Trumpet Posted August 28, 2016 Report Share Posted August 28, 2016 Ok, so I have an Aero M5 set on the way for my first "big" AR. I'm pretty set on .308 (I just don't have access to the range to take advantage of the 6.5 CM). Anyway, I'm barrel shopping and somewhat overwhelmed. What are some of the more "Wallet Friendly" choices? This is going to be a rifle for fun, but precision would be top priority. I'd love a Krieger/Bartlein/JP, but I just can't swing the money. I'd like 20". So, some of my considerations are.... Criterion Hybrid from Brownells...or maybe one from FA (I'm concerned though because there were a few reports in the big Aero thread on ARF, about the Criterion barrels fitting loosely in some M5 uppers). Also what is the accuracy like on the Criterion chrome lined barrels? Rainier Rock Creek Faxon BA Mega BHW Mega X-caliber CMMG Any better than any others? Any to avoid? Any that are known to have a "tight fit" in an M5 upper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepp Posted August 28, 2016 Report Share Posted August 28, 2016 6 minutes ago, Trumpet said: Ok, so I have an Aero M5 set on the way for my first "big" AR. I'm pretty set on .308 (I just don't have access to the range to take advantage of the 6.5 CM). Anyway, I'm barrel shopping and somewhat overwhelmed. What are some of the more "Wallet Friendly" choices? This is going to be a rifle for fun, but precision would be top priority. I'd love a Krieger/Bartlein/JP, but I just can't swing the money. I'd like 20". So, some of my considerations are.... Criterion Hybrid from Brownells...or maybe one from FA (I'm concerned though because there were a few reports in the big Aero thread on ARF, about the Criterion barrels fitting loosely in some M5 uppers). Also what is the accuracy like on the Criterion chrome lined barrels? Rainier Rock Creek Faxon BA Mega BHW Mega X-caliber CMMG Any better than any others? Any to avoid? Any that are known to have a "tight fit" in an M5 upper? I'd avoid X-cal after the issuers JT had. Although he could tell you how to fix them now, but those guys were douche canoes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtallen83 Posted August 28, 2016 Report Share Posted August 28, 2016 Yep, I'd avoid the X-caliber. They were about $100 bucks cheaper when I got mine but I spent near that in ammo trying to dial in the gas port size they had blown, thankfully they went on the small size. Accuracy is OK but it doesn't seem to handle heat all that well for the heavy profile it is. They also didn't play well when called out about the issue here on the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumpet Posted August 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2016 Ok then. Cross X-caliber off the list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
survivalshop Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Not sure of their Chrome lined , because I use nothing but Stainless , Criterion are top notch to me . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mineralman55 Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 I have a used 20" Bison Armory, black cerecoated barrel with a rifle length gas system. Probably 600-700 rounds through it. I could let you have it for $175 plus shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rsquared Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Wait....wait....wait. You wanna build a 308 on the AR platform and TRY to save a couple bucks? Welcome to the bank draining world of the large frame AR's my man. You'll find out.................................it's a disease........and the only cure is................CASH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slugger43 Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 (edited) 2 hours ago, Rsquared said: Wait....wait....wait. You wanna build a 308 on the AR platform and TRY to save a couple bucks? Welcome to the bank draining world of the large frame AR's my man. You'll find out.................................it's a disease........and the only cure is................CASH! Well, R2, that works most of the time..... But for the more advanced cases, latest research indicates the best cure is....MORECASH! But you knew that..... Edited August 29, 2016 by slugger43 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rsquared Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Well I've been laying back for a while (as I've been told ).........but ain't that the fukin truth my man? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mineralman55 Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 5 hours ago, slugger43 said: Well, R2, that works most of the time..... But for the more advanced cases, latest research indicates the best cure is....MORECASH! But you knew that..... Geez. You sound like a, a, a DEMORAT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARTrooper Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 18 hours ago, Trumpet said: Ok, so I have an Aero M5 set on the way for my first "big" AR. I'm pretty set on .308 (I just don't have access to the range to take advantage of the 6.5 CM). Anyway, I'm barrel shopping and somewhat overwhelmed. What are some of the more "Wallet Friendly" choices? This is going to be a rifle for fun, but precision would be top priority. I'd love a Krieger/Bartlein/JP, but I just can't swing the money. I'd like 20". So, some of my considerations are.... Criterion Hybrid from Brownells...or maybe one from FA (I'm concerned though because there were a few reports in the big Aero thread on ARF, about the Criterion barrels fitting loosely in some M5 uppers). Also what is the accuracy like on the Criterion chrome lined barrels? Rainier Rock Creek Faxon BA Mega BHW Mega X-caliber CMMG Any better than any others? Any to avoid? Any that are known to have a "tight fit" in an M5 upper? black hole has some decent barrels for reasonable prices. plenty of options also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
