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6.5G AR questions

BigAndy

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 9, 2011
250
0
41
MI, USA
So, I am sold on the 6.5, especially in the AR platform. I just put together a 24" heavy-barrelled DPMS LR-260. I also have an 18" 5.56. Since ARs are like crack to me, I started to jones for a Grendel. Long story short, I got a Grendel-marked AA lower, LPK, mags, and ammo and then the Connecticut tragedy hit, along with its crazy prices. Where should I go about finding the rest, especially a barrel, bolt, and slick-sided upper? Thanks in advance.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Honestly...I think you are shit out of luck at the moment....and if there is anything it's going to be at super inflated prices. I'd honestly wait it out.

I built my 6.5 grendel about I year ago and even then quality barrels were almost nonexistant.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

ARP has .264 pipes in stock but they use his own bolt and I don't think he has any right now. Those barrels are very accurate with factory 123gr Hornady 6.5g.

Aero has their standard stripped uppers in stock, not sure how long those are going to last..
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Appreciate the input fellas. I was about to "add to cart" when Alexander Arms decided not to accept any more orders. A minute or two from checkout, darn my luck; I was really liking the idea of a matched bolt and barrel. I called Les Baer, Model 1 Sales, Alexander Arms, and a few others to get no answer or "Sorry, not happening." I would ideally like a heavy contour 20" barrel and a nice slabside upper, if possible. I guess I will scour Hide classifieds (It's the only forum that has the balls to tell the gougers to screw off). Thanks again.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

My Google-fu has turned up the following: Tactical Ammunition $285 for a threaded heavy 264LBC barrel; Black Hole Weaponry $300 for the same in a "match-grade" set-up; and JTD is at $355 with the 6.5 bolt. Let me know what you think is the better deal; or throw in other suggestions.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigAndy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Appreciate the input fellas. I was about to "add to cart" when Alexander Arms decided not to accept any more orders. A minute or two from checkout, darn my luck; I was really liking the idea of a matched bolt and barrel. I called Les Baer, Model 1 Sales, Alexander Arms, and a few others to get no answer or "Sorry, not happening." </div></div>

I just completed an online order with Alexander Arms with no issue. I ordered the 6.5 Grendel complete rifle system with Shilen barrel and some upgrades. Already received 2 emails with confirmations and a welcome aboard after preauthorizing my visa card. Now let's see how long the backorder is.

That being said, anyone know the best place to order or backorder 6.5 Grendal hi-cap mags.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Well, I ordered the mags (20 rounders) from AA, but it was their rifle barrel kits that they didn't want to share. As for CSS, they want >$450 for barrel and bolt; that's cut-rifling barrel money (I am thinking Krieger or something similar)! Any better options out there? I know pickins are slim right about now.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

I use Rainier for the 6.5 mags. they are ASC. not many people know they sell them and usually have plenty in stock. of course, you'll have to check these days with mag-madness still going on.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

For barrels try saturn great barrel's and been making them for the grendel a long time.

Mags have been hard to get in the best of times so just keep trolling and hope a few pop up. But you can use Pmags just cant load them full.

I would guess the wait on anything from AA will be a long haul I think they were about 8 months out before the madness.

LOKI has been a great sorce for grendel barrels for me in the past. Might be worth a call.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Satern is great as mentioned. We ran 2 Mcgowans a while ago and they were every bit as accurate right out of the box, and weren't expensive. but wait time was quoted as 6 weeks (took 5 months). so i do not recommend. About 2 yrs ago we also ran some of rguns "6.5 Sporter" barrels that were super cheap and made by ERShaw in some test rifles. took about 100rds to get them fouled up but they still shoot sub-half moa even today after over 3000 rnds and only cleaned 3 times. another one to try is Proof Research. just got one of theirs to test, might not be avail to public yet but worth a phone call to check. just some info for you bud, good luck in your search!
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ARP has .264 pipes in stock but they use his own bolt and I don't think he has any right now. Those barrels are very accurate with factory 123gr Hornady 6.5g.

