Oct 162012
 
NEMO ARMS NITRIDE COATED 300 BLACKOUT BARRELS

NEMO ARMS NITRIDE COATED 300 BLACKOUT BARRELS

I noticed the NEMO ARMS NITRIDE COATED 300 BLACKOUT BARRELS while browsing Brownells site. If anyone reading this purchases one please report back.

 

Features:

  • Black Nitride Coating, offers superior corrosion resistance and accuracy
  • 300 Blackout barrel has an M4 profile and is chrome moly steel
  • 308 Winchester chambered barrels feature a HBAR profile
  • 308 Winchester barrels are machined from 416 stainless steel
  • 5/8-24 muzzle threads
  • .750” O.D. at the gas port
  • 16” barrels feature a carbine length gas system
  • 18” and 20” barrels feature a rifle length gas system
  • 300 Blackout barrel fits AR15/M16 receivers
  • 308 Winchester barrels fit DPMS pattern 308 AR rifles
  • Barrel extensions feature M4 feedramps
  • 308 Barrels have a 1-10 twist
  • 300 Blackout barrel has a 1-8 twist

SPECS: Black nitride coating, stainless steel (308) and chrome moly (300BLK). Length – 16”, 18” and 20”. .750” at gas port. M4 feedramps. 5/8-24 muzzle threads. 1-8 Twist (300BLK) and 1-10 Twist (308).

Sep 172012
 
KRIEGER CRITERION AR15 BARRELS

KRIEGER CRITERION AR15 BARRELS

 

For the most part if you reliably wanted to purchase a fantastic KRIEGER CRITERION AR15 BARREL you had to go to FULTON ARMORY as the CRITERION BARREL is their standard offering for their FAR15 and TITAN 308 series rifles. Today Brownells announced they too are now carrying KRIEGER CRITERION AR15 BARRELS.

The CRITERION BARRELS are one of, if the not best values in AR15  BARRELS often shooting as good or better than much more expensive MATCH BARRELS from premium barrel manufacturers. These barrels are a safe bet for any AR15 build. Just ask owners of Fulton Armory rifles.

 

From CRITERION BARRELS INC:

Criterion Barrels, Inc. was started in 1999 from Krieger Barrels, Inc. in response to demands of rifle builders and firearms manufacturers for quality match grade barrels at a lower cost. Initially began as a division of Krieger, Criterion is now a sister company- independent, yet sharing resources and continual support.

Over 30 years of experience and expertise go into every Criterion barrel. This experience combined with gun barrel quality steels, our stringent inspections at every process, and Criterion employees’ commitment to quality make a Criterion barrel the best choice for your next barrel.

Our Commitment to OEM and Firearms Manufacturers

At Criterion, we are committed to producing barrels at a reasonable price and meeting the demands of our market.

Since our inception, we have continued to expand our product line to include M1 Garand, M1A, AR15, 1917, 1903, M1 Carbines, and, most recently, Savage and Remington Pre-fits— all are available through the distributors found on the product pages.

Our product development experience has grown with our product line. Please contact us for information about developing a model for you.

Achieving Match Grade

Criterion rifle barrels are match grade. Our 30+ years of experience and shared history with Krieger have given us a true understanding of what match grade means. Uniformity of the bore dimension, groove dimension, and twist, along with the finish produced by hand lapping are essential for the ultimate accuracy of the barrel. With our expertise we are able to control these factors and deliver an unbelievably accurate match grade barrel at a reasonable price.

Jun 242012
 
YANKEE HILL MACHINE YHM67F5C2 14.5" Fluted, Chrome Barrels with Pinned Phantom Flash Hider

YANKEE HILL MACHINE YHM67F5C2 14.5″ Fluted, Chrome Barrels with Pinned Phantom Flash Hider

 

The YANKEE HILL MACHINE YHM67F5C2 14.5″ Fluted, Chrome Barrels with Pinned Phantom Flash Hiders are chambered in 5.56 NATO, made from 4140 steel , heat treated to RC 25-32, and chrome lined. Fluted models feature YHM’s diamond fluting to improve rigidity and aid in barrel cooling. These barrels feature M4 style feed ramps for reliable function. These barrels feature permanently attached muzzle accessories that bring the overall length of the barrel to a legal 16″.

