I am looking at my first AR10 build. Currently I have Aero Lower and getting an Aero upper with a 15" hand guard. I want a 308 gun as I don't have anything in 308 yet and feel its a cartridge I should have in my collection. I want something around 20". I really like the looks of this Faxon Fluted 20" Barrel that's coming out. I dont know for a 500-1000yard gun if that barrel is going to be good enough. I really like the fluted barrels and know they can cause a POI shift. Any insight would be great. I am not looking to plow through and purchase everything today but would like to get high quality parts over time getting some of the bigger purchase items during black friday if possible.
First AR10/LR308 build.. Barrel questions
- Thread starter slythy
- Start date
I don’t know anything about that barrel but if it shoots well, at that price it’s a hell of a deal. Most quality barrels are at least twice that price.
It is really hard to mix and match AR10 parts. I would start with a factory rifle, probably LMT, as they are good and available, while others are less available. From there, you can look at barrels, IMO. LMT has a SS 20" barrel, for example. There are better, but you need a platform to start with. Noveske, LaRue, etc.
I have not had much luck with Faxon barrels. Their 8.6 Blackout 3 twist barrel was a horror story.
2 450 bushmaster barrels 1 was fair the other was worse.
And a 5.56 pencil barrel was not accurate.
For 308 AR 10 barrels and Areo upper and lower, I got the Proof Research 18" SS barrel..not the carbon fiber...the Stainless barrel. It shoots many 5 shot groups into 1/2". So I would recommend their SS barrels cause the 3 I have purchased have all been accurate.
I’d stay away from Faxon, BA and just about any cheap barrel if accuracy and long range shooting is your desire. There is a reason why good barrels cost what they do. You might get a good shooter with a cheap barrel but your probability is less, a lot less when compared to a more expensive one. The saying buy once cry once really does apply to barrels.
I would personally look at a Craddock Precision RTR or Criterion for a better mid level price range barrel... If you're willing to spend a bit more the Proof stainless barrels are a good recommendation. Best and most expensive steel barrel option IMO would be a Craddock Precision Signature series Bartlein but there's a bit of a wait time on those.
Get something like a Criterion or a Craddock RTR. Not only is the barrel important for accuracy, but also for reliability. Use a good quality bolt like JP. Scrimp on other parts but these are much more crucial.
I recently put together a 16" 308 carbine for my brother with a Criterion hybrid profile 16" rifle gas barrel. It has run great and shot great right out of the box. Average 5 shot accuracy with a 1-4x optic was between 1-1.5" at 100 yards with a variety of 150 gr loads (both hand loads and some 150 gr SP stuff), and recoil was very manageable even using a non adjustable gas block.
I recently put together a 16" 308 carbine for my brother with a Criterion hybrid profile 16" rifle gas barrel. It has run great and shot great right out of the box. Average 5 shot accuracy with a 1-4x optic was between 1-1.5" at 100 yards with a variety of 150 gr loads (both hand loads and some 150 gr SP stuff), and recoil was very manageable even using a non adjustable gas block.
I built a 308 and got a Faxon barrel, horrible quality, they dont know how to make 308 or large frame AR barrels, it came in all beat up, dented...... anyway... they sent 3 and .... anyway watch the video I made. Their barrel would not function. Long story short I returned it and got a BlackHole Weaponry one.... it is awesome.
I also would recommend a Criterion Barrel.
I know Faxon tries to produce a great barrel... but I just don't ever see a lot of people showing off their groups from one.... ever.
And given the cost of ammo... the OP might spend quite a bit on ammo trying to make that Faxon shoot to their expectations.
In todays world of expensive ammo... a great barrel is a bargain.
I know Faxon tries to produce a great barrel... but I just don't ever see a lot of people showing off their groups from one.... ever.
And given the cost of ammo... the OP might spend quite a bit on ammo trying to make that Faxon shoot to their expectations.
In todays world of expensive ammo... a great barrel is a bargain.
You will probably want a 1-10 or tighter twist for 169 to 180/185 grain bullets. You'll need to launch them at 2550 fps or more.
They seem to have a good reputation and following. I can only think of reading one negative post about their barrels, the company sent that guy a replacement and it shot well. So if for some reason you would get a dud they will take care of you. I would not hesitate to run one if the price was right.
Rainier Arms is a gun shop in Tacoma, they do not make anything themselves. When things go right, they go right. When they go wrong, they go really really wrong.
That barrel is no better than a Criterion barrel. I bought an 18" SS RLGS Hybrid for $300 on sale. With that said, I have a Shilen made RA UM. It shoots. I paid $350 on close out. It had dwell problems so I cut the end off and now it's an SBR.
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