Barrel Choices

[Quackaddict]

Hey Guys,

Was wondering if you all could help me out with a project I would like to start on. Im going to start acquiring parts to assemble an AR-15 upper in either 223 or 204. Intent is a medium distance varmint rifle to complement my 243 bolt gun.

Im pretty sure I can figure out the handguard and upper reciever, and the associated parts that go with. My questions go along with the gas system and barrel specifically.

Ideally I would like to get into a 20inch tube with a medium or lighter contour (no bull barrels please) that has good accuracy. What length gas system is best and would an adjustable gas block be beneficial to my setup?

Looked last night a bit and it seems everyone wants to sell you a 1 inch bull tube. Not my idea of fun! I saw JP makes a medium contour barrel with compensator, gas block, tube, and abolt for 650ish?? Does that seem fair for the components? Is there a better deal to be had?

 

[ksthomas]

Re: Barrel Choices

Go with a full rifle length gas system for a 20" in either of these calibers, no reason to go to anything else. The adjustable gas block would be a waste of time for this set up, as it's already about as "proven" as a rifle system can be. Lots of different barrel contours out there, just depends on who you go to, and how much you want to spend. You might take a look at the DMR contour barrels, which are an AMU heavy match barrel, that has been fluted to bring the weight and handling charactersitics back to those of a standard weight M16A4. I have a DMR that's doen to these specs, and they do indeed handle and feel just like a normal M16.

 

[M24_SWS]

Re: Barrel Choices

A adjustable gas block could be good for you if you operate in dirty conditions becuase you could adjust the gas flow to compensate for a dirty enviroment that might mess with the rifle and a adjustable gas block also be good if you want to run supressor. If you have a adjustable gas block you could totally cut off the gas and operate the weapon in single shot mode which could be good if you want accuracy. Also the benefits of the adjustable is that supressors can cause excess blowback pressure so some blocks you can tweak them to your supressor.


Heath

 

[B4forever]

Re: Barrel Choices

Noveske 20" medium varmit:
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imc...tus=&title=

This is the best in the business IMHO. I wouldn't waste your time with an adjustable gas block, a pinned low pro style block will be more durable and reliable.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Barrel Choices

If it is to be a varmint only rifle, go with the .204. Hands down the best. It is like having a semi auto 22-250 in a light weight rifle. You will love it.
RTH

 

[Quackaddict]

Re: Barrel Choices

I really would like to go 204, there is a devout lack of choices for tube makers in that caliber. Im not gonna end up with a DPMS and while I like JP 700 for a barrel setup is a bit much IMO when I can get a whole damn RRA setup complete for less than that.

The Noveske sure looks sexy, to bad its also 500 bucks.

 

[groundhogbuster]

Re: Barrel Choices

Pac-Nor/ Noveske, in the .223, JP in 204, BHW in 6.8, or Krieger if you got the $ on anything. Regardless of the barrel, remember what OP said above, run it on at least a mid length, and better yet Rifle length, don't skimp on good ff tube or rail. A JP in 204 with recoil Elim Brake, and a BAC ACOG would be my choice for smokin coyotes in the wide open. I talked with JPs owner several times, and he said his 204 in a 5-600yd open field with RE, and it was almost always 100% kill if the game showed up, and with a miss, you have at least 29 more to chase the dust trail.

 

[Sig716]

Re: Barrel Choices

Check out dez barrels!

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Barrel Choices

Les Baer sells great .204 barrels.