Aero has their standard stripped uppers in stock, not sure how long those are going to last..
</div></div>
The 264LBC barrels use 7.62x39 bolts.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

RGuns doesn't show any 6.5 barrels, but does show bolts and carriers. I went on Satern's site and they are asking about $450 for bolt and barrel too (Yet, they list the bolt as "Out of stock"). Next, I plan on looking at if ER Shaw is offering anything special. I am kicking myself for not getting my order into AA soon enough. If there isn't anything decent, I will most likely wait out AA and browse the different classifieds in the meantime. By the way, you have a very tempting course listing Spearhead; I might hit you up in a few months. Please shoot me a PM if I can buy a hat or Tshirt from you guys; I dig the logo.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bustin</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ARP has .264 pipes in stock but they use his own bolt and I don't think he has any right now. Those barrels are very accurate with factory 123gr Hornady 6.5g.

Aero has their standard stripped uppers in stock, not sure how long those are going to last..
</div></div>
The 264LBC barrels use 7.62x39 bolts. </div></div>

Correct. I was referring to his Superbolts, guess I could have stated that, lol.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigAndy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My Google-fu has turned up the following: Tactical Ammunition $285 for a threaded heavy 264LBC barrel; Black Hole Weaponry $300 for the same in a "match-grade" set-up; and JTD is at $355 with the 6.5 bolt. Let me know what you think is the better deal; or throw in other suggestions. </div></div>

I ordered from them the week before thanksgiving because when I called they told me they were in stock and would ship the next week. It still hasn't shipped.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BERTMAN77MK2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My best Grendel barrel thus far is a Satern

Wanna try a JP next</div></div>

My Satern ROCKS! .33MOA. The JP Ent. "Tactical" bolt carrier is great, super slick. I used a VLTOR MUR-1 upper w/FA, but I think you can take that off or get it without it. I'd get a FA if I were you, they need it sometimes.

I think JP makes the ones I saw AMU using a while back. Super nice looking, especially for sports like 3gun or some such. Hope you handload. Good luck.

And yeah, you may have to wait or just backorder some of the items.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigAndy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RGuns doesn't show any 6.5 barrels, but does show bolts and carriers. I went on Satern's site and they are asking about $450 for bolt and barrel too (Yet, they list the bolt as "Out of stock"). Next, I plan on looking at if ER Shaw is offering anything special. I am kicking myself for not getting my order into AA soon enough. If there isn't anything decent, I will most likely wait out AA and browse the different classifieds in the meantime. By the way, you have a very tempting course listing Spearhead; I might hit you up in a few months. Please shoot me a PM if I can buy a hat or Tshirt from you guys; I dig the logo. </div></div>


will do bro. many thanks!! Model 1 sales has those 6.5 Sporter barrels i mentioned. pretty sure they are ERShaw. looks like they are in stock in various sizes. hope this helps!-R
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

I might be wrong but I believe AA has 6.5 bolts in stock. I ordered one and they billed my card. I had ordered a couple 6.5 Magazines a few days before and that they did not bill my card for. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get the bolt soon.

If anyone can spare a 25 round 6.5 magazine I would be willing to pay a reasonable fee for it.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions


May not be worth anything with all the craziness going with black rifles but Precision Firearms is using Bartlein, Les Baer, Hart , and Lilja barrels for 6.5g builds depending on availability.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

I found the ER Shaws on Model1's site, but >$400 for a threaded one? I figure if I have to spend top dollar, I should get exactly what I want. I don't know if it's snobbery; I think I'm just cheap. Also, do you guys recommend the 24 inchers? I have a 24" LR-260, so I wanted to keep the Grendel at 20". I am wanting to exploit the better 6.5 ballistics (i.e. at >400 yards), but have the aforementioned beast for shots around 800-900 yards if I am feeling adventurous.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

you are good with the 20" bud. we have used every size and brand in the Grendel at our school for quite a while now. and we all shoot the 20" after lots of accuracy and velocity comparison testing. keeps weight down. and great performance out to 1200 yds in a solid setup. its definitely a long range round, don't be afraid to push it out there. the box Hornady 123 Amax is the way to go. PM me if you have any more questions -R
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

