Barrels. What manufacturer should I go with?

[Haystack]

On my introduction post I got 10+/- barrel makers, but no 100% definitive which is the best. I've read Mike Rock and 5R from Obermeyer are up their, but Boots is out several months on shipping and Walther is 8+ months. If I cannot decide on a specific maker I'll probably go with a Rainier Arms UltraMatch due yo its availability. I want superior accuracy, and longevity. Not quite thread a needle at 1K but hit a 10 inch plate several times. Even if I buy an ULTRAMATCH now and get on the list for Walther or another maker. So I in effect am pre-accurizing to all of yalls own annoyance. I despise having a "best no less" mentality.

[BLKSHEEP]

Haystack, I hate to tell you this but there isn't any #1 barrel maker. You can buy two barrels with the exact same specifications, SN# 000001 and SN# 000002 from Whoevermanufacturing and #1 might shoot 3/4" MOA , #2 might do 3/8". If anyone tells you that Whoevermanufacturing is the absolute best & most accurate barrel they're full of crap! IMHO

[Haystack]

But who is the most respectable manufacturer. I understand anomalies in manufacturing that can add or detract from the intended use of the part / component in question. But who has the most use and accuracy bias overall? Lothar Walther (guessing from Larue's inherant sub m.o.a. out of the box) or

[Haystack]

Kreiger and get on the waiting list for one and buy the Rainier Ultramatch and keep it until thn other barrel comes through

[Rsquared]

Always! Always! Always....double-check headspace if you change barrels. Or, buy a new bolt when you change barrels. AR's are pretty forgiving......but it's always best to play it safe. A set of headspace gauge's are only about 100 bucks (or less). A pretty good deal, to save your hands or face.

 

Just throwin it out there

[Zebra644]

Also look into Lilja he makes good stuff not at long on the waiting list. I would say the most I see advertised and that are know would be the following. These are listed as they come to memory and not by order of best or worst. I hope this helps alot will depend on your barrel length and what you want to do or how long you want to wait. 

 

Krieger / Criterion

Bartlein

Rock Creek 

Hart

Lilja 

Douglas 

Lothar Wather

Ranier Arms Ultr match which is a Shilien 

[Haystack]

I've read Krieger and Lothar Walther are the best as far as reputation for a manufacturer and Rainier as a completion/distribution company have incredibly high remarks for customer service and out of the box reliability

[Matt.Cross]

I've read Krieger and Lothar Walther are the best as far as reputation for a manufacturer and Rainier as a completion/distribution company have incredibly high remarks for customer service and out of the box reliability

 

I'd personally go with Krieger, but I have a business related bias against LW, so take it for what it's worth.... ;)

[unforgiven]

Brother Zebra has a solid list there.I take it were talkin .308 barrels.In 5.56 you could add White Oaks Armament.Hey doesn't Mike @ Dane Armory make barrels??? I would vouch for him cause he is a standup guy.Just my 2 mags.

[Haystack]

Yes .308/7.62 barrel

[Zebra644]

Lilja, Krieger and Criterion barrels are available for purchase now . 

[Robocop1051]

Call Proof Research and ask about their carbon fiber wrapped Satern barrels. Superior quality and performance made to your exact specs. You really can't find a "better" barrel.

[Haystack]

I will probably order a barrel sometime this week. What twist rate should I buy? 1:10 or 1:12 or split the difference at 1:11.25?

[Matt.Cross]

Go with 1:10, your life will be much easier.

[Haystack]

Found a Krieger 1:10 20 inch barrel "had 200 rounds through it; bolt an barrel". Its an Armalite bcg and barrel and it says that it has been headspaced for the barrel. But its starting ia $500 and buy now is $1K.

[edgecrusher]

You now realize that if you buy that barrel, you must go with an Armalite patterned receiver, or a Mega set which can use either pattern.

[Zebra644]

If you go to Krieger's web site they price out to spec for the barrel ect.  If that's the route you are gonna go , trust me brother spend the money hand have it done right the first time the way you want it done. It will save you cash and heart ache in the long run.

[Haystack]

Mega MaTen will accept either bcg/bolt. But bcg/bolt must be the same style. Using a MaTen standard set.

Edited July 22, 2013 by Haystack

[Justintoxicated]

Add Heart and Satern to that list of great barrels.  I would get cut rifled if you can though.