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Opinions on the Ranier Arms Ultramatch Mod 2?

Leicafan1990

Leicafan1990

Sergeant of the Hide
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Aug 13, 2022
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I’m looking to get some feedback from people who have experience with the Ranier Arms Ultramatch Mod 2 barrels. I’m specifically looking at 16” version with the intermediate gas system.

www.rainierarms.com

Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 .223 Wylde INT Barrel - 16\

Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 .223 Wylde INT Barrel - 16\
www.rainierarms.com www.rainierarms.com

I know the old version was a Shilen barrel but I hear the Mod 2 is using a Criterion blank. Any feedback on these barrels would be greatly appreciated.
 
I had one many years back, was 24" IIRC and it shot well beyond what people thought it should. But I only had access to 100 range and used the (then) new Sierra 80gr bullets. But I got attention of the local BR crowd, both before the match (what the heck) and after (he did what). Don't recall it being a Wylde version.
 
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Leicafan1990 said:
I’m looking to get some feedback from people who have experience with the Ranier Arms Ultramatch Mod 2 barrels. I’m specifically looking at 16” version with the intermediate gas system.

www.rainierarms.com

Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 .223 Wylde INT Barrel - 16\

Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 .223 Wylde INT Barrel - 16\
www.rainierarms.com www.rainierarms.com

I know the old version was a Shilen barrel but I hear the Mod 2 is using a Criterion blank. Any feedback on these barrels would be greatly appreciated.
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The Ultramatch Barrels as of late have been pretty mediocre, pay the extra $20 and pick up a Proof Research SS barrel.
 
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bigjake83 said:
The Ultramatch Barrels as of late have been pretty mediocre, pay the extra $20 and pick up a Proof Research SS barrel.
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Where do you get a Proof barrel for $420?

Also, are you speaking from personal experience on the Ultramatch Mod 2 barrels? I could only find one thread about them but the feedback seemed very positive.
 
Leicafan1990 said:
Where do you get a Proof barrel for $420?

Also, are you speaking from personal experience on the Ultramatch Mod 2 barrels? I could only find one thread about them but the feedback seemed very positive.
Click to expand...
Locked loaded has 16" 1-8 or 1-7 for $430

Or you can become a member on expert voice and get any flavor you want for $440

Google is your friend...
 
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That's $200 more than I would spend on a Rainier barrel. You are close to Proof money then and know those will shoot.
 
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It’s a good barrel. Have one on my AR308 20” and my wife’s AR15 223 20”. Both are Mod2 & good barrels that shoot under MOA pretty easily with what it likes. I haven’t made a load for my wife’s yet she has been shooting a cheap match load I bought for her just to run it that’s under moa to 450 yards, the farthest she’s shot it. I did start awhile back on developing a load for it and it seemed like it’ll be pretty easy. One thing I noticed on both my 308 and her 223 is they both hate TAC powder, seem to prefer varget and xbr8208. I’ll provide a picture from the one load test day with 77 gr SMk with xbr8208 and the cheap bulk match ammo she shot at 450 yds her first time.

What I will say about my Proof SS barrel on my AR223 is that it is less picky for an accurate load which echos what’s others have said about quality cut rifled barrels and I really like about it.
 

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I only have one UM, & I don't know for sure if it's a Shilen or a Criterion.

I got it about 2.5 years ago on a closeout price for $240 including a GB & a tube; it's 16", intermediate gas & a .800" GB.

It shoots well enough but is limited to having a 6x optic, but easily does right at MOA for 5 shot groups, cleans well & doesn't seem to foul. It's not a Bartlien.........................

If your interested in a barrel short of a Bartlien or a Kreiger, at a reasonable price, talk to Paul Craddock at Craddock Precision about a Rock Creek button rifled barrel. I have 3 & they are very, very good at a pretty reasonable price, they are straight, chambered right & good crowns & he'll do whatever you might want for fluting or contour. Extensions are polished well with no burrs.

Been about 3 years since I bought one from Paul, so I'm sure current prices are up...............but still will be comparable to the Ranier & almost better performing from the get-go with little break-in needed.

He's a class guy & I've dealt with him since he was with WOA; also don't know what his current lead time is either...............but worth the wait.

Anything from him or CLE is always top shelf; hard to go far wrong with WOA as well.

MM
 
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bigjake83 said:
Locked loaded has 16" 1-8 or 1-7 for $430

Or you can become a member on expert voice and get any flavor you want for $440

Google is your friend...
Click to expand...
Any Expertvoice tips? I signed up but I don’t work in the firearms industry and I was never police or military.
 
Look at the Douglas/CLE 16” barrels.

In stock for a great price.

I have one.
Sub MOA with several loads.
.5” 5 shot groups are pretty easy at 100 off the bench.

