Rainier Arms barrels

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Regular
Rating - 95.5%
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Location
Ontario
Looking to purchase a NEW 14.5" barrel and because of the drought we are seeing it's harder then it sounds. Anyone have any experience with Rainier Arms Select or Match barrels? I'm looking at the specs and they seem like good quality barrels but I am still new to AR-15's and need some opinions, preferably if you have experience with them as well.

Here are the specs for the select barrel which is the one I am looking at:

■416 R ordnance grade stainless steel produced in Germany by the same mill as H&K
■F bar rated = meaning it is acceptable for use by all Nato country’s
■Extensions made from 4140 AE = meaning aircraft grade steel
■Manufacturing proprietary processes creates a stress free product that has a hardened surface on the bore. To improve the wear and longevity
■M4 feed ramps on extensions to current production standards to ensure conformance between manufactures


Specs:
■Barrel Length: 14.5"
■Gas Block Seat: .750
■Rifling: Polygonal 5 Groove
■Weight: 29.1 oz
■Stainless Steel: 416R
■Feed Ramps: M4
■Gas System: Midlength
■Chamber: 5.56MM
■Finish: Black Oxide
■Twist: 1×8
■Thread Pitch: 1⁄2×28
■Testing: MPI tested
■Made in the USA!


Some things I noticed that I hope someone will be able to explain the pros/cons about is the Polygonal 5 groove rifling and the 1:8 twist. I've read before people saying 1:7 twist is best. What about 13.7" barrels, is there any benefit other then a shorter length?? Any opinions are appreciated.
 
Sounds good to me.
If you plan to only shoot heavier bullets then 1:7 is good but I personally prefer 1:8 as it seems to stabilize everything. I had an HK SL8-4 with 1:7 and it would shoot 55gr but definitely shot 62gr and heavier better. My 20" AR with 1:8 was good with almost everything I tried in it and my 14.5" AR with 1:9 seems to like the 62gr and lighter stuff better.
If the polygonal rifling is similar to the rifling in the HK then it is good because it provides a better seal and gives higher velocity for the same length barrel. It does foul with lead more quickly but that isn't usually an issue in an AR since most people shoot only jacketed bullets.
Watch the chamber though I think it is 5.56 chamber that is not supposed to shoot 223 cartridges while it's ok to shoot 5.56 from a 223 chamber. There is a sticky at the top explaining it and I can't remember 100% right now.
Barrel length is personal preference, if you like them short go for it, there is velocity lost the shorter you go though. I wouldn't go shorter than 12 inches with a .223 myself but that's just me.
Have you tried calling ATRS in Calgary? Last time I looked they had barrels in stock and can also make you a custom barrel to your specifications.

Take some pics to show us if you get it.
 
Oh, you're talking about that barrel listed on the One Shot site, that's been out of stock for 3 months since they added it.
Are they actually getting them in ?
 
I didn't know OneShot had them.

I was looking on Rainier Arms website and confirmed with them they have an export permit and can ship these across the border. If OneShot has them I would probably get it from them. I however do not know OneShot's availability.

Conte said:
Oh, you're talking about that barrel listed on the One Shot site, that's been out of stock for 3 months since they added it.
Are they actually getting them in ?
Click to expand...
 
I want to shoot a variety of ammo, so from your explanation it sounds like 1:8 twist would be preferred then. I am set on a 14.5 build but just wanted to get someone opinions on the different lengths as well. Any idea how much velocity is lost going from 14.5" to 13.7"? I'll look into the 5.56 chambering more and hopefully it will be able to shoot .223 as well, if not I will look for another barrel. I will also check out ATRS and see whatsup there.


cr5 said:
Sounds good to me.
If you plan to only shoot heavier bullets then 1:7 is good but I personally prefer 1:8 as it seems to stabilize everything. I had an HK SL8-4 with 1:7 and it would shoot 55gr but definitely shot 62gr and heavier better. My 20" AR with 1:8 was good with almost everything I tried in it and my 14.5" AR with 1:9 seems to like the 62gr and lighter stuff better.
If the polygonal rifling is similar to the rifling in the HK then it is good because it provides a better seal and gives higher velocity for the same length barrel. It does foul with lead more quickly but that isn't usually an issue in an AR since most people shoot only jacketed bullets.
Watch the chamber though I think it is 5.56 chamber that is not supposed to shoot 223 cartridges while it's ok to shoot 5.56 from a 223 chamber. There is a sticky at the top explaining it and I can't remember 100% right now.
Barrel length is personal preference, if you like them short go for it, there is velocity lost the shorter you go though. I wouldn't go shorter than 12 inches with a .223 myself but that's just me.
Have you tried calling ATRS in Calgary? Last time I looked they had barrels in stock and can also make you a custom barrel to your specifications.

Take some pics to show us if you get it.
Click to expand...
 
I believe the barrel you posted is Stainless Steel.

You can fire .223 in a 5.56 chamber, although you will probably find a slight drop in accuracy. Which I assume you won’t mind as it appears you aren’t actually looking for a match barrel. 5.56 in a .223 chamber is supposed to be a no no.

The 1:8 twist is generally considered better for match shooters as it is more akin to the ammo they will probably be firing, 55gr – 75gr. The polygonal 5 grove rifling is also supposed to improve accuracy.

A general rule of thumb is if you go shorter it will look cooler. Really, the length shouldn’t be a huge consideration unless you are shooting long distances. The longer the barrel the higher the velocity will be and thus the more accurate and effective it will be at greater distances. Assuming most people in Canada use their ARs to shoot paper at distances no greater than 200-300m it really shouldn’t be an issue.

From what I understand you are essentially looking at a second tier match barrel, as it is their Select series, so it should be an excellent barrel.
 
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