Whose LW or pencil AR barrels (14.5" length specifically) are the most accurate?

Does one have to go Noveske to get the best results?

Noveske bbls aren't what they used to be.

I would look at Daniel Defense for a quality bbl, or Ballistic Advantage's Hanson series if DD is too much $$$.

Faxon will be my first place to dig into when it comes time to replace my BCM barrel.

My Faxon 10.5" barrel on my SBR is very accurate, it's a pencil profile.

I'm getting ready to buy a Faxon GUNNER in 18" for a KISS rifle build.

So far I have nothing but good things to say about the Faxon barrel, and they are a good value.


ARman

16" BCM pencil bbl on my build. Can't recall if I've had out past about the 25yd limit at the LGS indoor range, but accurate enough for me with Magpul MBUS.

quote:

Originally posted by Oat_Action_Man:
Whose LW or pencil AR barrels (14.5" length specifically) are the most accurate?

Does one have to go Noveske to get the best results?

Define accurate. I'm not trying to start trouble, but accuracy is going to vary from barrel to barrel, and from company to company. How much is good enough?

quote:

Originally posted by ARman:
My Faxon 10.5" barrel on my SBR is very accurate, it's a pencil profile.

I'm getting ready to buy a Faxon GUNNER in 18" for a KISS rifle build.

So far I have nothing but good things to say about the Faxon barrel, and they are a good value.


ARman

We have similar taste. I've got a 10.5" faxon. That's where I think I'll get my AR barrels from now on. I think best "bang for buck". Either there or Ballistic Advantage. If I'm going to step it up in cost from there. I'd go super high end like a Kreiger and shoot match ammo or reloads.

My two BCM barrels, a 16” BFH Lightweight is very nice, as is the ELW flutted 11.5”.

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:
Noveske bbls aren't what they used to be.

I'm missing something here. Why do you say that? Did QC go south after John Noveske's death or something?

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:
Noveske bbls aren't what they used to be.

I'm missing something here. Why do you say that? Did QC go south after John Noveske's death or something?

John used to be a barrel maker at PacNor before he started out on his own. When he was at Noveske, he made sure the barrels were done right.

Since his untimely departure, my understanding is that PacNor no longer makes Noveske's barrels, and it's been that way for some time.

I can speak from experience that we had a gentleman come in with an 16 stainless Noveske bbl that shot 3MOA with match ammo, and sent it back. He came to us to have it replaced. This was a couple years after John had passed away. The customer sent his factory upper back to Noveske and they claimed it was entirely in spec. Some of my fellow employees have had mediocre experiences Noveske barrels as well.

With the number of quality barrel manufacturers out there, Noveske is no longer the only game in town for good barrels.

LDD, thanks for the clarification. Sad really.

Agreed. I love my 14.5" Noveske, purchased shortly before his death. Shoots great.

My goto rifle is a Spikes with their 14.5" barrel. You really don't want to be the target, it's sweet shooter. Chris

Take a look at Balistic Advantage, they are part of Aero Precision and make some very nice barrels.

i have a new in wrapper cold hammer forged 14.5" Daniel Defense barrel I can make you a good deal on. I'd say its right up there with the best and as good/better than most shooters. Pm me if interested.