Need advice on choosing a barrel

09outlander

09outlander

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I've finally saved enough money to order a barrel for my AR, I've already decided to go with 14.5", .223 Wylde chamber, 1:8 twist with a mid-length gas system and medium profile.

But I can't decide on a finish, should I go with just a standard SS barrel or get the nitride coating/finish. I've read that the nitride improves accuracy and longevity, is this true? And is it a noticeable difference in accuracy?

Thanks for any suggestions or opinions.
 
I recently received an 18" barrel from ATRS that I had Nitrided.....I don't think there is any definitive answer on better wear or accuracy benefits....I did it for the kool aide effect and piece of mind.....the Nitride finish looks great!

Just one thought, that I would throw out there..it sounds like you have thought this through...if you plan to travel to he US for any 3 Gun matches and such, you would want an 16" barrel in order to temporarily import into the US..maybe you don't plan on this...if so disregard!
 
7.62mm said:
I recently received an 18" barrel from ATRS that I had Nitrided.....I don't think there is any definitive answer on better wear or accuracy benefits....I did it for the kool aide effect and piece of mind.....the Nitride finish looks great!

Just one thought, that I would throw out there..it sounds like you have thought this through...if you plan to travel to he US for any 3 Gun matches and such, you would want an 16" barrel in order to temporarily import into the US..maybe you don't plan on this...if so disregard!
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I'm not planning on shooting in the States any time in the near future.

It's ATRS that I'll be ordering my barrel from on Monday, how long did you have to wait for yours?
 
I just sold an AR I put together with an 18 inch ATRS stainless barrel. Excellent barrel and it shot everything well and a couple loads exceptionally well. Mine was bare stainless but if I had bought it new I would have paid the extra for nitriding. Not sure how much it improves the barrel life or accuracy but it does look nicer on a black rifle.

Good choice in twist, gas system and chamber, that's exactly what I would order.
 
cr5 said:
Or wait for a barrel that will shoot groups half the size.
Maybe buy a DD barrel to use while you wait then sell it once the ATRS barrel is ready.
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ATRS is awesome I know, but it must really be stellar Because DD is also pretty damn accurate... You may be splitting1/16" hairs here.
 
eatredmeat157 said:
ATRS is awesome I know, but it must really be stellar Because DD is also pretty damn accurate... You may be splitting1/16" hairs here.
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ATRS used stainless match grade blanks. DD is a chrome lined hammer forged milspec barrel with a NATO chamber. DD may be good for what it is but it won't shoot as well as a match grade barrel with a Wylde or other custom cut chamber.
 
From what I've been reading the DD barrels are some of the best made barrels on the market and have way above mil-spec performance and accuracy. It has to do with the chamber being formed as the barrel if being formed. The end result is less stress on the barrel during the entire process of making it. Also it's slightly more rigid since the processing steps and working the metal of the barrel has been reduced. All in all it makes for some of the best, most accurate 5.56 barrels money can buy.

Don't get me wrong. I know ATRS's work first hand since they built my custom 8.5" heavy profile barrel for my SBR. It's amazing and I couldn't be happier. I've just been doing a lot of reading as of late on how DD has become one of the most dominating names in the black rifle market today. It's been some very interesting reading.

Later..
 
Oh yes, I also do not presently own anything from DD. I'm considering getting my hands on one of their MK12 barrels (once available) for a SPR upper build. It will compliment my 8.5" shorty by going way the other way in terms of length.
 
I can speak to the dd vs noveske.
I had two identical uppers, except one was a 14.5" chf Daniel defence, and the other a noveske 16" lightweight profile stainless.
I did fairly thorough load development for both, and loaded up what they liked best.
The noveske was sub moa pretty much always for five round groups.
The Daniel defence was almost always more than 1 moa. It'd go sub moa once in a while, but was the exception rather than the rule.
Noveske with groups half the size is pretty close to reality.
That said the dd barrel was great. It's just that the noveske was exceptionally good.
 
ntm said:
I can speak to the dd vs noveske.
I had two identical uppers, except one was a 14.5" chf Daniel defence, and the other a noveske 16" lightweight profile stainless.
I did fairly thorough load development for both, and loaded up what they liked best.
The noveske was sub moa pretty much always for five round groups.
The Daniel defence was almost always more than 1 moa. It'd go sub moa once in a while, but was the exception rather than the rule.
Noveske with groups half the size is pretty close to reality.
That said the dd barrel was great. It's just that the noveske was exceptionally good.
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I guess what I take away from this "test"...is that it wasn't very scientific! Thanks!
 
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