Note this barrel requires a two piece clamp-on gas block

Features:

  • 16” AR15/M16 Threaded Barrel with pinned flash hider
  • Features chrome lined bore and chamber
  • Includes YHM Phantom 5C2 Flash Hider pinned to the muzzle
  • 1-7” Twist
  • Barrel Extension has M4 feedramps
  • Machined from 4140 Steel
  • Heat Treated to RC 25-32
  • Matte black finish
  • Medium weight profile
  • Carbine length gas system
  • .750 OD at the gas block
  • Requires the use of clamp on gas blocks

Benefits:

  • Pinned 5C2 Phantom flash hider brings the overall length to 16”
  • Pre-installed flash hider removes the hassle of pinning the muzzle device yourself and allows for the shortest possible barrel with a flash hider
  • 4140, heat treated steel will hold up to thousands of rounds
  • M4 feedramps improve feeding and chambering

AR15 BARRELS

 

Whether replacing a shot out AR15 BARREL or purchasing an AR15 BARREL for that new rifle build proper selection is important as there are several factors to consider

  1. BARREL LENGTH
  2. GAS SYSTEM LENGTH – Carbine, Mid Length and Rifle
  3. BARREL MATERIAL – Stainless Steel, Chrome Moly, Chrome Lined
  4. BARREL FINISH
  5. CALIBER
  6. BARREL PROFILE
  7. BARREL WEIGHT

The list below is in no way a complete list of every AR15 BARREL manufacturer. It is more a list of what is commonly available yet coveres the full spectrum of options.


ARMALITE AR15 BARRELS

ARMALITE AR15 M-15 A4 RIFLE BARREL STAINLESS STEEL NATIONAL MATCH BARREL ASSEMBLY

ARMALITE AR15 M-15 A4 RIFLE BARREL STAINLESS STEEL NATIONAL MATCH BARREL ASSEMBLY

ARMALITE AR15 M-15 A2 CARBINE BARREL ASSEMBLY

ARMALITE AR15 M-15 A2 CARBINE BARREL ASSEMBLY

ARMALITE is the “AR” in AR15. It is Armalite that brought the EUGENE STONER design to the world. It’s no surprise that they offer  a wide range of AR15 BARRELS to suit any shooters need whether that need is WAR or HIGH POWER COMPETITION. If standard Armalite barrels dont excite you feel free to give their Premier Services Division a call for a spare no expense  AR15 COMPETITION BARREL.


CMMG AR15 BARRELS

CMMG 14.7 inch M4 5.56  Barrel Assembly with Permanent Flash Hider

CMMG 14.7 inch M4 5.56 Barrel Assembly with Permanent Flash Hider

CMMG offers what I would consider commercial grade Milspec AR15 BARRELS. CMMG while not a favorite of AR15 die hards, they fill the need for quality, value and top notch customer service. Also CMMG is very quick to market and good at servicing niche calibers such as .22LR, 9mm, 300 BLACKOUT, 308 AR and of course 5.56 NATO. I personally own a CMMG SIERRA .22LR UPPER RECEIVER as well as a CMMG AR15 9mm UPPER RECEIVER.


COLT AR15 BARRELS

colt m4 barrel

COLT M4 AR15 BARREL

COLT with it’s AR15 production being mostly geared towards decades of military contracts leaves little AR15 BARREL inventory for civilian purchase. Those that are lucky enough to come across genuine COLT AR15 BARRELS should consider themselves lucky to get some of the finest battle tested military grade barrels available. Despite internet naysayer’s COLT AR15 PARTS are premium quality with a premium price tag.

