I am interested in getting feedback from folks on what their preferred barrels are for an AR15. I am building one and am at the point where I need to decide what barrel I want to use. This is my first build so any guidance would be appreciated.
You need to give a little more info on what your plans are for this build. If you are building a precision rifle you will be looking at a different barrel than if you just want to build a rifle to burn up ammo. Right now barrels are slim picking, so you may have to settle for what you can get.
Sorry, I should have provided more details. My plans are to build a precision rifle that I can take to the range and shot longer range. I was thinking that I would want to go with a 20 inch barrel. Ideally, I would like to get one with a 1:7 twist. I have a Spikes Tactical lower and just bought a stripped upper from AeroPrecision.
1-7 or 1-8 twist, heavy barrel. best you can afford, or FIND . get a free float tube to begin with ,you'll love yourself for it. groups will be much better!
The last one that I purchased was a Noveske Match 18" with 1in7 twist mounted free float. It was for the same purpose, and I am very happy with it. With the right ammo I will have shots touching at 100 yards. I have a RR match 2 stage trigger that also helps.
It is so much fun to build, and then experiment with different ammo to get the best results. Have fun!!
Another big recommendation for Frank White at Compass Lake, I have bought both Douglas and Kreiger fom him. Franks machining is so precise that when a friend changed out his old Compass Lake barrel for a new one his sight dope was exactly the same.
I couldn't tell the diff between my Douglass and Krieger, next time I'll save the money and buy another Douglass.
I've got an 18" 1:8 Rifle Length Gas SS HBAR by Black Hole Weaponry on my SPRgery...its sub-MOA with Hornady 75gr Steel Match ammo and shoots half-MOA 5-shot groups with 77gr Nosler CCs and 8208XBR.
Same... I got one for my 308. Absolute tack driver at 250yds. Never had the chance to take it further than that but I have no doubts it would perform beautifully.