224 Valk Barrels?

[Vect0rstar]

I'm thinking of building a 224 valk AR. The main question i have is regarding the barrel.

Who makes a good barrel for the money? I really don't wan't to spend more than $400 if I can help it. I'm much more comfortable spending $300. Ballistic advantage, criterion, and rainier seem to have decent reviews. Do I need to spend more than that to get decent groups?

Another thing is barrel length and twist rate. I want as short of a barrel as is practical for shooting no farther than 1,200 yards. From what I've read 20" seems like a good compromise. I've also read that a 6.5 twist is best for the heavier bullets, however it's harder to find faster twist barrels in my price range. Faxon has 6.5 twist here It's in my price range, but I'm unsure of the quality. Also, is it worth spending the extra money on a +2 gas tube barrel?

Overall I'm just looking for some suggestions that fit my price range. I'm not opposed to buying a complete rifle either for around $1,200 max. I'm kind of torn between a large frame ar in 6.5 creed or this. I already have a bolt gun in in 6.5 creed so that's why I'm leaning towards the valk.

 

[GrandpaDeadLegs]

A summary of previous answers:

Criterion

7 twist fine

20 inch ok

The gas system needs to be right for the rifle, not the budget, so you need to know what's right and buy it

Some guys on here are selling perfectly fine Valks

It is a good small frame accomplice to a 6.5 since there are similar maths to the bullets

 

[culater]

I would go with the 24 in Faxon in 1-6.5 twist. I would get the barrel first then go to the local gun shop and find a tight fitting upper for it. I bought a Lantac upper receiver for mine. But i have a Bartlien Barrel. Shoots very well .75-.50 consistently at 100 yds. Just find a solid free float hand guard to lock down tight.

 

[aslrookie]

I have a fluted rifle length gas 24" 1:7 Faxon barrel. Unfortunately I haven't had the time/opportunity to shoot much past 100 yards, but it groups the factory 77gr federal ammo and the 88gr eld factory ammo 1 moa or better. I am not convinced you absolutely need a 6.5 twist barrel. If you plan on using the 95gr SMK bullet I could see it being a benefit over the 7 twist, but the 95gr bullet may not be fast enough in an AR platform to outperform a fast 80gr eld or 88gr eld bullet.

 

[Pusher591]

For less then $400 this one will be hard to beat. Rainier Arms has great gunsmiths and been around awhile. They have very good CS as well, along with money back guarantees.
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier...lock-2-gas-barrel-20-polish-non-fluted-13155/

 

[Winchester59]

Rock River has their complete .224 V uppers on sale right now (apparently they only did a short run on these, using Wilson barrels) They have 2 versions, a Long range version, 22", 1:6.5 twist and a Varmint version, 20", 1:7 twist. Typical RRA first rate quality construction. I got one of the LR versions to try and so far with just a few break in shots, I am pleased with it. (For full disclosure, I am a RRA dealer.)

 

[aac_shooter]

I put the 18”, plus one gas, Rainier Rock Creek barrel on my build. It shoots the 88 ELD very well. I have not checked speed or hand loaded for it yet, but it is hell on coyotes and bobcats.

 

[padom]

I've been shooting the 22" Rainier Ultramatch and it groups 88 ELD handloadd right at 0.5" at 100yds and 0.5moa at 650yds. I'm very impressed with it.

Heres a coupon code to use on your Rainier order for 10% off as well. "padom10"

 

[Vect0rstar]

I've been shooting the 22" Rainier Ultramatch and it groups 88 ELD handloadd right at 0.5" at 100yds and 0.5moa at 650yds. I'm very impressed with it.

Heres a coupon code to use on your Rainier order for 10% off as well. "padom10"

Thanks for the info and the code!

 

[padom]

Thanks for the info and the code!

Just got back from the range doing load development with 80 ELD-M's and H4895. Very accurate, low SD's and great speed. Will be updating my Rainier Ultramatch barrel review thread with the target and data within the hour.

 

[toeheadAR]

Criterion makes 1:6.5 and 1:7 twist barrels. I have an 18" 1:6.5 twist but I haven't assembled the upper yet. I have ammo for it, 88 ELDs, just need to find some time. I ordered from MSR arms, they had the best price and their customer service is among the best in the business.

 

[B_w.]

Call Paul at Craddock Precision. My 1/7 Criterion is showing promise with factory Hornady and I am sure will be even better with hand loads.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

Criterions are great barrels. I went with this barrel:
https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...th-nitride-finish-matte-black-816422020393.do
It's a CMMG 24", 1:7, rifle gas, nitride SS. It loves Hornady 88ELD factory loads. Probably the most accurate AR I own and these can be for $250. They aren't the best, or custom but for a $250 barrel it has ran perfect for me so far.