Let's talk AR-10 barrels for a moment

[Coloradocop]

I'm looking at doing an AR-10 style build in the near future, probably in .308 Win or .260 Rem (haven't decided which just yet -- I already have bolt guns in both calibers, so I'll figure that out later).

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out what the best barrel options are that I can use on this rifle. I have a Bartlein barrel on my Accuracy International right now, and it's a great barrel. But, finding a finished Bartlein barrel for an AR-platform rifle seems damn near impossible.

I've heard mixed things on Proof Research, and their carbon wrapped barrels. On one hand, I was hearing a bunch of good stuff about them recently, and was strongly considering this option (the weight savings would be nice, but not critical, in a semi-auto for me). But, I also saw a video review from a Snipershide member on Youtube who didn't really make me feel encouraged by this option... he had an excessively tight chamber issue, and sent the barrel back to Proof with no resolution on the problem. It sounded like he knew what he was doing, so user error seems to be unlikely in this case.

I also know JP makes a barrel that a lot of folks seem to like, though others have claimed it isn't as accurate as the aforementioned options. Krieger is another name I hear a lot in these discussions, but I also see most of their barrels being sold "unfinished", like Bartlein.

Bottom line here:

Who do you guys think makes the best AR-10 type barrels when accuracy is a primary consideration? Is it one of the ones I mentioned above (Bartlein, Proof, JP, Krieger), or something else? Also, if you're suggesting something like Bartlein, then where do I find a finished barrel? I can do a lot of things, but I don't have the machinery to work a barrel blank into a finished barrel!

 

[lennyo3034]

You can send the higher end blanks to a gunsmith to have them finished. Although im pretty sure krieger does this, there just might be a long wait.

I went with JP for my build. I do not expect bolt gun accuracy out of a semi and the JP had some advantages in other areas.

 

[diverdon]

Per the Bartlien website: "For AR10 barrels or AR15 barrels that are not in .223 caliber or non standard .223rem./5.56mm AR15 barrels call Paul Craddock at Craddock Precision at 309-365-2234."

 

[NukeMMC]

GAP10s use Bartlein barrels. Maybe they can spin one onto your rifle for you.

 

[padom]

Give Josh a call at Patriot Valley Arms or John at Keystone Accuracy. Both have spun up AR10 Bartleins for me that are very accurate. They will spin up any caliber you want with any blank you want. If going 260rem (I would recommend 6.5cm for many reasons) then you will definitely want a +2 gas system and adjustable Gas block along with a High Pressure bolt (JP) that has been headspaced to your barrel. You need to purchase the bolt first and send it to the Smith so they can headspace it to your barrel when chambering it.

 

[Potss]

Best? A Bartlein spun up by Craddock or CLE, then wrapped by Teludyne Tech. For 1/2 the cost you can have a Falkor Dracos which uses the same tech but with a CRA blank.

 

[L.R.Novice]

Give Josh a call at Patriot Valley Arms or John at Keystone Accuracy. Both have spun up AR10 Bartleins for me that are very accurate. They will spin up any caliber you want with any blank you want. If going 260rem (I would recommend 6.5cm for many reasons) then you will definitely want a +2 gas system and adjustable Gas block along with a High Pressure bolt (JP) that has been headspaced to your barrel. You need to purchase the bolt first and send it to the Smith so they can headspace it to your barrel when chambering it.

I second Josh at Patriot Valley Arms with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[Primus]

http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelkriegertitan22nm65creedmoorbullss1x8936gasblock.aspx
http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfatitan20nmm110ss1x12875gasblockthreaded-2.aspx
http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrel65creedmoorkriegertitan26nmbullss1x8936gasblock.aspx

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

Mr Wes MSTN on this very site could do you a good one. Also Compass Lake as mentioned and I imagine they have whatever your choice would be in stock, pick a flavor. Any of the cut rifled and many of the button rifled barrels should be G2G.

ETA: Pretty sure Craddock does barrel work for MSTN

 

[.30kal]

My JP 6.5 CM barrel shoots .5 MOA with Factory Hornday 140 ELDs when I do my part, so I haven't bothered reloading for it. I have 2 friends that have had similar experiences in theirs with Prime, as well as one who has a .260 and dumped his Proof barrel (which had to go back at least once due to chamber issues) for a JP that shoots great.

 

[Frog05]

Craddock Precision

 

[Primus]

I may go against the grain but I will take a Hawk Hill over a Bartlien anyday of the week. But the truth is, they both will shoot better than me.

 

[Coloradocop]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

Have any of you used the Proof Research carbon wrapped barrels? If so, how well do those barrels stack up agains the other ones we've been discussing in this thread thus far?

 

[N-C]

I like Proof Research barrel ( on my NEMO XO Carbon 308 )

http://youtu.be/MXtee3ipsW8