16" mid length barrel opinions?

[BadBoyBilly]

Hey guys,

It's been several years since I've looked at 308 stuff.  I built two 308's back in 2014-2015 and never bothered to keep up with 308 developments after that.  Anyways, I started looking again to see what has changed over the past 5-6 years and I noticed some barrel manufacturers are now offering a 16" mid length configuration.  I don't remember this being an option back in 2014-2015 and it's very intriguing to me. 

In the AR-15 world, a 16" barrel with a mid length gas system is my ideal configuration for weight/maneuverability/good dwell time.  My question is, would this same logic apply to the .308 caliber in a 16" mid length barrel?  Anyone here running a barrel in that config?  If so, how's it working for you?  Specifically interested in hearing from people who run un-suppressed.

 

 

https://criterionbarrels.com/products/large-frame-ar/dpms-pattern-308-hybrid-barrel-mid-length-gas-chrome-lined/

https://faxonfirearms.com/16-big-gunner-308-win-mid-length-4150-nitride/

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/308-16-cmv-mid-barrel

 

Thanks!

 

Edited May 6, 2020 by BadBoyBilly

[shooterrex]

I have a balastic advantage 16" midlength gas barrel on a rifle. Shoots good and runs like a top. 3/4 moa w/match ammo. I think primary arms has this barrel for $209 right now.

[BadBoyBilly]

This guy?

 

https://www.ballisticadvantage.com/16-inch-308-gov-mid-cmv-modern-barrel.html

[shooterrex]

https://www.primaryarms.com/ballistic-advantage-ar-10-308-16-mid-length-barrel-5-8x24-babl308003m

 

[392heminut]

I could be wrong but I don't think carbine length gas systems on an AR308 are a thing. I think they are only available in mid length and rifle length.

[BadBoyBilly]

41 minutes ago, 392heminut said:

I could be wrong but I don't think carbine length gas systems on an AR308 are a thing. I think they are only available in mid length and rifle length.

Not interested in carbine config.  I was inquiring about 16" mid length configs

[Ravenworks]

4 hours ago, BadBoyBilly said:

This guy?

 

https://www.ballisticadvantage.com/16-inch-308-gov-mid-cmv-modern-barrel.html

If you're in no hurry and when Primary arms start having it's normal weekend sales you get some deals.

I bought one similar for $119

Usually they all go on sale within a months time

 

Edited May 6, 2020 by Ravenworks

[BadBoyBilly]

So after doing some research this evening, couldn't really find anything negative about the 16" mid length configuration in .308.  You lose a little bit of velocity with a shorter barrel but this build isn't for long distance shooting so I'm totally fine with that.  Considering not a lot of parts are in stock these days due to covid-19, decided to go with it since it was in stock here:

https://www.primaryarms.com/ballistic-advantage-ar-10-308-16-mid-length-barrel-5-8x24-babl308003m

Seems like Ballistic Advantage is a highly respected barrel maker on the interwebs and has extremely competitive pricing when compared to other brands.  Wasn't aware of them back in 2014.  They have been bookmarked!  Also, since this is going on my Aero Precision M5, figured Ballistic Advantage would be a good pairing since Aero owns them 😃  I have a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block (got a mid length gas tube for the barrel change) and I have go/no go gauges to confirm head-space.  I should be good to go for the barrel reconfiguration!

[shooterrex]

Sounds like you got it figured out. I like the one I have. I didn't need an adjustable gas block. Worked just fine as it came.

Edited May 7, 2020 by shooterrex
spelling

[98Z5V]

I have a 16" midlength .308 Win .308AR, built on Aero receivers, with that Faxon barrel that you linked.  It's a badass shorter gun, for sure.  It still goes out to the 850-yard target just fine on my handloads, dialing the scope only.   I'll never get rid of it. 

Edited May 7, 2020 by 98Z5V