Best AR15 barrels?

[Schrambo]

Well, I got a shipping notice that my barrel and bolt are on the way from Alexander Arms. Supposed to be here Tuesday. Hopefully I can get started on this new build. We shall see.

What length AA? I'm on 12 weeks waiting for a 16" lite...

[Bill Alexander]

Been testing a lot with Proof Research and am extremely impressed with them so far. Most of the work to date has been with 338 and the thermal stability and accuracy has been top notch.

Working with Proof now to finalize the specifications but am pretty sure I want to carry these as barrels with matched bolts. Intend to accuracy certify each barrel in a test bed as well if this goes forward. First unit will be a 20" with rifle gas length and 5/8-24 thread muzzle.

This light weight, accuracy based trend is intriguing for me and I am building up carbon fiber hand guards as well. MLok type, patterned after the AP that impressed me but then disappeared. Might do some titanium stuff as well. Going to need a 0.875 lightweight gas block.

Pushing this as custom parts to serve the individual builder better. John may have to add another banner to the forum

[Cashflow]

Schrambo,

It's the same as yours, I've been waiting a while also. I'll post Tuesday what shows up. I ordered a barrel, bolt and one mag. I have 6.8 mags but I guess they won't work.

[Cashflow]

More stuff

Ordered the handguard and muzzle brake today. I really like the looks of the Diamondhead VRS-T handguard and their muzzle brake although I will have to rethread it to fit.

Starting to get excited about getting this thing up and running.

[thedude]

JoeBobs package came in with Odinworks 20" barrel/bolt combo. Packed and taped well. Everything looks good. No burr in gas hole. Bolt carrier assembled and looks good. Now I just need time to finish building.

[Rickc]

Been testing a lot with Proof Research and am extremely impressed with them so far. Most of the work to date has been with 338 and the thermal stability and accuracy has been top notch.

Working with Proof now to finalize the specifications but am pretty sure I want to carry these as barrels with matched bolts. Intend to accuracy certify each barrel in a test bed as well if this goes forward. First unit will be a 20" with rifle gas length and 5/8-24 thread muzzle.

This light weight, accuracy based trend is intriguing for me and I am building up carbon fiber hand guards as well. MLok type, patterned after the AP that impressed me but then disappeared. Might do some titanium stuff as well. Going to need a 0.875 lightweight gas block.

Pushing this as custom parts to serve the individual builder better. John may have to add another banner to the forum

I am curious too. I have had enough of the hbars. Just built a lightweight 18" . Rifle weighs 7.5# without optics. What is your target weight for this 20"? Lighter is better for a multi-use gun.

[SG4247]

Les Baer
JP Rifles

[454bore]

Best means Krieger from now on for me.

[Schrambo]

Schrambo,

It's the same as yours, I've been waiting a while also. I'll post Tuesday what shows up. I ordered a barrel, bolt and one mag. I have 6.8 mags but I guess they won't work.

Thanks, I know AA runs long, just trying to gauge a delivery time...

[din]

John may have to add another banner to the forum

That'd be terrible. Well, terrible for my wallet anyway.

[ahillock]

4150 nitrided barrel.

After that, all it is a name brand/logo/brand preference/brand loyalty...etc. If the company has a good reputation, good QC, good customer service, good accuracy, good raw material, that is all that I care about. I'm not a brand loyalist.

[Bobke]

Bill
Would be among first on the list if you could bring the Proof barrel to reality. That said, there's been a very informative thread over on Snipers Hide detailing issues WJM308 has had getting a Proof 6.5 Creedmoor AR to shoot and function well. They seem to be outstanding in bolt guns and more problematic in his case, with trip back to Proof after exhaustive problem solving. WJM is a pretty thorough guy, from everything he writes, so not an inexperienced builder.

Assuming most folks would want a barrel and an adjustable gas block, yet enough room in a hand guard to accommodate an .875 GB and maintain light weight, is CF the only route to get proper clearance and low weight, or are there any prospects for some game changing low profile GB design that would allow use of current low pro hand guards like SLR or others? And one more question while pipe dreaming, how about .890 OD x 22" with extended rifle gas and .875 GB? Any particular gas or powder burn rate issues going that route? Appreciate you dipping in here on occasion-always good to know what's at the tip of the Grendel spear.

[am4966]

Bill
Would be among first on the list if you could bring the Proof barrel to reality. That said, there's been a very informative thread over on Snipers Hide detailing issues WJM308 has had getting a Proof 6.5 Creedmoor AR to shoot and function well. They seem to be outstanding in bolt guns and more problematic in his case, with trip back to Proof after exhaustive problem solving. WJM is a pretty thorough guy, from everything he writes, so not an inexperienced builder.

Assuming most folks would want a barrel and an adjustable gas block, yet enough room in a hand guard to accommodate an .875 GB and maintain light weight, is CF the only route to get proper clearance and low weight, or are there any prospects for some game changing low profile GB design that would allow use of current low pro hand guards like SLR or others? And one more question while pipe dreaming, how about .890 OD x 22" with extended rifle gas and .875 GB? Any particular gas or powder burn rate issues going that route? Appreciate you dipping in here on occasion-always good to know what's at the tip of the Grendel spear.

That's why Bill is going to do accuracy testing of the barrels to insure of function and accuracy. Falkordefense swore by proof and out of the blue they are now using Straight Jacket Barrels "Draco" which are supposed to be great. I'm gonna sit back and see about the proofs just hope the pricing won't be in the 900.00 range

[Cashflow]

Alexander Arms 16 inch fluted barrel and bolt showed up last night. I had ordered an E-Lander mag but it is back ordered. The barrel and bolt look fine, my muzzle brake showed up, it will have to be rethreaded to fit. The new Diamondhead handguard should be here today or tomorrow. I'll report on it after I get the upper stuck together.

I already have a lower I can use. Starting to get excited about getting this one up and going. Heading to Cabelas today to see what kind of goodies they have.

Schrambo, BTW it was nine weeks or so since I ordered till delivery. I ordered on December 1st.

[Bigs28]

Alexander arms added an 18" barrel for sale on their website.