Help deciding on AR15 barrel choice

[tmertz]

I’m have I got trouble deciding which one of theses barrels I should pick. I my main goal is under 1 moa for 5 shots. I have ballistic advantage that I’m sending back for inspection that I can’t get to shoot under 1.5 moa. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Dr. Davy Jones]

Personally I’d go with Criterion. Just under 1 MOA should be attainable and they’re great dudes over there. Have called them several times with questions and they’re happy to help. Just my 2 cents!

 

[JS8588]

You'll have the same issues with the Faxon that you're having with the BA barrel. Both companies seem to be having QC issues. The criterion is probably good to go. I'd be more inclined to go with an Odin Works barrel in your price range. Namely this one. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/884868924

If you're willing to step up in price a bit to get guaranteed sub MOA, then I'd get this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019039852

 

[drewthebrave]

Criterion without hesitation. They're probably the best overall value in barrels these days. I'd also consider White Oak Armament, X-Caliber, Odin Works, and maaaybe Wilson Combat in the same category.

If you can afford to step up the budget for Proof Research (that's a good deal up above!), Lilja, Bartlein, or Krieger barrel, you'll have better results - but you have to pay to get there. If you want the very best precision, then it's well worth the price in the long run. As a casual shooter on a budget, ~1moa or better is good for me, and Criterion one of the most affordable ways to get there consistently.

 

[TimK]

White oak has been an extremely consistent performer for me. Every one, out of about 10, has shot into 1/2" with a little load development.

 

[Rerun7]

Rainier match is another option. They have an under MOA guarantee.

 

[kyzim311]

Criterion with do great for you. Faxon isn't a bad choice either, but they do not have the reputation criterion does. I have a 224 Valk barrel from them and it shoots great (sub MOA 5 shot groups).

 

[Animal357]

White oak

 

[tmertz]

Thanks for all the input! I think I going to get the criterion should work wel with my goals fo this rifle

 

[MNhunter1]

I have no personal experience with either of the barrel options provided, but I would recommend taking a look at the ARPerformance options. Every AR I own is fitted with ARP barrels in .223 Wylde, 6.8, and .308. I have zero complaints.

 

[LRRPF52]

What ranges are you shooting out to and what kind of targets?

You looking to build an SPR-type rifle?

 

[tmertz]

It is a spr type build, but I don’t want it to get to heavy. 500 yards and in the main target distance. Mainly coyote hunting and some deer hunting

 

[nightman89]

Criterion if you are only looking at those two barrels.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Skip all the useless fluting and whatnot.

Buy a quality barrel where the money actually goes into how well it shoots. WOA, Proof, Bartlien, Krieger, CLE anything,ect.

If you want to guarantee a true sub moa gun assuming you know how to build it correctly, use quality ammo, FF it, and can shoot, you need to spend the money for a good tube.

Buying barrels and building AR's is playing the lottery. The more you spend on a ticket, the higher the chance you will win. Sometimes that chance is 99+%, but you pay for it.

SPR/MK-12 Barrel Archives - Compass Lake Engineering, LLC

compasslake.com

At the end of the day how much is your time worth? How much is ammo worth? Dicking around with questionable gun products is almost ALWAYS a money loser compared to buying quality from the beginning.

 

[Jsp556]

I have no personal experience with either of the barrel options provided, but I would recommend taking a look at the ARPerformance options. Every AR I own is fitted with ARP barrels in .223 Wylde, 6.8, and .308. I have zero complaints.

They shoot good. I’ve used 223Wylde, 6.5Grendel, and 308 ARP barrels and they hold their own against barrels costing much more. You can expect MOA or better results if you can shoot that well. If you want better than that, step up to a cut rifled tube chambered by a competent smith, there is a difference.

 

[Kickin45]

Rainier Match is lights out

 

[S197]

These white oaks are sub MOA and some are 100.00 cheaper

Shop Barrels | White Oak Armament

Find the best selection and prices on in-stock Barrels.

www.whiteoakarmament.com

 

[346ci]

https://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/60944

I have one of these in 6.8 and while the flutes are bling, they do look very nice. Hard to go wrong with a ARP, keep checking their site as more could come in any day.

 

[claybrich]

Criterion from the two you are looking at. I have been wanting to get a Bartlien.

 

[TimC in KY]

Talk to Compass Lake Engineering. Can’t go wrong with them.

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

I’d go Criterion over Faxon all day

 

[mheimer_45]

If you buy the faxon open it up and throw it in thrash when you receive it. It’ll save you a lot more headaches.

 

[JS8588]

If you buy the faxon open it up and throw it in thrash when you receive it. It’ll save you a lot more headaches.

Unfortunately. Hasn't been the same since Nathan left the company.

 

[TacticalPlinker]

I picked up an 18-in Criterion CORE barrel. Wes @ MSTN really likes them . He ran a bore scope through it and was very impressed. These barrels are advertised to deliver a higher level of accuracy with the durability of a chrome lined barrel. You might want to check it out.

 

[aggiez28]

Talk to Compass Lake Engineering. Can’t go wrong with them.

I would go with CLE also. i have a $100 gift card that i dont need if you want it for $90 save you a few bucks at least. I just built a few rifles with their barrels and dont see myself needing another barrel for a while so dont need it.

 

[Strykervet]

I'd go Krieger. Their lead time wasn't bad and the barrel is amazing, like amazing for a bolt gun amazing.

If Satern has a cut rifle barrel you want IN STOCK, that'd be another. If not in stock, don't bother placing an order, you could be waiting years.

Lilja makes a good button rifle but I prefer the cut rifle stuff and the Krieger outperformed my Lilja side by side, also lighter. Still an really, really good, subMOA bbl. It's what the navy used on the recce rifle.

I can only recommend from what I've used/own.

I'd forgo all the fluting and shit too and just get the proper profile/weight. Fluting doesn't remove much weight unless it's a big barrel with big flutes anyway and even then it's not a whole lot.

 

[Slevin182]

Criterion over Faxon for me. But for that money I'd go WOA as others have mentioned.

 

[tmertz]

I'd go Krieger. Their lead time wasn't bad and the barrel is amazing, like amazing for a bolt gun amazing.

If Satern has a cut rifle barrel you want IN STOCK, that'd be another. If not in stock, don't bother placing an order, you could be waiting years.

Lilja makes a good button rifle but I prefer the cut rifle stuff and the Krieger outperformed my Lilja side by side, also lighter. Still an really, really good, subMOA bbl. It's what the navy used on the recce rifle.

I can only recommend from what I've used/own.

I'd forgo all the fluting and shit too and just get the proper profile/weight. Fluting doesn't remove much weight unless it's a big barrel with big flutes anyway and even then it's not a whole lot.

I agree a cut rifle barrel would be the best option,but I want something I can get fast and a little more affordable.