18 Inch AR Barrel Questions

[Cokeman]

I am in the process of building my first AR. I am looking at barrels and am having a hard time picking one. I think I want an 18 inch .223 barrel with a rifle length gas system that's got a 1/8 twist. I am planning on using a free float rail and comp. I'm not very experienced in this area and don't know which brands are better than others. If any of you have experience with this setup, what barrels do you like and recommend? I looked for threads on this subject, but didn't find many. If there are any that you think address this topic well, please point me to them.

[BMWguy206]

My AR15 SPR has an 18in barrel setup in 1/8 twist and chambered in .223 Wylde. The barrel is from T-Box but I bought mine through one of their dealers. From what I was told, T-Box barrels come from a Bergara blank. Here is the link: https://www.tbox-barrels.com/product...x-barrel-bolt/

With 69gr. Gorilla Match Ammo, I am getting sub-MOA results. I am really happy with this barrel.

These pictures were taken when I was zeroing my scope.

[RobertTheTexan]

I’ll answer your barrel question first. But have some comments past the barrel response that I feel are even more important than giving you a good barrel recommendation.

I have had great results with my Ballistic Advantage 18” barrel. Sub MOA when I did my part. I’ve built more AR’s with BA barrels and they are a solid choice. They have a 20% site wide sale going on. If your military-LEO you’ll get an additional 10% mil/vet/LEO discount.

Here is the barrel I used on my SPR. It’s $164 not including any mil/LEO discount. Solid barrel and accurate.
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-in...rel-ops12.html

There are other options out there, but at $164 for that barrel - you’d be hard pressed to beat that.

If you want an even more accurate rifle, I’d recommend this barrel. I’ve used their SS barrels and they were all tack drivers.
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-in...rel-ops12.html

As far as your M4C “Google Fu”. Try different search criteria. Try searching for “SPR barrels” instead of (18” barrels). An AR with an accurate 18” barrel is often referred to as an “SPR” or Special Purpose Rifle and typically the focus is on accuracy.

SPR barrels search
https://www.m4carbine.net/google.php....y=0&sa=Search

One hit....
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...uot-SPR-barrel

Another hit...
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...-rifle-barrels

You said this is your first build so I’ll throw some more food for thought your way. This is just my opine on the matter though...

To me, the barrel is one of the big 3 when you’re building an AR. By that I mean the 3 areas where you don’t want to skimp. Period. (not saying you should in any area, but there are area where you can maybe get away with it.)
My Big 3
1. Barrel
2. Trigger
3. BCG

I’m sure other peoples list may vary, but those area are where I make sure I buy quality.

Also be careful to not fall into a “single part silo”. That’s where you focus on a single part, exclusive of other part. Instead look at the rifle from a purpose perspective. What’s the purpose of the rifle? Identify that and let that drive your parts selection. Thinking about parts you want from that viewpoint will also help you put together parts that are more complimentary.

ETA: I didn’t mention optics in my Big 3, because while purpose definitely impacts optic choice, I consider that separately. I’m strictly talking function and performance of the weapon itself.

So what’s the purpose of the AR?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Iraqgunz]

I use to think an 18" barrel was cool. In fact, I have two 18" rifles. But, I quickly realized that a good 16" will do anything you need within reason. The question that needs to be answered is what are you plans for this? Strictly a bench type rifle or something you plan on lugging around or using for HD/SD?

[Don Quijote]

Sometimes the only reason one needs for a longer barrel (or any other choice) is "I want one".

Having said that, if you let the forum know of the principal use that you plan for this rifle, the reasoning behind the suggestions can be given.

[Renegade04]

Here you go.

http://www.compasslake.com/index.php...roducts_id=336

[markm]

In 18" you run the risk of getting a Wylde chamber, which you should be aware of. For me, it's a negative. If you want that chamber and aren't going to shoot hot 5.56, then fine. I get pressure signs with hot ammo, and only shoot .223 in my Wylde.

[Renegade04]

A .223 Wylde chambered barrel is ideal as it can handle .223 REM and 5.56 NATO very well. You will find that many AR-15 precision barrels have .223 Wylde chambers and 1/8 twist. A 1/8 twist barrel can handle some the lighter loads better than a 1/7.

[markm]

A .223 Wylde chambered barrel is ideal as it can handle .223 REM and 5.56 NATO very well.

That's how I was sold it too. However my results (WOA barrel) and reports from my last instructor were that the chamber was problematic with hot 55 gr (WCC), for example, ammo. Popped primers weren't uncommon. I definitely see spooky bulges near the rear of my brass if I shoot 5.56.

IMO, a good 5.56 chamber is a better choice.

[Renegade04]

That's how I was sold it too. However my results (WOA barrel) and reports from my last instructor were that the chamber was problematic with hot 55 gr (WCC), for example, ammo. Popped primers weren't uncommon. I definitely see spooky bulges near the rear of my brass if I shoot 5.56.

IMO, a good 5.56 chamber is a better choice.

I have never had an issue with any 5.56 NATO 55 gr. ammo I have used in my .223 Wylde chambered barrels. The ammo I primarily use is Federal and American Eagle. Even 5.56 NATO 62 gr. poses no problems. One of the barrels is a Ballistic Advantage 16" .223 Wylde 1/8 SPR stainless steel mid-length, Premium Series and the other is a Compass Lake Engineering Recon 16.1" Douglas Stainless (polished) 1:8 twist w/mid-length gas system and .223 Wylde chamber. I even have an older RRA A2 20" HBAR with a 1/9 .223 Wylde chambered barrel that shoots 5.56 NATO ammo very well. My Mk12 Mod 0 has a WOA SS 18" 1:7 .223 Wylde chambered SPR barrel and it shoots any good quality 5.56 NATO ammo I put in it.