Help me choose a barrel - WOA, CLE, Ranier, Larue, Odin Works, Wilson Combat?

[Leicafan1990]

I’m putting together a more accuracy focused build but I still want the gun to be light enough to carry around for hunting. I’ve settled on a 16” barrel. I don’t mind the barrel being heavier than something like a Criterion Core but I’d still like to keep the weight down if possible. I don’t mind the extra weight if its well balanced. My number one priority is accuracy though since this will mostly be used for punching paper at the range (being honest).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following options:

Compass Lake 16” Douglas Tactical https://compasslake.com/product/ready-to-ship-tactical-3/

White Oak 16” SPR: https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/16-spr-barrel.html

White Oak 16” SDM: https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/16-sdm-barrel-1-7-twist.html

Larue Stealth 16”: https://www.larue.com/products/larue-accuracy-package/

Ranier Ultramatch Mod 2 16”: https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatch-mod2-223-wylde-int-barrel-16/

Ranier Mountain Mod 2 16”: https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-mountain-mod2-5-56-nato-barrel/

Odin Works Intermediate 16”: https://www.odinworks.com/223-Wylde-16-1-Intermid-p/b-223-16-int-tg.htm

Wilson Combat Recon 16”: https://shopwilsoncombat.com/BARREL-556-NATO-RECON-16-ROUND-STAINLESS-GLASS-BEAD-1-8/productinfo/TR-556RCIG16RT8/


Which would you choose and why? The Ultramatch is the most expensive and $400 seems expensive to me for a barrel but I’m willing to pay it for a barrel that clearly stands above the rest.

 

[Maciej]

I have a fluted 14.7" Wilson Combat barrel on my AR and it's a hammer, absolutely love it, get 0.5MOA-0.8MOA consistently at 100yds.

 

[S197]

Out of the ones listed, it would be the Douglas barrel.

 

[Keith E.]

I’m putting together a more accuracy focused build but I still want the gun to be light enough to carry around for hunting. I’ve settled on a 16” barrel. I don’t mind the barrel being heavier than something like a Criterion Core but I’d still like to keep the weight down if possible. I don’t mind the extra weight if its well balanced. My number one priority is accuracy though since this will mostly be used for punching paper at the range (being honest).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following options:

Compass Lake 16” Douglas Tactical https://compasslake.com/product/ready-to-ship-tactical-3/

White Oak 16” SPR: https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/16-spr-barrel.html

White Oak 16” SDM: https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/16-sdm-barrel-1-7-twist.html

Larue Stealth 16”: https://www.larue.com/products/larue-accuracy-package/

Ranier Ultramatch Mod 2 16”: https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatch-mod2-223-wylde-int-barrel-16/

Ranier Mountain Mod 2 16”: https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-mountain-mod2-5-56-nato-barrel/

Odin Works Intermediate 16”: https://www.odinworks.com/223-Wylde-16-1-Intermid-p/b-223-16-int-tg.htm

Wilson Combat Recon 16”: https://shopwilsoncombat.com/BARREL-556-NATO-RECON-16-ROUND-STAINLESS-GLASS-BEAD-1-8/productinfo/TR-556RCIG16RT8/


Which would you choose and why? The Ultramatch is the most expensive and $400 seems expensive to me for a barrel but I’m willing to pay it for a barrel that clearly stands above the rest.

Welcome to the forum.

Keith

 

[MK20]

For the price, I have always liked WOA.

My 18" SPR with 20 rounds, bipod, and a heavy Athlon weighs right about what my loaded M1 weighs.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

I have a WOA 16 SPR and it is very accurate. I wouldn't turn my nose at anything from CLE however. Just to add more fuel to the fire I'll say get a Bartlein from Craddock Precision.

