18" SPR/DMR-ish AR-15 Barrel - Best Bang For The Buck

[OldSF MJT]

I have an 18" PSA 'SPR/DMR-ish' rifle that I am looking to rebarrel with an upgrade barrel. I would love to drop the coin for a White Oak or similar barrel but, simply, family and other obligations have to come first. So, I could use some recommendations for a "Best Bang For The Buck" replacement barrel. I'd like to get the rifle down to around 1 MOA with fodder it likes.

Thoughts from the group? And: Thanks in advance.
Old SF

 

[newguy2k3v2]

Woa 18" rifle length are on sale for $240 right now at Brownells. Doesn't get much cheaper for a quality barrel.

 

[MATADOR]

WOA

 

[021411]

Woa 18" rifle length are on sale for $240 right now at Brownells. Doesn't get much cheaper for a quality barrel.

Also for some reason if the barrel shoots like shit Brownells will take it back. So it’s a win win.

 

[Lunchbox27]

WOA

This. Love me some WOA.

 

[Wyzrd]

I haven’t checked their pricing lately, but I’ve had awesome accuracy from Barnes Precision Machine, and Rainier Ultramatch barrels.

 

[Strykervet]

If it were me, I'd get the 16" Lilja Navy profile (I did). It's the actual barrel used in the Recce rifle. You said you wanted 1MOA or better, yeah? Price isn't too bad. They call it the "sniper M4".

Satern made the best barrel I've ever seen, used or own. But unless they have it in stock, pass 'em by. Been waiting years on a custom barrel. The one I have took 'em 3 years to get out the door. IMO, they're peerless. Was the only guy that could cut rifling to the ten thousands of an inch (but good luck ordering one).

Noveske makes my hard use barrels. They're pretty accurate and take a helluva beating too. Just good all around.

 

[The DFC]

WOA at Brownells is the way to go. They just had a 10% off free ship code yesterday. That same deal or similar could pop up any day there especially this time of year.

 

[AMP!]

I've had luck with the Ballistic Advantage barrels so far on other rifles, but I'm also running a WOA on my 18" build. Hard to beat WOA for the price. If it were me, I'd probably wait and save up for another month or so if needed and get the WOA.

 

[phlegm]

I've seen incredible performance out of White Oak barrels first hand.

I've heard very good reports on Green Mountain and Ballistic Advantage.

 

[MontanaMan]

I have an 18" PSA 'SPR/DMR-ish' rifle that I am looking to rebarrel with an upgrade barrel. I would love to drop the coin for a White Oak or similar barrel but, simply, family and other obligations have to come first. So, I could use some recommendations for a "Best Bang For The Buck" replacement barrel. I'd like to get the rifle down to around 1 MOA with fodder it likes.

Thoughts from the group? And: Thanks in advance.
Old SF

While I'd love to have a $500 Lilja barrel just like the Seal's, WOA is my go-to barrel in the $275-$300 range.

But I've had good success with a couple of SS 16" barrels from Rise Armament for considerably less when you can find a good deal, & in fact, I just bought an 18" version for a lightweight build for $199. The 2 I have shoot right at 1 MOA & while they are not a WOA (or a Lilja), they are a good value if you can catch them on sale. Keep an eye on DVOR & Primary Arms every day & AIM Surplus has the 16" Rise SS barrel (CB-160) right now for $149............I know you said SPR, but that's a great barrel if you want a 16" er.

MM

 

[OldSF MJT]

Looked up the WOA barrel at Brownells...looks like the EASY BUTTON!!! WHITE Oak it is!

Thanks to all and Merry Christmas!
Old SF

 

[RFutch]

Green Mtn stainless fluted 223 Wylde. I have the 20” version and it averaged .77 moa in 5x5 test with magtech 77smk load. Hornady 75 match shoots equally as good. For $200 it’s a deal.

 

[J.Boney]

WOA FOR THE WIN! Also, check out ballistic advantage.. they have a DMR blem for $175

I have a 16” Hanson 1-7” ready to build.. just waiting handguard.. BA gets good reviews

 

[padom]

I have an 18" PSA 'SPR/DMR-ish' rifle that I am looking to rebarrel with an upgrade barrel. I would love to drop the coin for a White Oak or similar barrel but, simply, family and other obligations have to come first. So, I could use some recommendations for a "Best Bang For The Buck" replacement barrel. I'd like to get the rifle down to around 1 MOA with fodder it likes.

Thoughts from the group? And: Thanks in advance.
Old SF

Rainier Ultra match and White Oak barrels both shoot lights out. Here's a 10% off code for your order at Rainier as well. Padom10

 

[Jsp556]

I see you picked the white oak. For anyone else looking, ARPerformance barrels shoot as well as anything less than a premium brand, Kreiger, Bartlein, Rock Creek, Lija, etc. from my experience.

 

[Rstrick0352]

I'll be different and recommend Daniel Defense's 18" S2W w/ rifle length gas system. Been an excellent and forgiving barrel for me and can be had at a great price on Expert Voice if you have an account.

 

[lennyo3034]

I have a $450 criterion that shoots like crap. I replaced it with a $190 WOA (pirate day sale) that groups half the size of the criterion.