Living in Connecticut the home state of COLTs MFG as well as other firearm manufacturers I have heard rumours that COLT AR15 BARRELS are produced by another once local firearm manufacurer as well as possibly a Connecticut based barrel manufacturer. I have not been able to verify either rumor.


DANIEL DEFENSE

Daniel Defense M4 AR15 Barrels

Daniel Defense M4 AR15 Barrels

DANIEL DEFENSE is mostly known for their QUAD RAIL/FREE FLOAT HANDGUARDS but they also produce a wide array of COLD HAMMER FORGED BARRELS in various lengths and contours. While I have no first hand experience with DANIEL DEFENSE BARRELS I have read and a lot of discussion on the M4 variant. The most common comment is the GAS PORT needs to be drilled to 1/16″ as DANIEL DEFENSE appears to ship the barrels with a gas port about .004″ undersize at .059″ instead of the Milspec .063″.

The barrels are stated to be very accurate.

M4 Profile Specs From the Manufacturer:

These premium Daniel Defense M4 Contour AR-15 Barrels feature 4150 Chrome Moly Vandium Steel construction, precise machining and a mil-spec phosphate finish. The chrome lined chamber and bore provide easy clean-up and reduced wear, while the pre-drilled and pre-installed barrel extension with M4 feed ramps make installation a breeze. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO for full compatibility with both commercial and surplus mil-spec ammunition.

Technical Details:

  • Length: 16″
  • Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vandium
  • Contour: M4
  • Chamber: 5.56x45mm NATO
  • Twist Rate: 1 in 7″
  • Chrome Lined: Yes
  • Finish: Mil-Spec Heavy Phosphate
  • M4 Feeds Ramps: Yes
  • Muzzle Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
  • Gas Port Location: Carbine
  • Exterior Diameter at Gas Port: 0.750″

Cold Hammer Forging of barrels has been known for decades to produce the most accurate, longest lasting rifle barrels obtainable. The Cold Hammer Forging of barrels is accomplished through intense hydraulic pressure applied at opposing angles by carbide steel hammers. During the hammering process, a mandrel is inserted into the bore while the carbide steel hammers shape the barrel around the mandrel creating the chamber, the lands, and the grooves. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the Cold Hammer Forging process creates a defect free bore and the most consistent chamber possible.

All Daniel Defense cold hammer forged barrels are made from start to finish in our state-of-the-art facility located in Black Creek, GA. In keeping with our heritage of not cutting corners, all cold hammer forged barrels feature a forged chamber and heavy phosphate exterior coating. They are all MP tested on-site and are available in multiple configurations which includes barrel only (stripped); barrel with Front Sight Base; barrel with Low Profile Gas Block; and barrel with Front Sight Base, gas tube, and delta Ring assembly (Complete). These barrels will prove themselves to be more accurate and last longer than a barrel that has cut or button rifling.

Visit DANIEL DEFENSE


DOUBLE STAR

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DPMS

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EVOLUTION

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FULTON ARMORY

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JP ENTERPRISES

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KRIEGER BARRELS

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MODEL 1 SALES

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NOVESKE ARMS

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OLYMPIC ARMS

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SHILEN

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WHITE OAK ARMAMENT

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WILSON COMBAT

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YANKEE HILL MACHINE

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Brownells AR15 Builder

Vist Brownells AR15 Builder


Apr 222012
 
GEISSELE TRIGGER

GEISSELE TRIGGER

In the half-dozen or so years I have been operating firearms oriented websites and forums I have noticed certain trends with shooters building and upgrading their AR15 and M4 platform weapons. Very often appearance is taking presidence over function in two key areas. These two areas are barrel quality choices and trigger selection. The barrel and trigger are two of the most important weapon parts that enable you to hit your target.

This page will be part 1 BUILDING AN AR15 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITIES PART 1 – AR15 TRIGGERS of a 2 part series BUILDING AN AR15 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITIES

AR15 TRIGGERS

Unless you spent several thousands of dollars on a custom or high-end AR15 chances are your trigger was designed by an attorney to protect a firearm manufacturer. In fact one manufacturer DPMS has publicly stated that they expect you to replace your trigger and that the included trigger is merely there so you can fire the weapon when new.