 

[bigjake83]

I’m putting together a more accuracy focused build but I still want the gun to be light enough to carry around for hunting. I’ve settled on a 16” barrel. I don’t mind the barrel being heavier than something like a Criterion Core but I’d still like to keep the weight down if possible. I don’t mind the extra weight if its well balanced. My number one priority is accuracy though since this will mostly be used for punching paper at the range (being honest).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following options:

Compass Lake 16” Douglas Tactical https://compasslake.com/product/ready-to-ship-tactical-3/

White Oak 16” SPR: https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/16-spr-barrel.html

White Oak 16” SDM: https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/16-sdm-barrel-1-7-twist.html

Larue Stealth 16”: https://www.larue.com/products/larue-accuracy-package/

Ranier Ultramatch Mod 2 16”: https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatch-mod2-223-wylde-int-barrel-16/

Ranier Mountain Mod 2 16”: https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-mountain-mod2-5-56-nato-barrel/

Odin Works Intermediate 16”: https://www.odinworks.com/223-Wylde-16-1-Intermid-p/b-223-16-int-tg.htm

Wilson Combat Recon 16”: https://shopwilsoncombat.com/BARREL-556-NATO-RECON-16-ROUND-STAINLESS-GLASS-BEAD-1-8/productinfo/TR-556RCIG16RT8/


Which would you choose and why? The Ultramatch is the most expensive and $400 seems expensive to me for a barrel but I’m willing to pay it for a barrel that clearly stands above the rest.

For an all around barrel the Ultra match will be the best performer with the 1-7.5 Twist and intermediate gas length.

If you plan on shooting 77's all the time I'd go with the CLE, with them being on sale that's a pretty good deal for a custom inhouse barrel from CLE.

 

[Leicafan1990]

For an all around barrel the Ultra match will be the best performer with the 1-7.5 Twist and intermediate gas length.

If you plan on shooting 77's all the time I'd go with the CLE, with them being on sale that's a pretty good deal for a custom inhouse barrel from CLE.

I’m definitely leaning towards the Ranier Ultramatch. It pretty much checks all the boxes.

I only have one concern and it’s related to the TiN barrel extension. I’m concerned that I may need to remove some material from the feed ramps because my previous barrel’s extension had a slight overhang with the upper’s M4 ramps (ADM Billet). I removed a bit of marerial and polished the ramps to avoid feeding issues.

With this new barrel, I’m worried that I may need to adjust the feed ramps again but I’m not sure if that’s possible with a TiN extension. I’ve heard that you should avoid polishing feed ramps that are coated.

 

[S197]

I’m definitely leaning towards the Ranier Ultramatch. It pretty much checks all the boxes.

I only have one concern and it’s related to the TiN barrel extension. I’m concerned that I may need to remove some material from the feed ramps because my previous barrel’s extension had a slight overhang with the upper’s M4 ramps (ADM Billet). I removed a bit of marerial and polished the ramps to avoid feeding issues.

With this new barrel, I’m worried that I may need to adjust the feed ramps again but I’m not sure if that’s possible with a TiN extension. I’ve heard that you should avoid polishing feed ramps that are coated.

If I was going to spend 400 on a ar barrel it would be a bartlin or krieger. The Rainer is over priced. That Douglas by CLE for 300 is a great deal. The mk12 was built with Douglas and CLE.

 

[DangerRanger]

If you can wait a month white oaks pirate day sale on spr barrels is pretty unmatched in value.

I’ve got a rock creek chambered by CLE and it’s great, I’ve got 2 white oaks and they are great.

Plus, my 1-7 white oak loves cheapo norma 55 grain which is super nice

 

[346ci]

If I was going to spend 400 on a ar barrel it would be a bartlin or krieger. The Rainer is over priced. That Douglas by CLE for 300 is a great deal. The mk12 was built with Douglas and CLE.

Good advice here, no way in hell I'd pay $400 for rainer.

For a cheaper barrel that will shoot damn good, https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38016/61240

 

[padom]

Cheaper barrel that shoots damn good and holds its on... Wilson Combat and WOA. I have/had many of each and they shoot for sure.