My Proof is about the same.
 
Leicafan1990 said:
Sorry for being a pest but I don’t see anything on their website about taking a test.
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It was several years ago I don't remember if they do it now but to get qualified for these prices you had to take a test, basically you'd have to read all about their product and then answer questions and if you passed they would give you the discounts. Again I've been using them for so many years I don't remember if that's what they still do.

Just look on Locked Loaded like I said before, they have great prices and right now they're 16" Proof Barrels are $10 cheaper than you can get on expert voice anyway.
 
bigjake83 said:
It was several years ago I don't remember if they do it now but to get qualified for these prices you had to take a test, basically you'd have to read all about their product and then answer questions and if you passed they would give you the discounts. Again I've been using them for so many years I don't remember if that's what they still do.

Just look on Locked Loaded like I said before, they have great prices and right now they're 16" Proof Barrels are $10 cheaper than you can get on expert voice anyway.
Click to expand...
I'm very tempted but the 2.5 lbs weight has me hesitating. That's almost a pound heavier than my Criterion Core and I'm using an LPVO that only goes to 6X so this barrel is probably a waste of money for me. I'll probably just get another Core.
 
Leicafan1990 said:
I'm very tempted but the 2.5 lbs weight has me hesitating. That's almost a pound heavier than my Criterion Core and I'm using an LPVO that only goes to 6X so this barrel is probably a waste of money for me. I'll probably just get another Core.
Click to expand...
That's a good idea, you should definitely go that route.
 
powdahound76 said:
Look at the Douglas/CLE 16” barrels.

In stock for a great price.

I have one.
Sub MOA with several loads.
.5” 5 shot groups are pretty easy at 100 off the bench.

My Proof is about the same.
Click to expand...
This is good to hear, I have one ordered I’ve been waiting on a couple weeks to be delivered. I sent a bolt in for headspace and had him cerakote it black while he had it so it’s added a little time.
 
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I’m confused, outside of the NY debacle what happened to the quality of RA’s barrels? Earlier posts alluded to the recent quality/consistency to be lacking. Weren’t these barrels regarded as relatively high performers all things being equal? I haven’t bought one recently but my curiosity has gotten the better of me on this topic.
 
AMwood said:
I’m confused, outside of the NY debacle what happened to the quality of RA’s barrels? Earlier posts alluded to the recent quality/consistency to be lacking. Weren’t these barrels regarded as relatively high performers all things being equal? I haven’t bought one recently but my curiosity has gotten the better of me on this topic.
Click to expand...
It happens everywhere. Restaurants gun makers etc. They have a winning combo but just have to try and squeeze some more $$$ out of it

Like Pof used to use rock barrels and geisselle triggers in their early days. Accurate AF. They were the shit. Now they changed all that and are shit
 
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My latest Ultramatch barrels have been 224Valkyrie. They have shot amazing with handloads and the FGMM 80.5’s.

My rainier Match that was picked up 2-3yrs ago holds sub 3/4moa with IMI 77’s.

The barrels aren’t bad, but at the current price, I’d likely just go with a Proof/Bartlein/Krieger. You’re paying for flutes with the UM, and that’s not something I need. If you want a fluted barrel, they’re likely the most affordable option that will deliver good results.
 
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BurtG said:
It happens everywhere. Restaurants gun makers etc. They have a winning combo but just have to try and squeeze some more $$$ out of it

Like Pof used to use rock barrels and geisselle triggers in their early days. Accurate AF. They were the shit. Now they changed all that and are shit
Click to expand...
I understand that scenario but is that what’s occurred with RA? Are a significant number of recent buyers experiencing issues or is it a handful of folks that might have gotten a lemon and/or hearsay? Not looking to stir the pot just want to understand if the quality truly has gone downhill and to avoid them.
 
AMwood said:
I understand that scenario but is that what’s occurred with RA? Are a significant number of recent buyers experiencing issues or is it a handful of folks that might have gotten a lemon and/or hearsay? Not looking to stir the pot just want to understand if the quality truly has gone downhill and to avoid them.
Click to expand...
My barrel which I bought less then a year ago is not as accurate as my buddy’s that he got 2-3 years ago. His was a Shilen, and no idea who they are using now. For the $400 price range I should have gone Proof.
 
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Criterion is the rumor for the blanks, and a well known outfit out of TN that’s already been mentioned in this thread has been reported as who chambers the UM barrels.

@padom care to shed some light?
 
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Triple D said:
Criterion is the rumor for the blanks, and a well known outfit out of TN that’s already been mentioned in this thread has been reported as who chambers the UM barrels.

@padom care to shed some light?
Click to expand...

yes he's mentioned before that they are criterion blanks cut by craddock. Should be great quality but complaints pop up.

