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.
18" have such big gas ports to match proper dwell time, they get more metal migration at the gas port than smaller gas ports on 16 & 20" barrels. Takes more rounds to get the barrel to settle in. 16 or 20" for me moving forward. (Chrome lined might help)
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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Another option I need to add. I hear a lot of people talk about how good they are.
Out of that list I’ve had 3 WOA’s, all have been sub MOA and solid barrels. I have had 1 since the change in ownership and it was that same, shot great right out of the box.
Id consider adding SOLGW SPR barrel to the list…as well as Craddock RTR and PVA Osprey 223 Wylde barrels
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This may sound really dumb, but how does 3 groove poly perform relative to a standard 4 groove or 5R? I took a look at these barrels before but there wasn’t a lot of info on them.
There is no real advantage to any of the designs. If there were, everybody would only run one type of rifling.
What sets barrels apart the most regarding accuracy is the quality of manufacturing (attention to detail, tooling/equipment, processes, etc...) and quality of steel.
I agree…but SOLGW def has some special sauce for their SPR barrels. 0.3” mean radius with a 30 round group with factory ammo is pretty insane for a gas gun. Beat out bartlein, criterion, etc by a wide margin.
This is from that guy, Preston something or other, right? Yeah, I like the guy's videos, but take his leader board with a grain of salt. Each barrel is a sample size of one. I suspect that if you based the board on the average of ten of each barrel, the results would be different.
I've tried a lot of different barrels over the years and have found that, usually, if you go with quality you usually get what you want. Pick one and go with it. No matter what you get, you will always run the risk of getting a dude.
Somebody has spent a little too much time in Thailand, and it shows...
Otherwise I agree. That would be like saying that since a Brux barrel won the last F-Class match...that Brux is now the superior barrel for all long range shooting.
Not crapping on SOLGW at all. Apparently they make good stuff...but sample size of one. Some guys have even got good Faxons over the years...
100% agree. Prestons work just gives you a semblance of a baseline between barrels. No one is lemon proof. Im currently working through a 16” criterion core that just refuses to shoot the components i have the most of (77smk + tac), at best its like 1.5” in 10 shot groups (my geissele chf 14.5 hammers with this combo around 1” all day). I will def try different bullets, powders, etc bc sometimes barrels just dont like a particular combo but im damn frustrated lol! Im also putting it on a different upper/handguard combo (vltor + solgw m89 rail) to see if that helps (it didn’t shoot well on bcm demo upper + KAK handguard). When I really want to test it I will load up some berger 77 otm and n140 and if it can’t shoot that then I will prob reach out to criterion
The best shooting AR barrels are those with the least metal migration at the gas port.
Called up Craddock. Found a solution they had in stock and went with that. Great customer service. Thanks for the feedback.
Went with their RTR barrel. Good quality blank and very quick turnaround.
The RTR’s are a fantastic option/value for the price. I may grab one myself soon. Was gonna grab the SOLGW SPR (curious to check out the 3 groove polygonal rifling) but they are out of stock everywhere.
This is what kills me about barrels lately. Everything is out of stock. I usually just pick the best option with the shortest lead time, even if it costs more.
Yeah I’ve def had my fair share of barrels I had my eye on that slipped through my fingers and I kicked myself for not buying when I could.
If you’re looking for a barrel and you see a proof, RTR, PVA Osprey, etc. in stock you better grab it bc it won’t be there for long.
I read on here from someone who knew their shit that 18" mid gas overcomes the gas port erosion and/or accuracy issues that could arise from that
I’d want to try that Geissele.. saw them claim more are coming soon. Probably after my coupon expires. 
I just pulled the trigger and bought the mk12 mod-h RTR! Will post some pics once its built