I was not impressed with UM compared to a Bartlein or Krieger in 5.56 when I reviewed their barrels.

White Oak runs sales on Bartleins every so often. Last August I got my WOA Bartlein for around $350 and it's a tack driver

 

[kjk200]

I’m putting together a more accuracy focused build but I still want the gun to be light enough to carry around for hunting. I’ve settled on a 16” barrel. I don’t mind the barrel being heavier than something like a Criterion Core but I’d still like to keep the weight down if possible. I don’t mind the extra weight if its well balanced. My number one priority is accuracy though since this will mostly be used for punching paper at the range (being honest).


Larue Stealth 16”: https://www.larue.com/products/larue-accuracy-package/


Which would you choose and why? The Ultramatch is the most expensive and $400 seems expensive to me for a barrel but I’m willing to pay it for a barrel that clearly stands above the rest.

A few months ago, I purchased the LaRue Accuracy Special to convert my run of the mill AR into a do all/Match rifle. I am still working on load development but so far the results are OUTSTANDING. On my first outing, almost all groups using everything from Horn 55fmj to Horn 75 BTHP Match were almost all 1" or under, many under 5/8" and several were between 1/4" and 3/8" ctc. I think that all my handloads outshot the Hornady 75gr Black and the "Wal-Mart Special" factory stuff that I had to try. All the powders and charge weights were picked at random for the bullets loaded but most were on the conservative side.

These were all just 3 shot groups, but it definitely shows promise...and when you throw in the 2 stage match trigger and the hard case too for the $299, I am not sure how you can beat it. It is a little heavier than I thought it would be, but for my purposes, it is perfect.

If you happen to go that route, I can verify that THIS Odin Works gas block works perfect with the Larue's dimple spacing.

BTW, I ordered mine the night of the shooting in Uvalde Texas thinking that it would take FOREVER to ship like most LaRue barrels, but it shipped about 10:00 the next morning.

 

[Leicafan1990]

If I was going to spend 400 on a ar barrel it would be a bartlin or krieger. The Rainer is over priced. That Douglas by CLE for 300 is a great deal. The mk12 was built with Douglas and CLE.

Where can I find a Bartlein or Krieger for $400? CLE’s barrels using those blanks cost $600. Craddock is $650.

 

[padom]

Where can I find a Bartlein or Krieger for $400? CLE’s barrels using those blanks cost $600. Craddock is $650.

Wait for the sales at cle or woa... thats your best bet


Here mine I grabbed a year ago

 

[Leicafan1990]

Wait for the sales at cle or woa... thats your best bet


Here mine I grabbed a year ago

After some more thought, the Ranier does seem overpriced for what it is.

I think I’ve narrowed it down to the CLE Douglas barrel and the Wilson Combat Recon. There seems to be pro’s and cons with both so I’m having a hard time choosing.

The Wilson has the Intermediate gas system which is appealing and the 1/8 twist seems more versatile. They say that the bore is hand polished but I’m not sure if that is the same as hand lapping? Excuse my ignorance.

The CLE Douglas is probably the better barrel but it’s also heavier but I’m not sure because the weight isn’t listed on their site. I’m guessing it’s around 2.5 lbs. The 1/7 twist is probably more suited for heavier bullets.

Tough call.

 

[bigjake83]

After some more thought, the Ranier does seem overpriced for what it is.

I think I’ve narrowed it down to the CLE Douglas barrel and the Wilson Combat Recon. There seems to be pro’s and cons with both so I’m having a hard time choosing.

The Wilson has the Intermediate gas system which is appealing and the 1/8 twist seems more versatile. They say that the bore is hand polished but I’m not sure if that is the same as hand lapping? Excuse my ignorance.

The CLE Douglas is probably the better barrel but it’s also heavier but I’m not sure because the weight isn’t listed on their site. I’m guessing it’s around 2.5 lbs. The 1/7 twist is probably more suited for heavier bullets.

Tough call.