The fact is you simply can not expect to get the greatest amount of accuracy out of your weapon with a factory trigger or the trigger included in a lower parts kit.

REPLACING YOUR AR15 TRIGGER SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST AND FOREMOST PRIORITY before you spend a single penny on any other part.

Now here is the downside of aftermarket triggers. You get what you pay for. However there is a law of diminishing returns. his means a $400 trigger is not necessarily twice as good as a $200 trigger. Will the most expensive trigger be better? You bet, but not every shooter needs a trigger  THAT GOOD. If you can afford the best go for it you wont be disappointed. If cant buy what you can afford. DO SOMETHING.

I break the triggers down this way.

AR15 Triggers Under $100:

  • BILL SPRINGFIELD – Spend $50 and send your factory trigger to Bill Springfield for a trigger job. It’s better than nothing and he turns them around very quickly.
  • ARMALITE TWO STAGE TACTICAL TRIGGER – At $97 it’s a good deal. Problem with the Armalite triggers is nobody bothers to learn how to adjust them so the triggers are often criticized. read the Armalite tech note here.
  • ALG DEFENSE – This is new and unknown to me but they are getting decent reviews and priced slightly higher that the trigger job mentioned above.

AR15 Triggers $100-$150

Got a few choices here.

  • JARD TRIGGERS – I have a few AR15′s with JARD TRIGGERS. I like everything about these triggers except the installation.
  • ROCK RIVER ARMS TWO STAGE TRIGGER – A lot of folks buy this trigger and are happy with it. There are those that claim the steel is soft and they don’t last. I have no personal experience but RRA cant keep these triggers on the shelf
  • ARMALITE AR15 NATIONAL MATCH SET TRIGGER – See my comments above in the sub $100 section. These are great triggers with proper installation and adjustment. Read the installation Tech Note here.

AR15 Triggers $150-$200

  • CMC AR15 TRIGGER – This is probably the ugliest modular drop in trigger of the bunch. What it lacks in looks it makes up for in performance. In fact the CMC AR15 TRIGGER is one of my favorite triggers at any price for the AR15 platform.
  • JP RIFLES – JP Rifles produces a very good trigger. If you order one be sure to order the speed hammer as well as they are meant to work together. JP includes a video of the installation. That is a nice touch.
  • GEISSELE SSA TRIGGER – The GEISSELE SSA is I believe the least expensive of the GEISSELE TRIGGERS. It’s a good trigger at a fair price.

AR15 Triggers $200 and up

  • TIMNEY – I like the Timney a lot problem is that unless you can find it for less than $200 the CMC in the previous section is a better choice
  • ATC AR GOLD – I ave no experience with the AR GOLD TRIGGER but I have a LOT of experience with the ATC SR GOLD TRIGGER for the 308 AR and AR-10 platforms. In fact the SR GOLD is my favorite trigger for the 308 platform. I would not hesitate to recommend the ATC GOLD. ATC/PACT has outstanding customer service.
  • GEISSELE – By most accounts the best AR Trigger
  • JEWELL AR15 TRIGGER – Unfortunately Jewell isn’t as good with AR15 triggers as they are with traditional rifle triggers. There are better choices.
  • WILSON COMBAT TACTICAL TRIGGER UNIT – I have no experience with the WILSON COMBAT TTU as they are never in stock when I am looking for a trigger.

As you see above there are options for every price point. Choose what fits your budget even if it means going without a new muzzle device, pistol grip, laser, tac light, or fancy collapsable stock or some other tactical gizmo that will do nothing to inprove the accuracy of you and your weapon..

START WITH THE TRIGGER

Stay tuned for  part 2 in the series BUILDING AN AR15 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITIES PART 2 – AR15 BARRELS