Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

[BAGunner]

I think my next AR barrel will be LW50 from Lothar Walther. It will be paper puncher out to 600 yd, but I don't want to sacrifice too much mobility to achieve that. Should I go with 16", 18" or 20"? I will be using 69gr and 77gr OTM handloads.

Currently there are two options according to this.

One is "AR 15 Match Varmint", which is a custom barrel.
"These contours include the following features:
- Special Target Lapping
- Special Honed Chamber (5.56Nato, .223Wylde or .223Rem.)
- Depressed Center Target Crown
- Match Bolt
- Match Barrel Extension
- gas port
"

They confirmed over the phone that they could offer it with any contour. The barrel extension is M4.


The other one is "AR 15 Varmint Tactical", which has
"20" barrel length, 8" twist, stainless, .223 Wylde chamber, with matched bolt and extension."

I'm not sure if it comes with "Special Target Lapping" or "Depressed Center Target Crown". Judging by the price ($100 less), it may not have either.

Now the questions:

1) Is "target lapping" important for accuracy? Or it doesn't matter for a gas gun anyway?
2) Is it good to have muzzle threaded for "depressed center target crown"? Will putting a muzzle brake defeat the purpose of "depressed target crown"?
3) If you are considering an AR barrel for 500-600 yd target with mobility in mind, what contour would you choose?

Thanks in advance.

 

[at4rxj]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

I personally like an 18" barrel... Between 18 and 20 there won't be much difference in "mobility"

I think I'd go with the first option.

 

[BCP]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

1) most name barrel makers lap and air gauge their barrels these days. I've heard that it is good for accuracy and velocity.
2) depressed/recessed crown is another one that most makers do.
3) 18" SPR contour (White Oak is a common choice) or a 16" mid-length gas (what I have right now). Dedicated target shooting @ 600 I would want a 20" heavy profile ala service rifle type barrels.

It looks to me like the ones listed on their site with the twist you want (1:8) are bull profiles so you'll have to pay extra if you want one that is contoured down to a more manageable size/weight.

 

[BAGunner]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

The contour offered for option 1
#6000 16" 0.87kg 0.850 under handguard, 0.750 gas block, 0.713 muzzle dia
#6100 20" 1.37kg 0.980 under handguard, 0.750 gas block, 0.730 muzzle dia
#6200 20" 1.66kg 1.000 under handguard, 0.935 gas block, 0.920 muzzle dia

 

[BCP]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

Of those 3 I would bet on the middle one being the closest to what you are asking for.

 

[eli polite]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

i have the #6100 and i love it

 

[BAGunner]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: epdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have the #6100 and i love it </div></div>

Care to share the price and vendor?

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

#6100 looks pretty much like a standard Hbar contour. Very good compromise of weight and rigidity while still being light enough and mobile. Its what I recommend to most people and what I use.

 

[eli polite]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

i got it from little crow gunworks 320-796-053

i git the i got the barrel with the matching bolt and mat black finish for about $500

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

I have the Varmint Tactical on a factory Sun Devil. It's stupid accurate. Order it through Coleman Tyler so that you don't have to talk on the phone with that guy at Lothar Walther. His surliness and insistence that everyone is stupid but him has cost LW 3 barrels.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Lothar Walther AR Barrel, which one?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Varmint Tactical on a factory Sun Devil. It's stupid accurate. Order it through Coleman Tyler so that you don't have to talk on the phone with that guy at Lothar Walther. His surliness and insistence that everyone is stupid but him has cost LW 3 barrels. </div></div>

Yeah, that guy drove me to pick up a WOA. Dave at Sun Devil is great if you can get him on the horn.