Go CLE, can't remember if you're reloading but if you are just pick up some 77gr SMK's.

If you're not reloading than the 1-8 twist will shoot a wider range of store bought ammo, that is generally cheaper than anything in the 77grn range witch most is labeled as Match ammo.

 

[Leicafan1990]

I just bought one of those CLE Douglas 16" 1:7" .223 Wylde barrels for $300. Shot it yesterday and today. It weighs 2lb 2oz. Throws brass at 3:30 with a suppressor on. It won't shoot 62gr or 69gr bullets for shit but man it loves my 75gr Hornady load. 23.5gr 8208 in LC brass. Like 3/8"s 5rd groups at 100. 3rds in the same hole. The recoil is a little abrupt.

I have a WOA SDM barrel and it's one of the best AR barrels I've had. $275. There simply isn't a better deal.

I also have to say the remaining ARP barrels shoot very well for the money.

I can see where an intermediate length 16" would be nice. Try that Wilson out and tell us how it shoots

When you say the CLE won’t shoot 62’s for shit, what group sizes are we talking about?

I was leaning towards the CLE but from my limited research, it sounds like they are picky when it comes to bullet weight.

Does your WOA perform well with other weights like 55’s and 62’s?

 

[houndog]

WOA runs a "talk like a pirate" sale in September. (Or at least they did in 2021.). Last year picked up a 16" SPR barrel for under $200. That's a tough price to beat.

 

[RUTGERS95]

Centurion arms is my new go to accuracy is stellar

 

[Dildobaggins]

I'd get a barrel from CLE or WOA. I have a 20" WOA varmint and I shot the smallest group of my life with it. New to reloading, and load development for that gun, and all groups with with H335 and 55gr Hornady soft points were sub MOA. From 22-25 grains. They were only 3 shot groups. Many in the .2s-.5s. never shot a Rainer or Wilson barrel. But heard good things about Rainer. They seem a little steep in price though.

 

[longebow]

CLE is my go-to for custom AR barrels. Frank White is the heat!

 

[mheimer_45]

Accuracy??

Call keystone and talk with John. Most accurate barrel I have, it being a Bartlein. I’ve had white oak. Currently have a CLE kreiger and Bartlein. Also had CLE Douglas. Still have it. I use it as a pry bar, hammer or whatever in the shop.

 

[mheimer_45]

If you want accuracy. Ask @padom what his most accurate it.

 

[Leicafan1990]

Accuracy??

Call keystone and talk with John. Most accurate barrel I have, it being a Bartlein. I’ve had white oak. Currently have a CLE kreiger and Bartlein. Also had CLE Douglas. Still have it. I use it as a pry bar, hammer or whatever in the shop.

So the CLE Douglas was shit?

 

[S197]

So the CLE Douglas was shit?

If CLE kicks out a dud, they will correct it!

 

[cjs88]

Accuracy??

Call keystone and talk with John. Most accurate barrel I have, it being a Bartlein. I’ve had white oak. Currently have a CLE kreiger and Bartlein. Also had CLE Douglas. Still have it. I use it as a pry bar, hammer or whatever in the shop.

First I've heard of CLE/Douglas being shit...Explain.

 

[mheimer_45]

No it wasn’t shit. It just didn’t like smk’s which I have tons of. No matter what flavor or powder or jump. It seemed to favor the 73 ELD’s which I didn’t have many of. Of course this was at the beginning of Covid and I made the choice to replace the barrel instead of trying to find reloading components that were nonexistent.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Wait for the sales at cle or woa... thats your best bet


Here mine I grabbed a year ago

Last year, WOA had a Black Friday sale. I got a 20" 1/8" SPR barrel @ $195.00. I should have bought 2+.

 

[Wile_Coyote]

I really like the Rainier Ultramatch I have and they issue with an awesome guarantee (even though I never thought about using it). It is not a 223/556, but a 6.5 Creedmoor. It has functioned so well that Rainier will be on the top of the list for my 6 ARC project. Will look at them for the 224 Valkyrie my daughter is building.

