Dad's AR build, need an 18" barrel that is accurate and halfway affordable

G

goose_boy

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After seeing the old man smile like a little kid shooting the AR I built from scratch, I bought him a lower for Xmas. I think we want to go with an 18ish barrel, no shorter maybe a 20 or a 18 plus flash hider. Want something in a fairly lightweight profile, and need it to be pretty accurate, MOA at least. Don't think we need to go Shilen or anything like that, but something that would classify as a "reasonably priced accurate barrel"... if there is such a thing. I got lucky with a 180 dollar barrel and can shoot 3/4 moa with factory loads and a heavy crap trigger, so maybe we can do it again. Who should we look at? Currently checking out White Oak, maybe DPMS, and Black Hole Weaponry pending some feedback. Does Specialized Dynamics, Dtech, our sponsors offer just barrels? Thanks guys.
 
You might check out Midway USA, they have a pretty complete line up of AR barrels from DPMS and others. I have used a 24" DPMS 1-9 twist barrel for a build and it shot great and cleans up easily. Or check out Black Hole, their prices seem reasonable too. I'm considering one from them at the moment in 243 lbc. Our sponsors do offer barrels for sale too, you wouldn't go wrong with one of those either.
 
You might be surprise by how attainable MOA is with just about any mainstream barrel. 20 years ago it may have been sought after and hard to do, currently I figure moa is THE benchmark for mainstream barrels. If it does it, it's average. If it can't, something is wrong. After that it's just up to price.
 
Sorry guys I wasn't really clear with what I really wanted. We all know 2 "identical" barrels will shoot different, might get a 100 dollar barrel that shoots 1/4 and might buy a 300 dollar barrel that will only do MOA. I guess what I'm asking is who has an 18" middle weight that is as accurate as you can get for 300? I know most will shoot MOA, but I'd like to do better than that with some quality ammo. I'd really like to see 3/4 or less but thats luck of the draw sometimes. What's my best bet?
 
I bought a 18" 5.56 standard profile with a mid length gas system from Black Hole Weaponry and it shot under 3/4" groups with the first kind of ammo I ran through it. I believe it costs like $247.


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I'm sure that after I get my archery deer hunt out of that way, I will have time to really work on getting a load for it that will shoot great.


I love that barrel but Black Hole was kind of a pain in the a$$ to deal with. I don't like being told you'll get something in 6-8 weeks and then it takes 10.
 
I built my AR with mainly dpms parts. I used the 18in mk12 barrel from midway. I installed a dpms miculek comp and it shoots fantastic. I havent had alot of range time to try different loads, but it shoots hornady 55gr a-max better than i ever anticipated (since i didnt exactly follow the break-in directions). It is 1-8 twist so it should handle anything you throw in it.
 
Originally Posted By: hoytwtI built my AR with mainly dpms parts. I used the 18in mk12 barrel from midway. I installed a dpms miculek comp and it shoots fantastic. I havent had alot of range time to try different loads, but it shoots hornady 55gr a-max better than i ever anticipated (since i didnt exactly follow the break-in directions). It is 1-8 twist so it should handle anything you throw in it.

I have got this same barrel and comp and so far it looks really promising with factory 55 and 62 gr ammo. I may eventually have to try handloads just to see what it will really do.
 
Thanks guys, I was also checked out the DPMS MK12 18" and it's at the top of the list currently. 12ring, as far as the Black Hole barrel, although it was the first load tried I am more interested in what it will do with factory loads as my dad won't be reloading for it... well at least until he gets hooked! Kies, who do you get your blanks from? Any MOA guarantees? Hitman, that sure is a smokin deal! I thought about picking one up for myself but I am going to get Dad set up first he kept slipping me "gun fund" money when I was building my AR and was in the poorhouse. He doesn't reload anything but 9mm so we're going to go with .223/5.56 since he will only use it for plinking and maybe some 3 gun anyway. Still have to get him the predator hunting bug!
 
we do not disclose where we get our barrel blanks, they are highest quality, not some cheapo blanks. we guarantee MOA or better accuracy.
 
Midway has a bunch of reasonably priced uppers. They also run sales regularly, so if you are patient you can get a great deal. I just put together a lightweight 16 inch upper from DPMS and put it on a Plum Crazy lower. It is a very light rig. The thing shoots well under MOA with handloads. Total investment in upper and lower is $578.
 
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I used sabres 18" fluted, but since they went under. . . I would call mike at rainier arms and order the WOA 18" with the mid-length gas system. 1/7 , this is the most accurate 18" for the $280 raange which is high I know. But you get what you pay for. I use it in 3 gun comp and all i did was FF it with 13" battle rail, PRI comp, Sun Devil Slickside upper and NB BCG and my Comp 3 aimpoint has taken many a deer at 200 yrds and yotes from 50-400 using 75 gr on the deer and 60 gr on the yotes. I doped it at 50 yrds and shoot a 300 4moa trajectatory and at 400 about a 4 MOA hold( 2 dots )
 
Thanks for the review Kiloxj, I had been eyeing that WOA. I know they make a great barrel for the money, my only concern is the weight. How does it feel mounted up? Does it balance out will with say a CTR stock or something like that?
 
yes, If you like the CTR then wait til the STR hits the market, the ACS-L is already on AIMsurplus. But the 18" ballances well with an IMOD. Just put a lightweight FreeFloat Tube Such as the VTAC or vickingtactics 13" Battlerail, PRI COmp you will be impressed
 
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