Searching for a 14.5" 6.5CM barrel options

[stormhammer]

Since the contract overrun LMT and KAC barrels/uppers are unobtanium, I've started to build an MRGG-A "clone" of sorts.

Short of buying a 16" barrel and having it cut down, there doesn't seem to be many options. So far all I've found are:

1. Ballistics Advantage with a 14.1" barrel ( I honestly question WHY does this specific size even exist )
2. Deadshot with a custom order
3. BSF makes a 14.5" ( any feedback on BSF barrels?)
4. Rich's Precision also makes a 14.5" barrel, only I've never personally heard of them

Any feedback on options 3 and 4, and are there other manufacturers that I should consider that I had not listed/not aware of that isn't a custom made barrel?

 

[TonyTheTiger]

I was gonna say just go custom. Then I read your last sentence.
I still say go custom.

 

[wade2big]

Ballistic Advantage is never the answer. You have about a 66% chance of receiving a bad barrel and a 100% chance that you will not get them to answer a phone call or return an email. Stay far away.

 

[stormhammer]

I was gonna say just go custom. Then I read your last sentence.
I still say go custom.

The other option is to get a 16" and have it cut down as well ( e.g. a Criterion )

Ballistic Advantage is never the answer. You have about a 66% chance of receiving a bad barrel and a 100% chance that you will not get them to answer a phone call or return an email. Stay far away.

Ooof. Good to know. I'll scratch them off of my list.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

The other option is to get a 16" and have it cut down as well ( e.g. a Criterion )

By the time you source a 16" barrel, have it cut and threaded, and the port opened you could have X-Caliber make you a 14.5" barrel and be money ahead. They are under $350 right now.

 

[PappyM3]

By the time you source a 16" barrel, have it cut and threaded, and the port opened you could have X-Caliber make you a 14.5" barrel and be money ahead. They are under $350 right now.

The Criterion 16” option was chrome lined previously. It is a fantastic barrel. The current run are nitrided, but I’m sure still great and should give longer barrel life than a custom stainless offering.

Though, I do wonder about the Criterion’s gas system if you chop it to 14.5”. The 16” uses a rifle length gas system and is gassed really nicely. Very reliable too. Might need to open the gas port open a bit if you chop the barrel, and then who knows what headaches you may end up getting. An intermediate length would probably be better for 14.5”

 

[the monk]

The Criterion 16” option was chrome lined previously. It is a fantastic barrel. The current run are nitrided, but I’m sure still great and should give longer barrel life than a custom stainless offering.

Though, I do wonder about the Criterion’s gas system if you chop it to 14.5”. The 16” uses a rifle length gas system and is gassed really nicely. Very reliable too. Might need to open the gas port open a bit if you chop the barrel, and then who knows what headaches you may end up getting. An intermediate length would probably be better for 14.5”

Do you own a 16" Criterion?

 

[PappyM3]

Do you own a 16" Criterion?

I do.

16”, hybrid profile, chrome lined, rifle length gas.

JP full mass high pressure BCG, A5 receiver extension, H3 AR15 carbine buffer, Tubbs flat wire spring. I put on an adjustable gas block, but left it wide open. It’s reliable and shoots smooth, so I didn’t bother adjusting.

The rifle hasn’t had a single malfunction in the 400ish rounds I’ve shot so far. Mostly all factory 143gr ELD-X with some Magtech 140gr FMJ.

It won’t win any F class matches, but the Hornady factory ammo was generally 3/4-1 MOA for 10 shot groups. Most shots around 1/2 MOA, but a few would spread the groups.

I took it out to 1k (first time shooting 1k) during my first PRS match, and it reliably was hitting steel coyote targets until the wind started switching mid-course.

 

[the monk]

I do.

16”, hybrid profile, chrome lined, rifle length gas.

JP full mass high pressure BCG, A5 receiver extension, H3 AR15 carbine buffer, Tubbs flat wire spring. I put on an adjustable gas block, but left it wide open. It’s reliable and shoots smooth, so I didn’t bother adjusting.

The rifle hasn’t had a single malfunction in the 400ish rounds I’ve shot so far. Mostly all factory 143gr ELD-X with some Magtech 140gr FMJ.

It won’t win any F class matches, but the Hornady factory ammo was generally 3/4-1 MOA for 10 shot groups. Most shots around 1/2 MOA, but a few would spread the groups.

I took it out to 1k (first time shooting 1k) during my first PRS match, and it reliably was hitting steel coyote targets until the wind started switching mid-course.

Thanks for the info, super helpful.

 

[Top O' Texas]

I have a bsf AR10 6.5creed barrel , but haven't had time behind it. Whatis the purpose of a 14.5 incher?

 

[PappyM3]

Whatis the purpose of a 14.5 incher?

The MRGG-A program is/was a SOCOM program along with their MRGG-S. The S was a 20” 6.5CM “sniper” gas gun variant. The A was the “assault” variant, also in 6.5CM.

I don’t recall the actual requirements, but the intent was for it to be maneuverable while still having a good hit percentage at distance. 14.5-16” 6.5 CM can see similar wind drifts as a 20” 7.62.

Basically, being able to use it to fight your way to an OP, overwatch etc., but then still be effective in that OP/overwatch.

 

[hlee]

While my wife may contest the statement, I just don’t see 1.5” as a big deal. If I’m going to SBR a rifle, I’m not doing it with a 14.5. And, I don’t want to be stuck with one muzzle device, so I’m not doing a pin/weld. Why not get a 16” and call it a day?

 

[Top O' Texas]

While my wife may contest the statement, I just don’t see 1.5” as a big deal. If I’m going to SBR a rifle, I’m not doing it with a 14.5. And, I don’t want to be stuck with one muzzle device, so I’m not doing a pin/weld. Why not get a 16” and call it a day?

Lie about having 16" and say " missed it by that much"

 

[White_Shark]

Craddock offers a 14.5”

We have a few and they work well.

 

[Jsp556]

I’m g

I do.

16”, hybrid profile, chrome lined, rifle length gas.

JP full mass high pressure BCG, A5 receiver extension, H3 AR15 carbine buffer, Tubbs flat wire spring. I put on an adjustable gas block, but left it wide open. It’s reliable and shoots smooth, so I didn’t bother adjusting.

The rifle hasn’t had a single malfunction in the 400ish rounds I’ve shot so far. Mostly all factory 143gr ELD-X with some Magtech 140gr FMJ.

It won’t win any F class matches, but the Hornady factory ammo was generally 3/4-1 MOA for 10 shot groups. Most shots around 1/2 MOA, but a few would spread the groups.

I took it out to 1k (first time shooting 1k) during my first PRS match, and it reliably was hitting steel coyote targets until the wind started switching mid-course.

Glad to hear that yours is working well. I have one that I haven’t decided what to do with yet.