Was lucky enough to find out from another member here what they are and who makes them. Makes sense that mine has functioned the way it has.

 

[FuhQ]

I run mostly Rainier Arms barrels, and they're all REALLY accurate for AR barrels. Honestly, I don't think you'll give up much with the Mountain series to the UltraMatch series for that $100 bill difference. But, to each, his own. I like barrels with 5.56 chambers and throats, honestly, because I shoot lots of cheap steel cased ammo for my videos and range plinking, and never have any issues.

 

[mettee]

How does these rate in order of price? What would be the most bang for the buck?

 

[StaveyIL]

CLE,Craddock,Keystone will all be in the $700 range.

 

[padom]

How does these rate in order of price? What would be the most bang for the buck?

Best bang for your buck TODAY, right this moment in stock and ready to buy....Wilson Combat Super Sniper.. Hard to beat at $269.95.. I have one Im testing side by side a WOA Bartlein 20"... While the WOA Bartlein shoots lights out, this damn Wilson Combat Super Sniper is shooting some really amazing groups. Damn nice shooting barrel, hits way above its $269.95 price tag. I wouldnt hesitate for a moment.

BARREL, .223 WYLDE, SUPER SNIPER, 20", ROUND, STAINLESS, GLASS BEAD, 1-8

Experience the precision of Wilson Combat's Super Sniper stainless barrel. This 20" barrel is designed for the .223 Wylde chamber, providing shooters with an exceptional option when accurate long range results are required.

shopwilsoncombat.com

Or the Fluted Super Sniper here

BARREL, .223 WYLDE, SUPER SNIPER, 20", FLUTED, STAINLESS, GLASS BEAD, 1-8

Experience the precision of Wilson Combat's Super Sniper stainless barrel. This 20" barrel is designed for the .223 Wylde chamber, providing shooters with an exceptional option when accurate long range results are required.

shopwilsoncombat.com

 

[Wile_Coyote]

Best bang for your buck TODAY, right this moment in stock and ready to buy....Wilson Combat Super Sniper.. Hard to beat at $269.95.. I have one Im testing side by side a WOA Bartlein 20"... While the WOA Bartlein shoots lights out, this damn Wilson Combat Super Sniper is shooting some really amazing groups. Damn nice shooting barrel, hits way above its $269.95 price tag. I wouldnt hesitate for a moment.

BARREL, .223 WYLDE, SUPER SNIPER, 20", ROUND, STAINLESS, GLASS BEAD, 1-8

Experience the precision of Wilson Combat's Super Sniper stainless barrel. This 20" barrel is designed for the .223 Wylde chamber, providing shooters with an exceptional option when accurate long range results are required.

shopwilsoncombat.com

Or the Fluted Super Sniper here

BARREL, .223 WYLDE, SUPER SNIPER, 20", FLUTED, STAINLESS, GLASS BEAD, 1-8

Experience the precision of Wilson Combat's Super Sniper stainless barrel. This 20" barrel is designed for the .223 Wylde chamber, providing shooters with an exceptional option when accurate long range results are required.

shopwilsoncombat.com

Wilson is a nice barrel. Material and finish quality are great. The price is really good. I would purchase again, but only in certain calibers.

I was not fond of the 6mm Creedmoor I got from them. Interesting they're not selling them anymore. At least I didn't lose too much when I changed it out.

 

[padom]

I have 3 of their 223 Wylde barrels and they ALL shoot lights out.

 

[Leicafan1990]

Well, after a lot of thought, I’ve settled on the CLE Douglas barrel. I also sent this list to a local gunsmith in California who is going to be doing the assembly for me and he said the Ranier or the CLE would be his choice but he wouldn’t choose the Ranier when the CLE was $100 cheaper so the CLE it is.

I also strongly considered the Wilson Combat but I want a Wylde chamber and Wilson doesn’t have one in 16”.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. This has been very helpful.