AR-15 Experts: Where to buy accurate 16-18" barrel, WOA?

[verdugo60]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for an in-stock barrel that will give good accuracy in the 1/8 or 1/7 twist rates. Would probably prefer a non-chrome lined as the buddy I'm helping to build will probably shoot 1000 rounds or less per year and I understand non-chrome lined has a better chance for accuracy. This will be his all-purpose AR, his first so don't want a heavy bull barrel but ok with HBAR profile, etc. He will probably put a 1-4 or 2.5-10 power optic on it and reach out to 5-600 yards once I teach him scope/ballistics fu. Unfortunately it will be a build, I had suggested an RRA Predator style but he wanted to put it together himself.

Thanks!

 

[Qld4390]

Look at either Noveske barrels, or Rainier Arms barrels. Both have been incredibly accurate for me in the past.

 

[bobke]

Have Noveske 18" SPR type 1:7 and WOA 16" 1:7, both Stainless, and they're both very accurate and load tolerant, though they both see 24.0 TAC and 75gr Hornady BTHP as steady diet. I'd be good with either.

 

[tomcatfan]

Well if it being instock is critical to you picking one up good luck. I've been on the wait list at WOA for 3 months now and I've got another 1-3 left. I've been having a hard time finding instock barrels. They seem like powder now adays. If you sit on a site and refresh, eventually it will be instock and you can jump on it.

 

[verdugo60]

Looks like Brownells has Rifle length 18" WOA barrels in stock.

 

[Bruno]

Look at either Noveske barrels, or Rainier Arms barrels. Both have been incredibly accurate for me in the past.

This. Both have been excellent for me also, and you might have better luck expanding the search to include these barrels as well.

 

[Brian]

Lothar shows some in stock with bolt included.

Lothar Walther

 

[ORD]

WOA barrels are tough to beat for the money, but unless you can happen into one for sale at retail or on a forum like here, BARFCOM, M4, etc., you'll not be getting your hands on one in any short order (like until Easter)!! Last contact I had with WOA they were projecting a ~20wks for any new orders for barrels. They are worth the wait without a doubt...but only if you can wait that long.

Rainier isn't much different because while they have orders in for their barrels nearly all the time and receive new inventory regularly, they have almost zero inventory on them right now, including no 16" tubes and only an 18" middy. You can get on their "Notify" lists and if you luck out when you receive the notice, you can snag one in a hurry...otherwise you are SOL.

Same for Noveske tubes while are notoriously tough to source right now. Both Rainier and DSG Arms are good sources for those barrels, but you've got to be on top of things when they arrive to get one. Also, while I love the Noveske barrels for their accuracy and barrel life, you'll pay a premium for them versus comparable barrels out there and only he/you can judge whether the premium is money well-spent or not.

Sometimes WOA, Noveske and like match barrels pop up on GunBroker for decent prices...might check there as well.

The other option is JP Enterprises "Supermatch" barrels. They are of extremely high quality, offer a lot of features for the money and include a matching, JP enhanced bolt to ensure proper fit/functioning. The generally come in under 2lbs and are .223 Wylde chambered. They are sub-MOA capable barrels assuming a good shooter and quality ammo. DSG Arms has current stock on a couple 16" options of JP barrels for between $470-510. Here are the direct links:

JP Supermatch Barrel .223 16inch light 1:8 Polished Stainless

JP Supermatch Barrel .223 16inch light 1:8 Black Teflon

They also have some 18" tubes too:

JP .Supermatch Barrel 223 18inch light 1:8 Polished Stainless

JP Supermatch Barrel .223 18inch light 1:8 Black Teflon

The other barrels to consider are those from Lothar Walther (LW) sometimes sold under the Spike's Tactical name in their match series tubes. DSG also carries those and you can check with their own mfg website too.

 

[verdugo60]

Thanks ORD, very helpful! The JP and Noveske are probably a bit out of his price range, he's wanting to get a decent optic too. I will hunt for the WOA and Rainier's. The Rifle length WOA match barrel should be ok as long as he configures with the right gas system length right? I need to get him in touch with my smith that's going to put it together for him on that stuff.

 

[verdugo60]

Thanks Brian, these ones look like 20" ones if I'm reading correctly. Or 1/9 twist which won't work for the heavy projo's I'm suggesting he shoot for LR.

 

[RicosRevenge]

Looks like Brownells has Rifle length 18" WOA barrels in stock.

^^^^ This... love these barrels. In stock.
AR-15/M16 MATCH BARRELS | Brownells

 

[bullseye13]

Anyone else shooting a Superior barrel? I have the 18" Terabratus on a Seekins build, and I am happy with mine FWIW.

