Barrel Selection

[B.A.C.]

Here I am again at the mercy of this forum. Here's what I need:

18" or 20"
< 2.5 lbs
Theaded 1/2 x 28
223 Wylde chamber
1:8 or 1:7 twist
0.750 gas block
1 MOA or better
< $300


I don't need it anytime soon. In fact, I can't even pick up my lower for another 3 months. I haven't decided on a gas system yet, but I'm leaning towards mid-length since it's supposedly more reliable in colder weather. I plan to shoot the heavy bullets for slaying coyotes.

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

20” RR or WOA, no regrets! Both have won nat'l matches---and dont skimp on the
trigger (Giess)


Oh, and I rec. a rifle gas system, never had a failure from Canada to TX

 

[VJJPunisher]

i'd get a sniper barrel

 

[wareagle700]

Noveske or WOA would be my choice.

Both are very good barrels.

 

[BoilerUP]

I've been very pleased with my 18" 1:8 rifle gas BHW 5.56 barrel; easily sub MOA with a number of groups in the .45-.75 MOA range using 77gr Noslers and both Varget and 8208XBR.

IMO, an excellent value.

That said...I'd probably order White Oak if you don't want/need it now.

 

[TimK]

I've used lots of White Oak barrels. Their SPR barrel meets all you criteria. They consistently shoot into 1/2", and if I'm on my game into 1/4". The single best 5 shot group I've ever laid down (a touch over 1/8") came from one of these shooting 77g SMK's over Varget. I like them so much I keep a spare lying around.

 

[B.A.C.]

20” RR or WOA, no regrets! Both have won nat'l matches---and dont skimp on the trigger (Giess)

I'm going to run a Timney 3 lb trigger.

i'd get a sniper barrel

I don't use the "S" word, but I'll be sure to take your suggestion into consideration next time. Unfortunately, I just got off the phone with WOA to be put on the wait list for an 18" SPR w/ rifle length gas system.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

In stock now, probably not for long...

AR-15/M16 MATCH BARRELS | Brownells

 

[B.A.C.]

In stock now, probably not for long...

AR-15/M16 MATCH BARRELS | Brownells

I took your advice and ordered one from Brownells. I was able to find a code for free shiping and a $10 coupon. I did get stuck paying $16.19 in taxes though. WOA was going to charge $290 shipped with a 3 month estimated wait, but I paid slightly less than that and I received it today. WINNING!

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Nice, the Timney is a good trigger but the Giess. is a Great trigger Looks like an awesome build! My latest is a 14.7 WOA but not yet complete

 

[2ac]

Nice Seekins brake, have one on my .308 and it works great.

 

[branson1369]

Hard to beat jprifles matched barrel bolt

 

[cjlane]

Good find, I think you will be very happy with that.

 

[Skigolfmike]

I'm looking for an 18" 1-8 for my AR. The WOAs are all 1-7. I still plan to shoot 55s for the short range stuff and 77s for the longer shots. I'm trying to keep it versatile as I use it for 3 gun, National Defense matches and other various asundry uses.

This AR started life as an M&P flattop carbine with an A post and flipup rear sight. I added an EOTech 512 and then upgraded the trigger to a Timney 4# single stage and replace the grip with a Magpul adjustable. Then I added a DPMS brake to replace the flash hider. I sold the EOTech replacing it with a Vortex Viper PST 1-4. I also added an ambi Noveske safety, an ambi charging handle and a Magpul BAD lever. Lastly, I replaced the A post with a low profile Midwest gas block and the handguard with a 15" Midwest tube handguard to free float the barrel.



Not a great pic, but that's what it looks like presently.

 

[smokebomb]

Don't forget about Dan Lilja. I built a 16" heavy carbine this spring during the pinch for a coworker with a lilja M4 CM 1-8". He hasn't attempted formal accuracy trials yet, but it throws 10 round groups of 55gr fmj junk into the 0.8s...blew my mind.

 

[ACC]

I just picked up a Kreiger and I am going to put it together tonight. Hope to make small groups with 69-77 SMKs.

 

[Skigolfmike]

I'm thinking of a Criterion 16" 8 twist mid port so I can shoot 55s to 77s

 

[Skigolfmike]

I ordered the above the Brownells and should have it together by the weekend. Also ordered 500 77 gr Sierras to load. Will either load them over Varget or CFE223.