I need a 18” 5.56 barrel for a new build. I would prefer to have a cut rifle barrel but I am willing to consider something buttoned. What’s the consensus when it comes to accuracy?
Which 18” 5.56 Barrel
- Thread starter Cold_Bore_88
- Start date
None of the above.
How is Craddock not on the list?
Most of those are unlikely to disappoint tbh.
How is Craddock not on the list?
Most of those are unlikely to disappoint tbh.
How about the Geissele SPR? Cut rifled/$450
I was looking at this one but couldn’t find one in stock anywhere.
Dang. I meant to put Craddock on there. My biggest concern there is waiting 8-10 months. They are my first choice too but the lead time kinda kills it for me.
Ya. I typed in Criterion and didn’t notice it changed it to Centurion.
- Nov 3, 2010
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I think that one or two of those will usually out perform the others (Craddock is most frequently considered here). However I don't think that any of those will really disappoint either...but you do have a slightly higher chance of getting a dud with some.
I've got three Wilsons, a WOA, and a Criterion on my rifles that I'm concerned about "MOA or better accuracy" out of, and all deliver. I also have a Proof, but haven't got to the point of testing it yet. I did get a dud Ballistic Advantage...but their replacement has shot well.
I guess cost vs expectations vs your intended role for the rifle should be considered.
I have a factory FN DMR II that is ~1.25 MOA with 64gr Speer Gold Dot...and it kills everything I need it to out to 250.
I've got three Wilsons, a WOA, and a Criterion on my rifles that I'm concerned about "MOA or better accuracy" out of, and all deliver. I also have a Proof, but haven't got to the point of testing it yet. I did get a dud Ballistic Advantage...but their replacement has shot well.
I guess cost vs expectations vs your intended role for the rifle should be considered.
I have a factory FN DMR II that is ~1.25 MOA with 64gr Speer Gold Dot...and it kills everything I need it to out to 250.
Of your list I’ve only owned Centurion and Rainier Arms ultra match and still have a 308 Ultra Match. In terms of reliability and accuracy and I don’t or won’t split the two up, I would built out with a Centurion Arms barrel. That’s just my own personal hands on experience. However, those that know far more than me say really good things about Proof Research and Criterion, but I would say from the people I trust, they would opt for a Proof. The cost ain’t no joke and for me I am a believer in “Buy once cry once.”, and when it comes to barrels, I will probably buy the barrel that my own capability can best leverage and included with that what I view is worth the price. Maybe the PR is more accurate (or fill in any manufacturer) but if my capability best leverages Criterion or Centurion Arms, then I won’t spend money that while may be cool to say “Oh well I have a ________ barrel on my SPR or precision gun” if I can’t shoot to the barrels capability. That’s just my viewpoint and it may not be the right one for everyone, but it is mine. I would say that at least some years ago I saw some data on Bartlein barrels that wasn’t super impressive and I think that’s the same barrel that the MK12 program used, but that was several years ago. Good luck to you! I hope you tell us what you chose and we can see the final weapon.
PS it may be obvious but I’m not a competition shooter and I will also say that I also tend to support veteran owned companies. I’ve always had a good experience dealing with Monty (his wife was the one who always kept me squared away) but Monty in my purchases always stood behind his products and I never had an issue there, and my builds with his barrels never left me wanting.
PS it may be obvious but I’m not a competition shooter and I will also say that I also tend to support veteran owned companies. I’ve always had a good experience dealing with Monty (his wife was the one who always kept me squared away) but Monty in my purchases always stood behind his products and I never had an issue there, and my builds with his barrels never left me wanting.
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