AR 15 barrels

[Pyscodog]

Maybe I'm expecting to much from my rifle but 1 1/2 inch groups at 100yds isn't working for me. So its either buy a new barrel or dump this rifle. I've read about Wilson Combat or Ballistic Advantage and both have good reviews and are under $200 for a barrel. Without spending a ton of money, will either of these two give me sub inch groups? Or is there a better option in or about that price range? This will be a coyote/varmint rifle and range rifle. I replaced the trigger hoping that would help but even though I have a decent trigger now the accuracy just isn't there.

 

[rkj1313]

Have a look at White Oak Armament, will have what you need and will meet expectations. May be a few more $ than what you have in mind.

 

[Stumpy1]

Another vote for White Oak. They have ALWAYS done me well.

Frank

 

[Larryh128]

If it's a nitrided barrel it takes a LOT of brush scrubbing to clear out the salt bath crud. If that doesn't work buy a SS Wilson, not Wilson Combat.

 

[LVLAaron]

White Oak for sure.


I've had good luck with Rosco AR15 barrels for non-target themed use cases.

 

[jelenko]

Maybe I'm expecting to much from my rifle but 1 1/2 inch groups at 100yds isn't working for me. So its either buy a new barrel or dump this rifle. I've read about Wilson Combat or Ballistic Advantage and both have good reviews and are under $200 for a barrel. Without spending a ton of money, will either of these two give me sub inch groups? Or is there a better option in or about that price range? This will be a coyote/varmint rifle and range rifle. I replaced the trigger hoping that would help but even though I have a decent trigger now the accuracy just isn't there.

Tell us a bit more.
What barrel is currently on the rifle?
Who put the upper together?
What ammo are you using?
Do you have other rifles that shoot less than an inch at 100 yard?

 

[Pyscodog]

Rifle was a NIB ZRO Delta with a 16" barrel. All factory with the exception of a CMC trigger. As for ammo, everything from 40 grain to 69 grain and a few box's of factory Winchester. I'm a little on the anal side when it comes to accuracy and this rifle shoots patterns, not groups.
Almost all my rifles shoot 1/2" or better at 100 and some will do that at 200. I like accurate rifles and this isn't one of them........yet!! LOL!

 

[Kurz]

Often it's not just a barrel change which makes the accuracy improve, especially with ARs. There are several fundamental variables which come into play so it's usually suggested to get your rifle evaluated by a true AR gunsmith expert. Public forums generally present the entire gamut of things that can go wrong and all the associated fixes. Get it to a real expert.

 

[Pyscodog]

I know its a cheap AR to begin with and bought it hoping it might shoot better. I knew from the start it would need a trigger and I replaced it before firing a shot. I also figured I would be replacing the barrel sooner or later. I got spoiled with a Rock River years ago and so far nothing come close to the way it shot. Like a dummy I sold it to a friend of a friend. I don't know anyone that qualifies as an AR smith. Lot of shops can swap barrels but that's about the extent of their expertise. I just want it to shoot good enough to whack coyotes. It doesn't have to be match grade. I just have a hard time dealing with the spray and pray groups. I have another batch of hand loads to try. A different powder and primer that I haven't tried before. Maybe I'll get lucky.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I would consider your rifle typical of a mag dump blaster. It is going to take more than a barrel to make you happy.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I would consider your rifle typical of a mag dump blaster. It is going to take more than a barrel to make you happy.

From my past life shooting across the course, I found that unless the parts are just junk, usually a good barrel installed properly and a bedding job of the upper to the lower, goes a really long way. And a trigger. I suggest the jp enterprise. I can make a stock trigger pretty darn good with a set screw up the grip hole.

 

[Pyscodog]

I would consider your rifle typical of a mag dump blaster. It is going to take more than a barrel to make you happy.

I'm afraid your probably correct but I don't shoot that way. I see it on a regular basis at my club. Afterwords I wonder how long it takes them to clean the barrel. Then I also think, why clean it, its probably shot to crap by now anyway. I like one or two well placed shots and even better when the holes touch each other. I just want a barrel that shoots well enough that if I miss, its my fault and not the rifle.

 

[JB10]

I have a wilson combat ar. It does shoot good enough for me. I played with a few loads but settled on one thats about 3/4 inch group at 100 yards. I know its an ar so i dont have the best expectations and did not spend a lot of time looking for a better load. After that i bought a savage ar for coyote hunting. That damn thing shoots just as good as wilson with not even trying hard to find a load. The wilson is 18in barrel, savage is 16in. And cost half the price! I think the wilson barrels are not onder $200 or at least on their website.

 

[jpjulian]

From my past life shooting across the course, I found that unless the parts are just junk, usually a good barrel installed properly and a bedding job of the upper to the lower, goes a really long way. And a trigger. I suggest the jp enterprise. I can make a stock trigger pretty darn good with a set screw up the grip hole.

That's pretty old school.... haven't heard the set screw trick in a lonnnnnnngggg time.

 

[Fuj]

Not giving up my two Rock Rivers for nobody, especially my favored
Varmint EOP.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Steps to make an AR shoot.
1. Get a good barrel, 20 to 24 inches long.
2. Free float the barrel.
3. Get a good trigger.
4. Fit everything together correctly.
Do all that and there are a number of good loads that will work. ARs are not as easy to shoot off a bench as bolt guns. Some practice will be needed.

 

[Knotwild]

I’ve had good luck with Wilson Arms barrels and using a facing tool on the receiver. Using a 3” picatinny bag rider on the forearm with a decent rest REALLY helped me.

Wilson Arms AR Barrels

 

[lb-ft]

Not the input you’re seeking per se, but I’d save until you can buy a top tier barrel.

I consider myself very fortunate that a stock PSA barrel shoots well enough for me that I’m ok with it until I can save up for a K or B or ??

I’m planning $400+ unless I can snag a sale.

For me, buy once.

 

[SteveOak]

buy a SS Wilson, not Wilson Combat.

I am interested to know how you come by that information.

It is unfortunate Compass Lake is not doing consumer sales any more.

I just had an AR-15 built purely so I could have another match to shoot. It is Varmint Benchrest but limited to AR10/15 gas operated rifles. I am still working on figuring out how best to handle it and the Geissele High Speed - National Match trigger:

First Stage 1.5 - 2.5 lbs.

Second Stage 6.0 - 14 oz.

Total 1.9 - 3.4 lbs pull trigger.

My trigger preferance is in the < 2 oz range. LOL

 

[Oso]

I always start out this path with 2 questions. What is realistic performance that I am trying to obtains while keeping in mind the component quality of the AR15. What is my budget?

Ballistic Advantage barrels are an improvement over a no-name barrel in a cheap rifle, but they are middle of road in performance. My experience with Wilson Combat barrels is that they are better than BA and good value for the money, but the fit/finish of chamber forced me to send back to Wilson Combat. Same happened to a buddy… maybe a fluke, but enough to go elsewhere.

The next tier in quality and price is semi-customs, suchas X-caliber barrels, White Oak, Criterion barrels, etc. These are solid performing barrels. Arguably the best factory barrels are Daniel Defense and JP Enterprises. These two barrels are my first choice unless they don’t offer the cartridge chambering I’m looking for.

Next is full on custom ($600-$800) using a premium barrel blank, such as Bartlein, Krieger, Lija, Brux, Shilen, etc.