Like it was mentioned earlier, these Ultra match barrels are pretty light with the flutes. If Proof had a lighter profile, I would definitely grab one of those and forget the UM option. I just don't need a nearly 3 pound AR barrel that proof offers in stainless, nor do I need a $900 AR barrel for the carbon version.
 
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YotaEer said:
yes he's mentioned before that they are criterion blanks cut by craddock. Should be great quality but complaints pop up.

Like it was mentioned earlier, these Ultra match barrels are pretty light with the flutes. If Proof had a lighter profile, I would definitely grab one of those and forget the UM option. I just don't need a nearly 3 pound AR barrel that proof offers in stainless, nor do I need a $900 AR barrel for the carbon version.
Click to expand...

Ya, the Proof is a no brainer on paper but it’s a freaking heavy barrel at 2.5lbs and the Ranier Ultramatch is lighter at 1 lbs 10oz. Those flutes do make a big difference.

I’m currently exploring other barrel options. I might just go full custom since no off the shelf barrels are exactly what I want. The Ranier Ultramatch was the closest.
 
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Leicafan1990 said:
Ya, the Proof is a no brainer on paper but it’s a freaking heavy barrel at 2.5lbs and the Ranier Ultramatch is lighter at 1 lbs 10oz. Those flutes do make a big difference.

I’m currently exploring other barrel options. I might just go full custom since no off the shelf barrels are exactly what I want. The Ranier Ultramatch was the closest.
Click to expand...

Im in the exact same boat due the weigh/profile and price of the shelf stuff. Just not sure what the lead time is for CLE but I’ll probably end up doing that as well.

I’m in the market for a 6 ARC barrel.
 
Their 18” UM 6arc barrel has my attention.
Everything else I looked at was either half again the weight or half again the money.
Either way, I’m not going to worry about it until I can buy some friggin 6arc brass!!!
 
RUTGERS95 said:
wtf is wrong with you cats? Ranier should be a no go for anyone that values your gun rights
Click to expand...

The interest comes from a lack of options. What if you want a very nice 16” stainless barrel with a hand lapped bore, an intermediate gas system and a lightweight profile or flutes to keep the weight under 2lbs? And what if you don’t want to spend more than $400 and don’t want to wait 6-8 months to get it? There are very few options.

That’s why the Ranier is appealing. It has the features people want, it’s available now and it gets you pretty close to the quality of a custom tube at a price that is easier to swallow that a custom CLE Bartlein.

Because of that, some people are willing to look past Ranier’s questionable businesses practices. At the end of the day, its a Criterion blank finished by Craddock Precision. The only thing Ranier does is slap their logo on it and stick it in a box.
 
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Leicafan1990 said:
The interest comes from a lack of options. What if you want a very nice 16” stainless barrel with a hand lapped bore, an intermediate gas system and a lightweight profile or flutes to keep the weight under 2lbs? And what if you don’t want to spend more than $400 and don’t want to wait 6-8 months to get it? There are very few options.
Click to expand...
www.stretchprecision.com

STRETCH 16 Legend AR15 Barrel (Graphite Black)

The fluted elite red STRETCH 16 Precision AR15 Barrel is extremely accurate and soft shooting due to its hand lapped bore and intermediate or stretched gas system.
www.stretchprecision.com www.stretchprecision.com
Hits all your criteria. I've got two, last I knew they were McGowan blanks and they shoot great.
 
TonyTheTiger said:
www.stretchprecision.com

STRETCH 16 Legend AR15 Barrel (Graphite Black)

The fluted elite red STRETCH 16 Precision AR15 Barrel is extremely accurate and soft shooting due to its hand lapped bore and intermediate or stretched gas system.
www.stretchprecision.com www.stretchprecision.com
Hits all your criteria. I've got two, last I knew they were McGowan blanks and they shoot great.
Click to expand...

Those have been out of stock for a year+. I suspect this company isn’t making barrels anymore.
 
Leicafan1990 said:
The interest comes from a lack of options. What if you want a very nice 16” stainless barrel with a hand lapped bore, an intermediate gas system and a lightweight profile or flutes to keep the weight under 2lbs? And what if you don’t want to spend more than $400 and don’t want to wait 6-8 months to get it? There are very few options.

That’s why the Ranier is appealing. It has the features people want, it’s available now and it gets you pretty close to the quality of a custom tube at a price that is easier to swallow that a custom CLE Bartlein.

Because of that, some people are willing to look past Ranier’s questionable businesses practices. At the end of the day, its a Criterion blank finished by Craddock Precision. The only thing Ranier does is slap their logo on it and stick it in a box.
Click to expand...
lol, that's one way to work around that. no bad nazis right? same mentality. If you don't stand for something, you stand for nothing. Ranier, DD, no go, show some fking balls
 
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NYC pulling this opens a Pandora’s box. They shouldn’t sell to NYC because of NY laws and they being a company in WA should be aware of NY laws.

