Choosing a barrel for my AR

[mustang979]

I've begun building my first AR, and I've come to the point where I need to select the barrel. How did you guys chose your barrel manufacturer? Can anyone recommend where to start looking for a 20 inch, bull/varmint barrel w/m4 feedramps in .223 wylde?

so far
Noveske= $$, I'm not convinced its worth the $ premium
Rock River = decent price, but it is thick, so thick I'm concerned I may have issues getting the barrel nut to fit. the RRA is 1.050 and my understanding is most barrel nuts are 1 inch
rainier arms ultramatch = $$
wilson combat - no idea where to get them in Canada

there must be other options that I am missing, what do you guys have on your longer precision rigs?

**edit** forgot to add, I'm look for either a 1 in 7 or 1 in 8 twist **edit**

 

[LUCK12]

Try ALBERTA TACTICAL RIFLE

 

[mikethebike]

noveske is worth the cash see trinimon black rifle challenge for my groups.

 

[bobbynewmark]

try ctcsupplies.ca

You can import Rainer and other stuff directly through them. LARGE barrel selection.

For the money.. I just bought a complete stag varmint model for an extra few hundred... They sting you on the price of a good barrel by itself...

 

[mustang979]

Yeah, I was looking at ATRS, I know they build some amazing bolt guns, but I am not familiar with their AR builds at all.

try ctcsupplies.ca

You can import Rainer and other stuff directly through them. LARGE barrel selection.

For the money.. I just bought a complete stag varmint model for an extra few hundred... They sting you on the price of a good barrel by itself...

there is a grand total of 4 barrels from Rainier.... the ultramag, the non-ultramag, the noveske and some weird flamed job by faxon, that looks cool, but I have little faith in.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Options from Shilen, Mcgowen and Krieger.

PM or email for details... LOTS of options.... if accuracy is the goal

Jerry

 

[mustang979]

Options from Shilen, Mcgowen and Krieger.

PM or email for details... LOTS of options.... if accuracy is the goal

Jerry

PM'd, I tried looking at those vendors, but I didn't see very much on their websites

 

[beltfed]

Noveske up-sells a Pac-Nor barrel, so not worth the extra cash IMHO.

ATRS sources most of their blanks from Lilja (I do believe, but confirm with them). Regardless, they will be able to cut and contour any blank you give or get from them.
I would go right to the source from the barrel maker (or their vendor) and go with one already pre-chambered.
My pick is Krieger, but I've used a few including Shilen and Lilja.

 

[dusticles]

Bob Jury is another option for custom AR barrels.

 

[Sqr]

Bob Jury is another option for custom AR barrels.

i have a piece.

 

[Gunnerlove]

I like my Rainier Ultra Match, but have heard of some QC issues post Sandy Hook rush. That said I would buy another.

 

[Non-phixion]

North tech defense are excellent units, and the rainier ultra match barrels are good kit. Noveske is a no brainer if you are building a dedicated rig for accuracy, but they are pricey.

 

[cr5]

I would call Jerry at Mystic Precision if you want a high end custom cut barrel that won't disappoint. ATRS would be my second choice (a very close second). They may cost more than just buying one off the rack but you will get exactly what you are looking for and they both use quality match grade blanks.
I used to have an 18 inch stainless barrel with built in muzzle brake, wylde chamber and 8 twist that came from ATRS and that barrel shot really well. I sold that build and drifted into shorter builds but for a precision AR it would have been hard to beat.

It sounds like you're putting together a higher end build, please don't ruin it by putting a Bushnell on top of it. A quality barrel deserves a quality optic, and quality ammo as well.