barrels
Rainier Arms Ultramatch series (made by Shilen). They also have a new "match" series, but I don't know much about them.


Look through the options, pick one that suits your budget.

[Hehuhates]

This brings up a good question "what is alot for an AR barrel?"

[TangoSauce]

+1 for Rainier Shilen and CA's Douglas barrels too.

[Achilles11B]

Thanks guys. I'd like to keep the price under $350 or so. I looked at Krieger, Noveske and BCM. I like BCM, I have a 16" upper from them and love it, but it seems I'm definitely not the only fan they have based on how often their items are out of stock.

Haven't heard of Centurion Arms or Ranier, thanks.

[BrigandTwoFour]

Thanks guys. I'd like to keep the price under $350 or so. I looked at Krieger, Noveske and BCM. I like BCM, I have a 16" upper from them and love it, but it seems I'm definitely not the only fan they have based on how often their items are out of stock.

Haven't heard of Centurion Arms or Ranier, thanks.

The Centurion DMR/Recon barrels are about $100 out of your price range, then. The Rainier Ultramatch series is about $10 higher, but their newer match series is about $100 less than your budget.

The Centurion hammer forged barrels are also very good. They aren't going to be as shit hot as the other stainless offerings, but Monty used to have a 1 MOA guarantee on them. He still does, but only if he assembles it. A lot of garage gunsmiths were assembling uppers incorrectly with his barrel and then claiming they didn't meet his accuracy guarantee. I imagine if you had someone who knew what they were doing, a hammer forged Centurion will not only give you more accuracy than you can use, but also last far longer than any other option you've seen.

[Achilles11B]

I'm an AR15 armorer, certified through Armalite. While I have the training, this will be my first real build. I'm confident I can handle it, but I also a few places around my area who I would trust to work on it if I end up having issues.

Regarding the Ultramatch barrels, I think I can swing an extra $10, especially with the positive feedback I'm getting from you guys.

[Servo]

Not to high jack this, but who here has used the Rainier Arms (Wilson) match barrel and what kind of accuracy can be expected?

From what I could come up with it that they are basically a 1/8 WOA. Is this a close guess or am I way off?

[BrigandTwoFour]

There was a thread on TOS about them. From what I remember, the response was very positive. They will still outshoot the vast majority of us.