Most Accurate AR15 Barrel (off the shelf)

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zekers7

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Oct 26, 2017
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#1
Looking for a 18" barrel for a precision build im putting together. This will be used for training/shooting groups so trying to find the most accurate off the shelf barrel available. Ive had success with proof carbon (in other calibers) and rainier arms ultramatch. Anything else im missing that may yield better results?

5.56*
 
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#11
If off the shelf also means out the gate precision, and If it must be an 18" barrel, I would want to know the gas port diameter. Gas ports on 18" barrels are cut bigger for dwell time/reliable operation and thus have more metal migration with copper build up. This condition results in needing a couple hundred rounds down the pipe (with optional barrel cleaning each 20-30rnds to speed up the process) until the metal build up around the gas port smooths out. MK18 specs are .104 and WOA cuts .108. I see SOLGW cuts .0995. (Think of a bullet jacket getting gouged by the hole or the build up around it. This imparts wobble on the bullet in flight)

I've observed the gas ports under .100 have much less metal migration at the gas port with initial firings. (Possibly why SOLGW cuts them .0995.) I also didn't need the break in for the smaller gas port barrels in comparison to the .104 and .108 gas port barrels. I've got 12.5-16" barrels with hundreds of rounds on them and there is either no build up at the gas port to very minimal. The .104 and .108 looked pretty gnarly with just 50rnds on them. Precision was sporadic as well.

My answer to all this is either keep the gas port under .100 or skip the 18" altogether and go either 16 or 20". Tho that's me, you do you.
 
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#12
All the go to brands have been mentioned that I’m aware of

Craddock
Douglas
Lilja
Proof
WOA
Ranier Ultra Match

Those are all my go to options depending on availability at the time I need it mostly
 
#13
I think the post above mine was very well written also

A always shoot suppressed so it’s always a constant battle to find the smallest gas ports as possible


My current solution is the YHM suppressor gas block which restricts gas

Geissele Super 42 rifle length spring
Griffin sob buffer
A5 length buffer tube
One of the bcg’s that vents gas
 
#17
most of what has been mentioned above this post i've never used. most accurate off the shelf (not custom ordered) i've shot is aero precision 223wylde. most accurate off the shelf large frame (ar10) i've shot is cbi 6.5creed 22".
 
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#18
Proof Research SS are among the most consistently accurate for me.
Have a Schilen SS select match with ratchet rifling that's good.
Moderately priced Wilson Combat have a fair share of good barrels...
 
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#25
Something you can probably get today? Douglas or a Lilja. I'd put Craddock and Proof, and really even WOA and Centurion up there. A lot more goes into it too, as they all have different gas port sizes, break-in requirements (with cleaning to go with it), and even thread pitch to for "completing".

You do end up paying a premium for a lot of them it just depends what you want to do with the rifle. The Douglas in my Mk12 Mod H is a lot more accurate than I am even with shitty big-box PMC 55gr ammo or M193 copies, I guess it's worth it, but all I do is shoot at paper and trash...
 
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