BS. There’s not a company that follows every law of every state. Case that comes to mind quickly is AirB&B, VRBO and all the likes. They open advertise renting homes and people readily rent them in areas where doing so is illegal. Those rental sites say they are internet information sites and won’t disclose renter information, under the federal laws protecting internet companies.

That should be able to be used to keep purchase information from a state.
 
Leicafan1990 said:
Those have been out of stock for a year+. I suspect this company isn’t making barrels anymore.
Click to expand...
How often do you check? If you follow them on socials you'll see restock notifications every couple months. They sell out quick though.
 
www.beercitybullets.com

18" BCB 6MM ARC SS Match Barrel | Beer City Bullets

Beer City Bullets 18" 6MM ARC SS Match Barrel **Barrels include Black River Tactical MicroPin Gas Block and MarkBlue Gas Tube** Any 6MM ARC Bolts added to cart will be headspaced to your barrel. Add your JP Enhanced Bolt/Bolt Completion Kit here. The BCB 6MM ARC Barrels were created to fill a...
www.beercitybullets.com www.beercitybullets.com

Anyone familiar with these? Not sure what blank they use considering the price
 
TonyTheTiger said:
How often do you check? If you follow them on socials you'll see restock notifications every couple months. They sell out quick though.
Click to expand...

Do you have a link to their socials? The Facebook link on their website is dead and their YouTube hasn’t been used in 7 years. I’ve sent them emails with no response. I just assumed they had shut down.
 
RUTGERS95 said:
lol, that's one way to work around that. no bad nazis right? same mentality. If you don't stand for something, you stand for nothing. Ranier, DD, no go, show some fking balls
Click to expand...

It’s honestly too hard to stay on top of all this shit. Why does everyone hate DD now?
 
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Leicafan1990 said:
Do you have a link to their socials? The Facebook link on their website is dead and their YouTube hasn’t been used in 7 years. I’ve sent them emails with no response. I just assumed they had shut down.
Click to expand...
That's weird. I just clicked on the website FB link and it took me to some late 2022 posts. Are you sure you're contacting Stretch Precision? The business changed names a couple years ago.
 
RUTGERS95 said:
wtf is wrong with you cats? Ranier should be a no go for anyone that values your gun rights
Click to expand...
A copy of the response email I sent them, after I found out what they were all about.......

Thanks for responding. Sorry for the delay as life took over on me for awhile. You know how it goes.

I was in the process of ordering your Ultramatch barrel and was discussing it with a fellow shooter friend. He mentioned I should do a little more "research".....so I did.

Based on the results I'm sorry to say that I decided to spend my money with a company who supports the 2nd ammendment and doesn't fuck over its customers by giving up their personal data to a shitbag tyrannical government. I hope the taste of that ass you sucked was really worth it. I've reached out on numerous forums, both local and nationally, and made sure everyone is now aware of what a piece of shit company you truly are.

Here's to you going broke for fucking over the very people who provide revenue for your company you fuckwits.

Sent from the outer edge of the known galaxy from my Samsung Smart Phone.


-------- Original message --------
From: [email protected]
Date: 1/3/23 5:36 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: 6.5 Creed Ultramatch
Hello,

Our barrels will have a SAAMI spec chamber, as for a bolt if you have a lantac 308 bolt that should work no problem at all for you with the barrel.
Sincerely,

Palmer H
Customer Service Representative
Rainier Arms, LLC - "Pursue your passion"
4611 E 31st St S, Wichita, KS 67210
P.253.218.2999 / F.253.218.2998



From: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2022 6:39 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6.5 Creed Ultramatch

Good morning all. Hope everyone is well. I'd like to reach put for some advice / guidance on an AR10 build in progress.

I've done some research on barrels and it would appear that your Ultramatch barrels come with great reviews from those who've chosen them. I'm interested the Mod2 6.5 Creedmoor in a 26" length. I've done a handful of AR15 builds, but have learned 10 builds come with some twists and turns.

I'm inquiring regarding 2 issues:

1. What spec is the chamber cut to? I run three Ruger Precision Rifles in 6 and 6.5 and any barrels I've ordered have been chambered SAAMI spec. Are yours also SAAMI?

2. Can you also provide a headspaced bolt with an ordered barrel, or recommend a company who could? I already have a Lantac BCG I purchased some time ago.

For whatever reason. I started with a Stag Arms upper and lower, if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance for your time and hoping you have some good news for me. Have a great holiday weekend !​
 
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