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Is $400 adequate for the final product? I've always bought of the shelf so this but a tube and have it chambered is new to me.
I'll try to find Padom's results - and I thought I had read everything about 6mm ARC on this forum. Lol
In my experience talking to smiths, that would be on the very low end. Quite a few of them told me it's not worth it to buy a blank, have it shipped, find a local smith that's trustworthy and does good work (I added that part), or have it sent to one across the country, then wait forever instead of just buying direct from a company like X Caliber, McGowen or Craddock that is happy to be a one stop shop for anything you want. Even had some smiths tell me they much prefer to only do bolt gun barrels, less work for the same price. I guess I could see it if you're a benchrest AR shooter and absolutely must have a Bartlein blank chambered by the best of witch doctor barrel smiths, but the rest of us will be fine with a custom barrel from the above mentioned places.Is $400 adequate for the final product? I've always bought of the shelf so this but a tube and have it chambered is new to me.
Yeah - I reached out to Padom and he has zero experience with 6 ARC.....my apologies, I was mistaken on the user...it was @ormandj
...you can find his posts in the "New 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge" thread.
Just the input I was looking for. I'm consolidating platforms to the chamberings I like and use most and enhancing barrels, optics, etc.In my experience talking to smiths, that would be on the very low end. Quite a few of them told me it's not worth it to buy a blank, have it shipped, find a local smith that's trustworthy and does good work (I added that part), or have it sent to one across the country, then wait forever instead of just buying direct from a company like X Caliber, McGowen or Craddock that is happy to be a one stop shop for anything you want. Even had some smiths tell me they much prefer to only do bolt gun barrels, less work for the same price. I guess I could see it if you're a benchrest AR shooter and absolutely must have a Bartlein blank chambered by the best of witch doctor barrel smiths, but the rest of us will be fine with a custom barrel from the above mentioned places.
Should add Mos-Tek as a place that will do anything also, but I haven't received my barrel from them yet so I can't comment on the finished product.
Should add that all my X-Cal, McGowen and Mos-Tek barrels have come in under $400, and the ones I have in my possession shoot great. Adding fluting or cryo or cerakote will put you at or well over $400.Just the input I was looking for. I'm consolidating platforms to the chamberings I like and use most and enhancing barrels, optics, etc.
Bartlein 10.5” and 18” here, 1/2 MOA 5-shot groups with factory 108-eldm is no problem, and better with hand loads. Keep in mind the way the AR15 is put together is just as important as the barrel. I full-diameter shim (with appropriate thickness SS shim stock) my barrel extensions for a heated press-fit in my uppers, and I use high-quality uppers and handguards with minimal flex, ensuring the gas block isn’t contacting the handguard. TT Diamond triggers, high quality BCGs, and the the barrel is chambered for appropriate headspacing with the actual bolt I run.I know Faxon and Monster have 12.5s but am looking for high quality/accuracy in the consistently moa to sub moa category.
Mind sharing which upper receivers, handguards, and BCGs you've found good luck with?Bartlein 10.5” and 18” here, 1/2 MOA 5-shot groups with factory 108-eldm is no problem, and better with hand loads. Keep in mind the way the AR15 is put together is just as important as the barrel. I full-diameter shim (with appropriate thickness SS shim stock) my barrel extensions for a heated press-fit in my uppers, and I use high-quality uppers and handguards with minimal flex, ensuring the gas block isn’t contacting the handguard. TT Diamond triggers, high quality BCGs, and the the barrel is chambered for appropriate headspacing with the actual bolt I run.
I’ve had Craddock run my last few for me (my machining equipment is in storage), and I’ve been very happy with them.
There are so many good brands. I'd be listing dozens. ADM, Mega/Zev, etc for uppers/lowers/handguards. Toolcraft BCGs are up there and have great pricing. I'm messing with Bootleg BCGs now to move the adjustable gas from the block to the BCG to simplify things. Superlative AGBs have been gtg. The fitting really matters most as long as you're buying high quality products.Mind sharing which upper receivers, handguards, and BCGs you've found good luck with?
Generally no. You can adjust gas volume but port pressure will still be higher with a shorter system. There are obviously exceptions, but for my uses I'm a big fan of the longest gas system possible.Do you think its better to go with shorter gas system so you have more gas to work with and then adjust down?
Completely agree here. Would like to see a mid length gas 6 ARC 12.5". I believe mine is Carbine.Generally no. You can adjust gas volume but port pressure will still be higher with a shorter system. There are obviously exceptions, but for my uses I'm a big fan of the longest gas system possible.
Yup, that's most of the reason I've got custom barrels. Most off the shelf stuff is spec'd to be plug and play for the lowest common denominator AR assembler. Guys that know what they want and know how to make it work often have more specific requirements.Completely agree here. Would like to see a mid length gas 6 ARC 12.5". I believe mine is Carbine.
X-caliber build your own barrel you can specify up to rifle +2 length on 12.5"Completely agree here. Would like to see a mid length gas 6 ARC 12.5". I believe mine is Carbine.
I chuckled on that one - I guess technically that's a bolt action where the gas port IS the muzzle, right!?The drop down menu may allow it but it's not possible.
Are you telling me I can't put a 17" gas tube on a 12.5" barrel?The drop down menu may allow it but it's not possible.
Yup, you can - just spin the gas block upside down and it doubles as ghost ring front sight.Are you telling me I can't put a 17" gas tube on a 12.5" barrel?
Who did your carbine +1"?Don’t go too long on the gas. My 10.5 is carbine+1”, and my 18” is rifle+1”. I would not go any longer on either, there is definitely a sweet spot.
CraddockWho did your carbine +1"?