Hey folks, I am putting a build together like the title describes, and I am hoping for your help on choosing the barrel. My selection priorities are, in order; performance, weight, and price. Here is a quick look at my options; my thought process for the build is down below for those who care to read:
I have selected most other parts for the build, chief among which is the 2A Xanthos receiver set (already ordered) and rail, and FAB Defense RAPS stock. My goal for the project is to create a rifle that I can use comfortably from any distance through 1200 yards (or more, rarely), and ideally one that doesn't weigh more than 10 pounds. This weight includes the gun, empty 10 rd magazine, and optics. Eventually when I live in a better part of the country I'll hang a can off the end as well.
I know a gas gun generally isn't the best option for PRS, but they still have a division for it, and I want this build to be up to the task. I will eventually put a bolt gun together better suited for the sport. I also know that most rigs used in PRS weigh between 12 and 18 lbs, and many weigh more than that. I also hand load, so I expect to maximize the performance of any barrel I choose, or at least come close. Lead time is not a factor, as I am essentially on a layaway plan for several builds... hoping in a couple years I'll be in a more gun friendly place where I can enjoy these things.
Here are the reasons I would choose each of the barrels, based on my priorities of performance, weight, and price.
- Faxon 20" Heavy Fluted: $409 list price, 2.52 lbs.
- X-Caliber Custom 20" Corkscrew Fluted SPR/HBAR Contour: $570 list price, unknown weight.
- Proof Stainless 20" Camgas: $479 list price, 3.63 lbs
I have selected most other parts for the build, chief among which is the 2A Xanthos receiver set (already ordered) and rail, and FAB Defense RAPS stock. My goal for the project is to create a rifle that I can use comfortably from any distance through 1200 yards (or more, rarely), and ideally one that doesn't weigh more than 10 pounds. This weight includes the gun, empty 10 rd magazine, and optics. Eventually when I live in a better part of the country I'll hang a can off the end as well.
I know a gas gun generally isn't the best option for PRS, but they still have a division for it, and I want this build to be up to the task. I will eventually put a bolt gun together better suited for the sport. I also know that most rigs used in PRS weigh between 12 and 18 lbs, and many weigh more than that. I also hand load, so I expect to maximize the performance of any barrel I choose, or at least come close. Lead time is not a factor, as I am essentially on a layaway plan for several builds... hoping in a couple years I'll be in a more gun friendly place where I can enjoy these things.
Here are the reasons I would choose each of the barrels, based on my priorities of performance, weight, and price.
- Faxon: These may not be the best shooters in the world, but they are still very respectable. I already have one an a .223 that shoots well. I may never get this barrel to 1/2 moa, but I expect it will easily make 1 moa. The weight is a known quantity, and at 2.52 lbs it would hit my 10 lb goal exactly for the whole build. The price is the lowest of the bunch as well, and they often have sales to bring that down further. In summary, this would meet my weight and price standards, but may trail the others in performance
- X-Caliber: 95% of the reviews I have read both here and other places indicate these are top-notch barrels (albeit button rifled, which isn't necessarily a con). They also offer fluting, which would bring the weight down closer to my goal, although I won't know the actual weight until it arrives at my door. I emailed asking for some guidance and they recommended the lightweight profile, but I don't want to go that slim. At the price of $570 (which also comes down with their regular sales), they would beat similar fluted barrels from the likes of Craddock by several hundred dollars. If I were to venture much higher I would probably just go for Proof's Carbon Fiber offering. In summary, performance will likely be very good, with a decent compromise on weight at a reasonable price.
- Proof: The performance speaks for itself, only Bartlein gets more attention from top PRS shooters based on the "What the Pros Use" articles. Price is also respectable at $479. The big issue here is weight, at 3 lbs 10 oz. This is over a pound more than the Faxon, and likely a similar margin to the X-Caliber. But should I care? Like I mentioned above, most PRS guns are 12+ lbs anyways, and this would settle in just over 11. I don't want this thing to be so unwieldy that I never want to use it, but at 3 lbs heavier than my 3-gun AR 15, 11 shouldn't be much of an issue. This also bring up the issue of barrel length, because if I go for this one, I might as well get a 22" at only 4 oz. heavier, in order to get an extra 50 fps or so out of my loads. In summary, the performance will be top notch at a great price, but at the (arguable) sacrifice of weight.
