Picked up an Aero Precision M4E1 lower today, mostly on impulse. Not a big a step up from my usual Anderson Arms fare, but still nice. Gonna get a matching upper and start piecing together a new carbine to be a home for my Saker ASR.

I am floored by the number of barrels out there now. In the past, I've always gotten BCM barrels. I thought I might splurge for something like a Daniel Defense barrel, but they seem to be scarce as hen's teeth now.

Any recommendations? Looking for mid-length, medium profile. I shoot M193 mostly.

Criterion barrels get a good rep these days, as does Sons of Liberty Gun Works.

Value for money i have been really happy with my raineer barrels

For the price of a typical BCM or DD barrel, you can find options from Wilson Combat. Holiday sales at Wilson generally reduce the price by 20%. Most WC barrels will be made with stainless steel, and they will be among the most accurate barrels you can find for the price range.

I've owned 3 Faxon barrels (8" 9mm, 16" "gunner profile" 6.5 Grendel, and a 20" heavy fluted .223 Wylde) , and have been happy with all of them. The 20" will group almost as tight as my bolt-action Savage. They're a good balance of price and quality, and have become my go-to for AR Barrels.

Noveske has some useful barrels.

To date I've used Faxon, Ballistic Advantage, Noveske, BCM...performance-wise I've noticed little difference between them. But that may be due to the skills (or lack thereof) of the "operator" than anything else.

I'm waiting on Sons Of Liberty to have the 13.7" back in stock and use their NOX flash hider with it.

I went with one of those Criterion CORE barrels in 14.5. Just gotta wait on it.

I have a Ballistic Advantage barrel and I'm quite happy with it. The rifle I built from it is quite accurate. I have no complaints about the finish, the cuts are well machined and everything is in spec, all for a very reasonable price.

I built an AR for someone and used an Aero Precision 1\7 chrome lined barrel. Accuracy and reliability was as good as any other rack grade rifle.