When talking about accuracy several things need to be considered:
-Size of the target
-Type of ammo (match vs. ball)
-Distance
-Accuracy expectations
-Type of shooting you will be doing (ie. all prone shooting at static targets, running and gunning and shooting from unconventional positions, etc.)
There is a difference between "mechanical accuracy" and "practical accuracy". If a majority of your shooting is going to be done with 55grain standard (not match) ammo with an Aimpoint or an ACOG are you really going to be able to see that barrel "A" is capable of shooting .5" better groups than barrel "B"?
If you're shooting 6" steel plates at 400 yards with a 10x optic and match ammo, the difference in accuracy may mean a lot more to you.
Often times as shooters we don't keep our accuracy expectations in the context of our real shooting needs.
I wrote this in another thread a few weeks ago (chrome lined vs. stainless). You may find it useful:
Generally a stainless barrel will be more accurate than a Chrome-Moly-Vanadium (CMV) barrel. Not by a huge margin. One example of many, take a look at the info Molon posted in the link below. Compare the group sizes of the Noveske 16" stainless barrel (0.92" average) to the Noveske 16" N4 barrel (1.24" average): http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.htm...f=118&t=467919 The difference is just slightly more than 1/3" (one third of an inch)
Generally a stainless barrel will have a slightly shorter service life. Don't take this comment to the extreme.
Generally a stainless barrel will a heavier countour and be slightly heavier than a CMV barrel.
Weight comparisions:
03designgroup | AR15 Upper Receiver Weight Comparisons![]()
Many stainless barrels come in a 1/8" twist.
Both the 1/8" and 1/7" will shoot 52 grain - 77 grain .223 or 5.56 ammo well. 52 grain - 77 grain is what a majority of AR shooters shoot a majoirty of the time. I shoot local run and gun competition out to 425 yards on smaller than standard targets with both 1/8" and 1/7" barrels on a regular basis. Most of the time I use 55 grain Black Hills Blue Box, Feder American Eagle, Federal XM193, Winchest Q3131A, etc, and I don't have any issues if I do my part.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=2475 (targets can be seen on page 3 .... you'll also see pics of me shooting a BCM SS410 stainless barreled upper (1/8") and a Noveske N4 mid-length (1/7") on the same page)
You can't go wrong with either, just depends on what features are most important to you and how you plan on using the barrel.
03designgroup | Which Carbine Is More Accurate
Hope this helps


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