criterionbarrels Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 On 8/28/2016 at 4:14 PM, shepp said: I'd avoid X-cal after the issuers JT had. Although he could tell you how to fix them now, but those guys were douche canoes... Generally our chrome lined barrels shoot sub-MOA with factory match ammunition, and are capable of half-MOA performance with handloads tailored to the barrel. Component selection normally comes in to play with those performance standards, as does the shooter, but if you find yourself shooting groups greater than 1 MOA with a variety of loads, feel free to give us a call and we'll help troubleshoot, repair, or replace the barrel if necessary. .308 AR builds can occasionally be tricky, but we're always happy to help get them dialed in! Also worth noting, the OD on our .308 AR barrel extensions measure out at about 1.185", so it may be worth contacting the receiver manufacturer to verify the ID of your receiver to verify a good fit. Tolerances vary between different receiver manufacturers, but we have had positive feedback regarding receiver fitment on a variety of different receiver models. If you have any questions about our barrels, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email at contact@criterionbarrels.com. I would be more than happy to help answer them! -Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 ^^^ Right there. I've got a Criterion stainless match barrel on one of my large-frame ARs. Love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepp Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 54 minutes ago, criterionbarrels said: Generally our chrome lined barrels shoot sub-MOA with factory match ammunition, and are capable of half-MOA performance with handloads tailored to the barrel. Component selection normally comes in to play with those performance standards, as does the shooter, but if you find yourself shooting groups greater than 1 MOA with a variety of loads, feel free to give us a call and we'll help troubleshoot, repair, or replace the barrel if necessary. .308 AR builds can occasionally be tricky, but we're always happy to help get them dialed in! Also worth noting, the OD on our .308 AR barrel extensions measure out at about 1.185", so it may be worth contacting the receiver manufacturer to verify the ID of your receiver to verify a good fit. Tolerances vary between different receiver manufacturers, but we have had positive feedback regarding receiver fitment on a variety of different receiver models. If you have any questions about our barrels, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email at contact@criterionbarrels.com. I would be more than happy to help answer them! -Josh That right there is why I would go with criterion or faxon both active board members, both always great to work with and both great guys. Plus josh is a stand up guy he was going to meet me last summer and let me shoot his guns but I had to cancel ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumpet Posted August 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2016 WOW! Thanks Josh. Also, what kind of chambers do your .308 barrels have? I prefer 175 smks from Black Hills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
criterionbarrels Posted September 7, 2016 Report Share Posted September 7, 2016 On 8/29/2016 at 7:41 PM, Trumpet said: WOW! Thanks Josh. Also, what kind of chambers do your .308 barrels have? I prefer 175 smks from Black Hills. That's perfect for our M118 LR chamber option. It's designed to best accommodate the 168's and 175's. We generally run that chamber on our Hybrid contour and ADM designed barrel options. Feel free to shoot us an email at contact@criterionbarrels.com if you would like a copy of the reamer print.http://criterionbarrels.com/products/adm-nitrided-308-ar-barrels http://criterionbarrels.com/barrels/.308_AR/ar-10-hybrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airtoad Posted October 15, 2016 Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Finished my 308 sbr build last month. The only short barrel I could find was a 12" CMMG, I was skeptical after reading bad reviews. Had my new toy up in Montana and was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy. Shot everything from 110-180, without an issue. Worked 500yds for a few hours and avg 6" groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
washguy Posted October 15, 2016 Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 1 minute ago, airtoad said: Finished my 308 sbr build last month. The only short barrel I could find was a 12" CMMG, I was skeptical after reading bad reviews. Had my new toy up in Montana and was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy. Shot everything from 110-180, without an issue. Worked 500yds for a few hours and avg 6" groups. Way to go Airtoad ! I bet the flames coming out the barrel is an awesome sight too your rifle is a testament to show that one doesnt need a 20/22 inch monster bull barrel for accuracy Wash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airtoad Posted October 15, 2016 Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Actually the fire ball is almost nonexistent, I'm using a PWS CQB30 flash suppressor and it really does a good job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumpet Posted October 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Also, quick question....are all the Criterion barrels dimpled for the gas block? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
survivalshop Posted October 15, 2016 Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 41 minutes ago, Trumpet said: Also, quick question....are all the Criterion barrels dimpled for the gas block? Yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumpet Posted October 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumpet Posted October 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Also, what's the difference between the M118 Chamber of the Hybrid compared to the Hybrid Match chamber of the Fulton/Criterion barrel? Pros/Cons to either? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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