 

[ORD]

The Superior barrels I have personally shot have been hit and miss (pun intended). One Hoplite was lights out and another 16" model (don't recall the name off hand) that I help a buddy piece together wouldn't hold 2MOA even with match fodder.

As for the WOA, 18" Rifle-length SPR barrels (Model 5SPRR) noted above as in-stock at Brownells...that's the ticket!! They are absolutely THE best bang for the buck on the market and frankly...a total steal at <$300 delivered!! Just be sure that when you get everything together, that you double check the headpsace to ensure that it is in spec with the bolt your buddy ends up using. Shouldn't be an issue, but stacking tolerances, especially with some of the not-quite-spec coated bolts, etc. these days can lead to probs.

 

[Kilmore]

I have had good performance from High Caliber Sales (Douglas), Compass Lake 18 inch stainless SPR barrels. They are both very accurate. WOA has really good feedback also. Pick your spending limit and go for broke.

 

[verdugo60]

Thought I would share for fellow hiders, my buddy ordered one today:

White Oak Match Carbine Barrel for the Tactical AR15 at ADCO Firearms

 

[BoilerUP]

I was gonna recommend a Black Hole Weaponry 1:8 tube (Surplus Ammo has 16" carbine/mid and 18" mid/rifle BHW barrels in stock) as I'm quite pleased with the accuracy of my 18" rifle gas BHW.

...but with Brownells having that WOA 18" rifle gas SPR barrel in stock, I'd absolutely spend the extra $40 on it.

 

[ORD]

Thought I would share for fellow hiders, my buddy ordered one today:

White Oak Match Carbine Barrel for the Tactical AR15 at ADCO Firearms

Steve and the guys at ADCO are first-rate all the way! He'll be pleased with the service from them, as well as with that particular WOA barrel.

If, by chance, he has anything he wants/needs done to the bbl BEFORE it ships, I wholeheartedly trust and recommend Steve and co for their gunsmithing services. They offer a host of finish options if he wants anything from bead blasted to a dull/matte finish on the otherwise bright stainless barrel, or various coatings/colors. He can also probably test and sell you a bolt that will properly headspace with the barrel (assuming he's got bolts in stock which generally isn't a problem) if you don't have the gauges or otherwise don't want to fool with it. Might be worth a call/e-mail before the bbl ships out if there is anything else.

Congrats to your buddy on a fine barrel and good luck with the build.

 

[sermonator]

+ 1 on the Lothar Walther. I've got one in .204 and one in .22lr; both are amazingly accurate.

 

[verdugo60]

Right on, good to know, he is going to have him finish the barrel and I will just recommend he get the bolt there too to ensure proper headspace. I'm getting as excited for this build as my buddy is I think! If I didn't have a GAP-10 on the way I would be tempted to start my own SPR build!

I'm thinking Varget/77 gr SMK's will be a potent combo with this one.

Steve and the guys at ADCO are first-rate all the way! He'll be pleased with the service from them, as well as with that particular WOA barrel.

If, by chance, he has anything he wants/needs done to the bbl BEFORE it ships, I wholeheartedly trust and recommend Steve and co for their gunsmithing services. They offer a host of finish options if he wants anything from bead blasted to a dull/matte finish on the otherwise bright stainless barrel, or various coatings/colors. He can also probably test and sell you a bolt that will properly headspace with the barrel (assuming he's got bolts in stock which generally isn't a problem) if you don't have the gauges or otherwise don't want to fool with it. Might be worth a call/e-mail before the bbl ships out if there is anything else.

Congrats to your buddy on a fine barrel and good luck with the build.

 

[bigfug]

I am holding out for the 18in WOA barrel to go with my lower I built with a PRS, and a 15in MI SSII rail....wait is killing me!

 

[verdugo60]

Brownells has the 18" in stock as of this afternoon dude! Rifle length gas system, but who cares? That's perfect for 18".

I am holding out for the 18in WOA barrel to go with my lower I built with a PRS, and a 15in MI SSII rail....wait is killing me!

 

[Alaska]

Mk12 Douglas barrel SPR

Douglas 18" MK12 Barrel

MK 12 Douglas Barrel 1:7 with matching bolt for less than $400

Done by Frank White for Werner's

These Douglas barrels are specialy made to our specifications by Frank White.

SPECS:

Material: Premium Air Gauged Chrome Moly

Barrel extension: M4 feed ramps

Chamber: 5.56 match, optimized for use with MK262 (Black Hills 77gr equivalent)

Twist: 1 in 7 right hand

Contour: SPR Contour, for use with OPS inc. 12th Model supressor mount

Length: 18 in and threaded 1/2x28 for use with most common muzzle devices

Finish: Parkerized

Weight: 2 lbs 8.8 oz

Item #: 512