3 Fluted Barrels

[GoneHiking]

I'm contemplating a 6.5 Grendel build for range use (at least to 200 yd, and possibly to 1,000), varmint hunting, and whitetails if my state ever allows semi-autos for big game or I head out-of-state. I've tentatively settled on three (3) 18-inch stainless, fluted barrels;

Alexander Arms 18" Fluted Lite Barrel (1.85 lbs), $220: By far, the least inexpensive of the three, AA uses a mid-length gas system and a (newish?) LiFe oxide treatment, but less common 9/16-24 threads.
*Price and LifFe treatment for the win.

https://www.shopalexanderarms.com/DIY_Parts_Components-6_5_Grendel_16_Lite_Barrel.html

Ballistic Advantage, 18" 6.5 Grendel SPR Fluted Rifle Length AR 15 Barrel, Premium Series (1.96 lbs), $315: BA uses a rifle-length gas system, standard 5/8-24 threads, and is HP and MPI tested.
*Rifle length gas system and MPI tested for the win.

https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-65-grendel-spr-fluted-midlength-ss-premium-barrel.html

Faxon Match Series- 18" Heavy Fluted, 6.5 Grendel , 416-R, 5R, Nitride, Nickel Teflon Extension(1.81 lbs), $320: The most expensive, Faxon uses a mid-length gas system, standard 5/8-24 threads, is nitride treated, has 5R rifling, and is MPI tested.
*5R rifling, Nitride, lowest weight, and MPI tested for the win.

https://faxonfirearms.com/match-series-18-heavy-fluted-6-5-grendel-416-r-5r-nitride-nickel-teflon-extension/

Alexander Arms' price is certainly the most appealing. However, I would think BA's rifle length gas system would reduce recoil and be more suppressor friendly if I ever go that route. Faxon's barrel seems to offer the best of everything, except for (possibly?) the mid-length gas system. Any thoughts on these? I REALLY want to get repeatable 5-shot, sub-MOA groups.

[RMiller]

In my lightweight opinion you may find what you are looking for with a group buy barrel (not fluted though).

Without knowing how much you are going to put into the trigger and scope it hard to say if any of the three or four would be different from the other.

What I can say is the Grendels are addictive and it is easy to end up with more than one.

A group buy barrel may be a good way to get your feet wet, so to say, and the savings can go to a good trigger and scope to compliment the barrel.

I will be awaiting the responses as well as you. Good luck! Welcome to the forum.

[VASCAR2]

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?28-Group-Buy-Central

[Sixoeight]

I went Faxon Match Series Gunner 18. I will report results soon.

This one isn't fluted but flutes don't have any magical powers. They can make for a stiffer barrel that is still light but depending on your use the difference is more marketing than advantage in my opinion and experience. Nothing wrong with them just not a major factor in my mind.

I had similar goals with weight being a serious consideration. Aim Surplus had a crazy deal. Not sure if it's still going on but the barrel + gas block was $170 shipped with promocode THANKS18. Might want to give it a try.

I would have gone AA absolutely no questions asked if it were not for those threads. I know you can buy an adapter but when I have a choice between a bunch of manufacturers, all others of which use the standard thread, it's hard to justify buying the one that I know will need an adapter. I plan to run my supressor.

If I were you and the Faxon deal has expired I would go with the group buy barrel. Lots of great reports and the lowest price of anything you are considering.

[grayfox]

Look at ArmorAlly.com for BA barrels, others too. Their prices are lots better.
I've bought 2 BA barrels from them, the 20" fluted was under $200 IIRC.
I don't go for the 9/16 thread b/c it limits your options on muzzle devices, 5/8-24 is more standard.
My Faxon bbl is good also, 16".
Echo the comment on the group buy bbls.
Should stay with either IL or RL gas for 18", per a couple of the pro's on here.

[GjGary]

I have a Faxon 20 match barrel, 20 fluted and 18 BAs.
The BA were purchased through ArmorAlly with toolcraft bolt carriers which cannot be beat as stated from the fox.
I would consider the faxon i have as not match grade, the 20 BA is my match barrel out of the 6.5grs. With the 18 being very good. You can find moa accuracy with handloads , but every barrel likes something a little different.
I love rifle length gas system and only my blackouts have different length system. Rifle just work for me , smoother and softer. Everyone comments that same thing when they shoot my ARs.