Wilson Combat has marked down their AR-15 and AR-10 barrels by 25% through the end of July. This results in many non-fluted SS barrels being about $187, and fluted SS barrels being about $213.

Many uppers have been marked down 25%, too. Unfortunately, most of these uppers were built with Wilson's discontinued TRIM rail system. Which means the top rail is useful, but the proprietary TRIM-rail attachments at 3, 6, and 9-o'clock are no longer available on the market. For most of us, that means the rail is can't be used to attach bipod, light, sling, or other accessories.

I currently have 3 Wilson barrels in use and have shot out 2 others. They exhibit good fit & finish, and they are quite accurate. My Barltein and Krieger barrels are a little more accurate than the Wilsons, but at twice the price. I will likely order a couple of Wilson barrels this week, even though my ARs won't be up for barrel replacement until next year.

Also, Wilson has marked down many of the 1911 magazines by 20%.

I saw "PSA" and thought to myself: "Has fritz finally drunk the Palmetto Kool-Aid?"

I find it very interesting that about a year ago I was strongly chastised about using the term "kool aid" in a post because it brought back thoughts about Jonestown. Now it is apparently OK for LDD to use the same term. What gives?

Have no idea perhaps it was the context. Should not let these things bother you a year later.

The context was absolutely the same. I had said I could not bring myself to drink the kool aid and purchase a particular rifle.

Very funny...You will never be held to the same standard I was because you are a major contributor. When I got promoted to sergeant E-5 in the Army I was told it had some definite benefits but also came with major responsibilities.I never asked to be treated any better than anybody else but also hoped never to be treated any worse

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:
I saw "PSA" and thought to myself: "Has fritz finally drunk the Palmetto Kool-Aid?"

I definitely have purchased from Palmetto -- mainly ammo, going back a bunch of years. Before the web search engines that made ammo price comparisons so easy. Back when you'd order from Palmetto, then intentionally forget about the order, then act all surprised with the ammo would finally arrive.

I have a few parts in my ARs from Palmetto -- likely springs, pins, tubes, grips, maybe others. I know guys who are really pleased with their "primary" parts -- such as barrels, BCGs, triggers, even complete uppers. I have just gone in a little different direction.

So I have drunk a bit of the Palmetto Kool-Aid, but I'm probably more a Pepsi and Mountain Dew guy.

Fritz-

That discount puts them in Daniel Defense's price range. I am guessing that you find the Wilsons to be superior?

Bruce

quote:

Originally posted by RNshooter:
That discount puts them in Daniel Defense's price range. I am guessing that you find the Wilsons to be superior?

Actually, WC's pre-discount prices are pretty similar to those from DD.

IMO, DD and WC cater to different users. DD barrels are chromoly steel, hammer forged, lighter-weight profiles. WC barrels are stainless steel, button rifled, mid-weight profiles.

According to the websites, DD 16" barrels weigh 28 oz for the carbine, 27 oz for the government, and 24 oz for the lightweight profiles. WC 16" barrels weigh 29.4 oz for the ranger and 37 oz for the recon tactical. The fluted version of the recon tactical weighs 31 ounces.

DD barrels will likely last longer, due to the hammer forging. WC barrels will be more accurate, especially as the barrel goes through heating and cooling cycles. Wilson puts more steel between the chamber and the gas block (i.e. under the handguard), which IMO is where the heavier barrel profile should be.

It's been awhile since I've shot a DD side by side, next to my rifle. The DD was accurate, but not quite up to the level of my WC.

It comes down to what you want in a barrel. DD gets the nod for lighter weight and longer life, WC gets the nod for accuracy. I value accuracy higher.