Barre cut down?

[berry79]

I want to cut the threads off one of my barrels and just have a target crown. Not sure if I should have it cut back just behind the threads or cut it down to 18". Specs of barrel are as follows, 20" AR15 heavy barrel stainless. 223 wylde chamber 1:8 twist. Any advice would be great.
Thanks

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[ORD]

Depending on what ammo you are primarily running in the rifle, you won't notice a HUGE decline in MV going from a 20" to an 18" barrel. Furthermore, you won't experience a significant reduction in max effective range either.

That said, a quality AR smith that deals in barrel work should be able to take off just the threads and then do a good crown job on the barrel leaving you at close to 19.5" if that's your preference. Steve and the fine folks at ADCO have done lots of barrel work that I'm not setup or otherwise comfortable doing myself and I can highly recommend the quality of their work, their prices (a job like what you need is ~$30 + S&H unless you can't pull the barrel yourself and have to send the entire upper for dis/re-assembly which will be another $50), the speed at which it gets done (generally <2wks door to door) and the folks there like Steve who have forgotten more about ARs than some will ever know! See here for more info: https://www.adcofirearms.com/shopservices/

Good luck!

 

[berry79]

Thanks. It's definitely going to adco. I've always read positive things about them. It's been shooting 69gr smk great. Wasnt sure how much of a reduction in muzzle velocity I would see going to an 18. Wanted get some opinions before I filled out the adco form online. I plan on taking the barrel off soon and getting it in the mail.

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[ORD]

Not all barrels were created equally, but with a quality tube, going from 20" to 18" with a match load of a 69gr SMK, I'd guess you'll lose ~50-60fps. YMMV!

You might just ask the folks at ADCO outright what they think and if they have any opinions on the matter. In many, MANY years of working with them, they have yet to lead me astray.