I built an AR-15 from LaRue components a few years ago. I took delivery of the upper and had a local gunsmith install a SureFire muzzle brake adapter to accommodate my new SureFire sound suppressor. I recently decided to change out the old muzzle brake for a new SureFire flash suppressor adapter. When I removed the muzzle brake I discovered that the threads had experienced galling - almost certainly because the gunsmith failed to properly Rocksett the device. The galling wrecked the threads, and then there was the high probability that the excessive torque needed to overcome the seized threads compromised the barrel. I decided to replace the barrel. And while this did not appear to be a warranty issue, I decided to stay with LaRue, so I contacted them and asked how much it would cost to replace the barrel. I'm glad I called them because they said they would replace it for free!
$26 in shipping costs later (including $1,200 in shipping insurance), the upper is on its way to Leander, Texas.
Anyway, I called LaRue after I sent the package on its way via UPS and asked them to watch for delivery. I also asked them if I could replace the existing 16-inch barrel with a longer barrel. They said, sure, no problem.
What length barrel do you recommend? 18 or a 20-inchs...or just stay with the existing 16-inch barrel length? I don't compete in shooting events, and I'm not a big shooter, so I'm thinking an 18-inch barrel will capture most of the increased velocity from a longer barrel length, and significantly reduce muzzle flash when I am not using the sound suppressor. However, I'm wondering if I should go with the 20-inch barrel. I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Hal

Anyway, I called LaRue after I sent the package on its way via UPS and asked them to watch for delivery. I also asked them if I could replace the existing 16-inch barrel with a longer barrel. They said, sure, no problem.
What length barrel do you recommend? 18 or a 20-inchs...or just stay with the existing 16-inch barrel length? I don't compete in shooting events, and I'm not a big shooter, so I'm thinking an 18-inch barrel will capture most of the increased velocity from a longer barrel length, and significantly reduce muzzle flash when I am not using the sound suppressor. However, I'm wondering if I should go with the 20-inch barrel. I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Hal