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Thread: hammer forged barrel or not

  1. #1
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    hammer forged barrel or not

    I'm sure this has been addressed somewhere on this forum, but my search did not turn up what I wanted.

    I have a BCM 16" middy, and I'm looking at adding another. Now I see I have a choice - the same as I bought before or, for an additional $100, I can get a cold hammer forged barrel.

    I'm no expert, but I've always heard this production method was superior, but that is in pistols. I know even less about rifles.

    What do I gain with this barrel? I've read of increased accuracy, but I'm not good enough (yet) to realize the full potential of my existing BCM rifle. I've also heard of longer barrel life, but I doubt I can afford to shoot out the barrel I have now.

    I don't need the best on the block, but it's only $100 (on the other hand, $100 would buy a few more mags, or a CTR stock).

    What's the consensus?

  2. #2
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    What are your intentions with the rifle?

  3. #3
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    That's a really good question. The simple answer is as a self-defense rifle. The more complete answer would be as a spare to my existing AR15, to be used for training, recreation, and to be available for any appropriate defensive use - from home invasion to vacation travel (trunk rifle) to civil unrest to societal breakdown to TEOTWAWKI.

    I require the most reliable and durable rifle I can afford. I've been very happy with my BCM middy, and another tier-1 rifle seems like a good idea.

    I don't doubt the barrel is better, and I don't doubt it's worth the extra money. I just don't know what I get with a hammer forged barrel that is missing from the non-hammer forged barrel.

    $100 won't buy much extra ammo, or pay for much of another class. It would buy a CTR stock, a few more Pmag's, cover most of a spare BCG, or take the family out for a really nice dinner. Or it could buy a cold hammer forged barrel.

  4. #4
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    What are your plans for this second rifle? Use, config, specs... etc... Is this going to be a clone of your existing gun which, if I may assume, you plan on training with and the second one being for home defense? Or is it going to be an entirely new build and config?
    Personally Id go for Hammer forged, simply for the reason that I already have the standard one to begin with. With that said, if not to be a clone of your training gun, Id look into other lengths which may suit your purpose better.

  5. #5
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    Both rifles are to be configured the same. Same barrel length, same sights, same everything. Each rifle serves as a backup to the other, with the same handling and skill set for each.

    Barrel production method might vary, but operationally, all things the same.

  6. #6
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    Not worth it, another way to look at it is there are who knows how many American soldiers and LE's using non hammer forged and they work just fine for them in much harsher conditions everyday.

  7. #7
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    Similar boat. I want a BCM Mid-Length AR-15 Carbine built ASAP, but, I'm also a college student, so that means delays... But, to cut to the chase.

    On 12-24-09 I contacted Pat Rogers to see what the current round count of the BCM 16" Mid-Length that he has been loaning out to students. Pat refers to this BCM Mid-Length as "Filthy 14" and provided me with the following information on this gun:

    "Filthy #14 is the most used, and has (as 12-24-09) 28905 rounds down range. The barrel is original. It has never had a brush put through it. -At 16,400 rounds bolt lug cracked. Replaced the bolt carrier group

    -At approximately 26,000 rounds fired a 5 shot 50m group that went into 0.5". This might not be that tight at 100 meters.

    -At 26,450 rds had 3 failures to extract. Replaced BCG and cleaned gun for the first time

    We use only SLip2000 EWL for lube and Slip 2000 725 to clean.

    **All of the rounds were fired during class (at the rate of approximately 1,250 rounds every 3 days)**

    I do not recommend allowing the gun to go this long without PM (preventive maintenance). However, we wanted to see how far we could take this particular gun (#14) without being burdened by the myth of meticulous cleaning."

    Keep in mind the punishment that Pat Rogers' BCM mid-length has been put through. The gun is being shot approximately 8 hours a day in a tactical training class environment at the rate of approximately 1,250 rounds every 3 days. Very few people have the time, money, or effort to run a gun like that for 28,905 rounds. This upper has the standard barrel, not the new BFH (cold hammer forged) barrel.
    Taken from this Article posted by USMC03,

    On this website.

    http://www.03designgroup.com/reviews...ower-receivers

    That article, his experience, the experience I've seen on this forum, and (ETA: It wasn't posted by Pat Rogers, it was communicated to USMC03, wanted to correct that) experience by Pat Rogers with that loaner gun, has pretty much put my mind at ease for my plan to purchase a BCM Mid Length Upper without the CHF barrel.

    I wonder what it'd shoot like if it was cleaned. It's a good read.

    So is rob_s' but that's not really about the barrel longevity.

    http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/8343/59827.html

    Both are overall reviews of the BCM Midlength carbine, pretty much told me everything I needed to know.
    Last edited by BWT; 01-22-10 at 01:33.

  8. #8
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    I would not pay more for one. How many barrels have you shot out? It just doesn't happen often. I wouldn't mind having one but for the dollars I'd just go ahead and get a good SS barrel if you were concerned about accuracy. CHF certainly isn't new, just to AR's. I understand its minor advantages but don't see what all the hoopla is about it.
    "The peace we have within us is most often expressed in how we treat others"

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    Not worth it. You won't see a noticeable increase in accuracy and there are more important things to spend your money on since you already have a nice new rifle. While you may have a slightly longer barrel life with a CHF, if you ever do end up shooting out your barrel (unlikely), it will most likely be more expensive than to just buy two standard chromed barrels.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by APD201 View Post
    Not worth it, another way to look at it is there are who knows how many American soldiers and LE's using non hammer forged and they work just fine for them in much harsher conditions everyday.
    That's one of the worst comparisons I've ever heard. American soldiers and LE use non-hammer forged barrels because that is what was provided to them through a lowest-bidder contract. Further, it's not an option with these rifles, since most AR makers, including Colt Defense (USA, as this does not apply to Diemaco), do not possess the equipment to make hammer forged barrels.

    Also, nobody said that a regular mil-spec barrel won't work fine in harsh conditions. Performance-wise, the hammer forged barrels won't do anything better, other than give you a higher round count before barrel changes.

    I say you might as well; for $100, you are getting a barrel that may well last quite a bit longer than a standard barrel and in the end at least pay for itself.

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