ISO Best AR15 Barrel

[TheLucasRanch]

Finally realized that my Colt M4 is a POS. Doing a complete overhaul and would like to know what is the best barrel manufacturer for precision. Looking for 16-inch, 1:7 so I can shoot 77 gr 5.56. Main application is predators (coyotes and bobcats) out to 300 yds. Thanks for your comments.

 

[oldrifleman]

My precision choice is a Craddock Signature series barrel. Mine have been spectacular.

 

[JS8588]

Krieger or Bartlein, then Shilen or Proof Research. Lothar Walther if you can find one. Criterion is also good.

 

[John?]

The easy button for me has been White Oak Armament. WOA has been my service rifle parts provider after switching from a company in Florida.

I prefer a 20 inch barrel if running unsuppressed.

.

 

[Overwatch260]

My precision choice is a Craddock Signature series barrel. Mine have been spectacular.

I second the Craddock Signature series Bartlein barrels, mine has been amazing as well.

 

[oldrifleman]

The easy button for me has been White Oak Armament. WOA has been my service rifle parts provider after switching from a company in Florida.

I prefer a 20 inch barrel if running unsuppressed.

.

Yeah, the WOA Bartlein service rifle barrels are spectacular ( I have 3). I guess I would amend my initial response. The Signature series is a Bartlein cut rifled barrel. If you get a cut rifled barrel from one of the big 6 you will be very happy. If you are in a hurry you can get a Proof cut in a 16” from a number of places and they are pretty good.

 

[simonp]

Krieger, Bartlien or on a budget WOA is excellent

 

[owtlaw]

I use the off the rack WOA barrels. They shoot great and are priced way below their class.

 

[Top O' Texas]

i've had good luck with aero precision and criterion............faxon, not so much. no experience with the other big names mention above.

 

[xsn10s]

I've actually had good luck with three different Colt barrels. Do you have a 1-9" or 1-7" Colt M4 barrel? But for the best accuracy any of the above mentioned barrels that aren't chrome line would be your best bet.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

First of all why is your colt a POS?

Second, unless you virtually replace everything from barrel to trigger to rail to gas block and gas system( including buffer system), you won't get optimal results.

You are better of building a new gun from scratch and keeping the colt as it.

 

[Shoots 700's]

What type of sighting device are you using? 300 isn't really all that far

 

[xsn10s]

First of all why if your colt a POS?

Second, unless you virtually replace everything from barrel to trigger to rail to gas block and gas system( including buffer system), you won't get optimal results.

You are better or building a new gun from scratch and keeping the colt as it.

I kinda agree. You could just build a new upper and possible upgrade the trigger. Shoots 700's also asks a good question. A good trigger and good optics can go a long way in making am AR shoot decent. Mind you the kill zone on a yote is roughly 6" circle. So a rifle that shoots around a moa will suffice out to 300 easy. My free float Colt 20" 1-7tw dumped a badger at 496 yards (75gr ELDM). The M4 1-9" non free floated pulled a headshot on a chuck at 398 yards (55gr BT). Either way you'll need a good trigger and good glass. Maybe your money would be better spent starting there.

 

[Kangbeef]

WOA spr barrel or their varmint barrel but its heavier profile.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Stash the colt and build a new rifle. That colt wasn’t meant to be a precision carbine.

I’ve got an 18 inch bartlein barrel on my SPR/DMR ish build and it has done great.

 

[Kangbeef]

Stash the colt and build a new rifle. That colt wasn’t meant to be a precision carbine.

I’ve got an 18 inch bartlein barrel on my SPR/DMR ish build and it has done great.

Wise words. If you are on arfcom can find parts there if you feel like building your rifle. If you want a built upper WOA will do you well for a tac driver.

 

[TheLucasRanch]

What type of sighting device are you using? 300 isn't really all that far

Trijicon Credo 1-8x24.

 

[Clayman]

My proof research barrels in carbon fiber and stainless have all been absolute tack drivers. You could probably get similar results for a bit less though, I've just had great results personally.

However like others have mentioned I'd just consider building a new predator gun.

18" in 5.56 or maybe even 6 arc if you were interested in something new.

 

[TheLucasRanch]

My proof research barrels in carbon fiber and stainless have all been absolute tack drivers. You could probably get similar results for a bit less though, I've just had great results personally.

However like others have mentioned I'd just consider building a new predator gun.

18" in 5.56 or maybe even 6 arc if you were interested in something new.

Very helpful, thanks.

 

[Rider47]

Why has nobody mentioned the awesome shooting SS heavy (.900") true match grade hand lapped barrels made by Wilson Arms? These are the barrels used by RRA on their Varmint models, and are available (often on sale for $99!!!) from JSE? Although I've been (rightly) chastised for posting the image of a single group, this group show the capability of one of these 16" ($99 with a free .936" gas block!) barrels and handloads. My two Wilson Arms barrelled RRA Varmint rifles and my new build (group below) are all awesome shooters and win matches.

BTW - these barrels are chambered in .223 Wylde so can handle 5.56 ammo, and are 8 twist, but shoot 69 and 77 gr. SMK's just fine (although I would not hunt with those bullets).

 

[RTH1800]

First, define your accuracy standards. Second what is your budget?

I do agree that a new build is the best course if budget allows. Might sell the Colt to cover part of it.

A few other thoughts. Consider 18 or 20” barrel. Consider just buying a trigger and building a good upper and adding a UBR STOCK.

Also for your needs consider a .204. It will shoot circles around a .223.

T he 77 grain .223 bullets are not a good choice for 300 yard coyote shooting. You want something that will shoot a fairly flat trajectory and open up. 55 grain .223 or 32 grain .204.

But, what do I know? I have not shot a coyote for almost 20 minutes and only killed 2500 or so in my life.

 

[xsn10s]

First, define your accuracy standards. Second what is your budget?

I do agree that a new build is the best course if budget allows. Might sell the Colt to cover part of it.

A few other thoughts. Consider 18 or 20” barrel. Consider just buying a trigger and building a good upper and adding a UBR STOCK.

Also for your needs consider a .204. It will shoot circles around a .223.

T he 77 grain .223 bullets are not a good choice for 300 yard coyote shooting. You want something that will shoot a fairly flat trajectory and open up. 55 grain .223 or 32 grain .204.

But, what do I know? I have not shot a coyote for almost 20 minutes and only killed 2500 or so in my life.

I was considering a 20 Practical and forgot about it until you mentioned a 204. Yeah a 20 cal might be a better option. But for out to only 300 yards a .223/5.56 with a 53 gr vmax will suffice. Any AR that shoots close to 1 moa will do the job out to 300 yards for a coyote.

 

[Clayman]

Some groups I've shot with my Proofs. The 4x5 could have been better, I was not allowing enough time between shots to properly cool stuff down. Bipod, small rear squeeze bag.

 

[RTH1800]

20 practical or 20 Tactical are both good options . The .204 offers factory ammo and brass. If you go .204 you will want some USGI magazines. The plastic P mags are to short inside.
Have fun!

 

[Clayman]

You could try the 69gr tipped matchking if you're looking for less drift/drop and a hard hitting round at distance. I've only shot 1 coyote with them and at relatively close range (maybe 60 yards) with a 16", 2-3" exit, immediate bang flop. If you want fur don't use it.

 

[BCP]

Finally realized that my Colt M4 is a POS.

You could probably put on different handguards (there are ones that slap on to the m4 barrel nut and have a cutout for the front sight post) and then drop in a better trigger and go kill coyotes just fine. Especially if you handload you can pick a 55vmax bullet and a lighter load of powder to make a piff cheater load and shoot the shit out of them.