I've been impressed by my Les Baer barrels but I don't know if they have them in stock. Might be worth a call.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

I have gone through a number of Grendel barrel lengths, and believe that the 20 inch barrel is the way to go. It gives the best compromise of velocity, and portability. Long barrels are too hard to swing quickly for game or fast targets.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

In between the $60 Pmags and $575 stripped lowers, I found a Lothar Walther 26" stainless blank for $180 out-the-door at today's gun show. I was thrilled and snapped it up quick, but now I need it drilled, crowned, threaded, etc. Any recommendations for a quick turnaround and reasonable price?
Thanks again,
-JA
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Damn it, gunsmithing fees would cost more than a new barrel, if I use the blank for the Grendel AR build. I should have done the math first, but got too excited when I saw a 6.5 blank for less than $200. If you guys have any recommendations for a cheap way to make it work, or want to work a trade for a finished 20", I am all-ears.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

not many smiths will cut an AR barrel from a blank. 2X the work as a bolt gun. but most people wont pay 2x the money for the services. no money in it for a smith, let alone a good smith. as a gunsmith that builds them, I dont mess with building those when its far cheaper to buy a good one.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

I gave up and bought a BHW barrel; 20" for <$300 from Tactical Ammunition. A month or two wait and not a true Grendel, but I got tired of waiting on AA. Thanks for the honesty Spearhead, I might end up "forcing" myself to get a 260 bolt gun with the blank just setting there (260 will let me use the same bullets, but much cheaper brass options than the Grendel). Now it's just a matter of witing on the barrel and AA lower, then trying to find BCG!
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigAndy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I gave up and bought a BHW barrel; 20" for <$300 from Tactical Ammunition. A month or two wait and not a true Grendel, but I got tired of waiting on AA. Thanks for the honesty Spearhead, I might end up "forcing" myself to get a 260 bolt gun with the blank just setting there (260 will let me use the same bullets, but much cheaper brass options than the Grendel). Now it's just a matter of witing on the barrel and AA lower, then trying to find BCG!</div></div>


BCG's and bolts are usually on rguns.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Yeah, RGuns shows them as being in-stock; I will give them a call tomorrow. I will most likely order their bolt and a few accessories, but am holding out for a carrier like the slabsider I got from Fulton Armory. I know, I know, I am being ultrapicky for a time like right now. Beggars can't be choosers, but I will probably hold out on the carrier; it just looks really clean with the lo-pro DPMS. competition upper.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Yeah, RGuns shows them as being in-stock; I will give them a call tomorrow. I will most likely order their bolt and a few accessories, but am holding out for a carrier like the slabsider I got from Fulton Armory. I know, I know, I am being ultrapicky for a time like right now. Beggars can't be choosers, but I will probably hold out on the carrier; it just looks really clean with the lo-pro DPMS. competition upper.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Yeah, RGuns shows them as being in-stock; I will give them a call tomorrow. I will most likely order their bolt and a few accessories, but am holding out for a carrier like the slabsider I got from Fulton Armory. I know, I know, I am being ultrapicky for a time like right now. Beggars can't be choosers, but I will probably hold out on the carrier; it just looks really clean with the lo-pro DPMS. competition upper.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Yeah, RGuns shows them as being in-stock; I will give them a call tomorrow. I will most likely order their bolt and a few accessories, but am holding out for a carrier like the slabsider I got from Fulton Armory. I know, I know, I am being ultrapicky for a time like right now. Beggars can't be choosers, but I will probably hold out on the carrier; it just looks really clean with the lo-pro DPMS. competition upper.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Yeah, RGuns shows them as being in-stock; I will give them a call tomorrow. I will most likely order their bolt and a few accessories, but am holding out for a carrier like the slabsider I got from Fulton Armory. I know, I know, I am being ultrapicky for a time like right now. Beggars can't be choosers, but I will probably hold out on the carrier; it just looks really clean with the lo-pro DPMS. competition upper.
 
Re: 6.5G AR questions

Friggin smartphone seems to have developed a stutter. That Droid is a dumb bastard.