Help me decide on an AR-15 barrel for my build

Crazy Chaingun

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Hello all,

Currently working on putting together an AR-15 from parts, and I'm pretty new to this, so seeking some advice. One of my bigger dilemmas right now is what I'm going to do for a barrel/gas block/hand guard setup, as I want to use a 2-piece Magpul MOE hand guard, but don't want a fixed A2-style front sight in front of my red dot (probably mounting something along the lines of a Leupold Carbine Optic). This will be more of a short-barrelled PDW build, but I'm building it off of a Diemaco lower and BCG, so I'm not looking to do anything cheap.

My criteria so far:
.223 Wylde chambering
Approximately 10.5" in length
Accommodates 2-piece drop-in hand guard like the Magpul MOE (I already have one of these ready to go)
No fixed A2 front sight (folding front sight on the gas block would be acceptable)
Good-quality, cold-hammer forged if possible (I've read good things about this)

While I'd like this to be a lightweight build, I also like the idea of a heavier barrel profile (like the Diemaco SAS uppers), so I'd be tempted to give up some weight for that. Not fully aware of what the pros and cons of this would be though

I'd be open to buying a complete upper if I found one that matched my criteria, but I have a feeling that I'm too particular for the ideal upper to exist. As such, I'm anticipating picking up a Diemaco stripped upper and building this off of that.

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated. Or just let me know if I'm out to lunch with my criteria. I'm still learning a lot about this AR stuff.
 
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Lmt makes a good barrel for what you want. As does bcm and daniel defense. Wait sorry. None are 223 wylde. May i ask why you want that instead of 556 nato?
 
Lmt makes a good barrel for what you want. As does bcm and daniel defense. Wait sorry. None are 223 wylde. May i ask why you want that instead of 556 nato?

I've been told that the 223 Wylde is more versatile in terms of what ammunition (.223 vs. 5.56) it functions well with. If I'm wrong here, by all means correct me.
 
I've been told that the 223 Wylde is more versatile in terms of what ammunition (.223 vs. 5.56) it functions well with. If I'm wrong here, by all means correct me.

Depends on what spread you want to go to. I have run 223 amd 556 in my 556 guns without issue. I think it's snake oil. Get a quality 556 barrel and forget about it.
 
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