Best AR-15 Barrels

There are many things to consider when looking for a new barrel, and it can be challenging to determine what you need and what is the best possible choice, whether price, accuracy, or other factors. It’s important not to purchase before considering all of your options and researching, which we will help with within this post. Here are some of the most important factors to consider before making your purchase.

Barrel Length

The barrel length you will need depends on what exact type of firearm or weapon system you are using the barrel with. For example, AR15 rifles typically come in one of three different lengths, including carbine (7-9″ inches), mid-length (9-12″ inches), and rifle (16+ inches). Choosing to go with a shorter barrel for your weapon will reduce the weight and improve maneuverability. However, your accuracy will decrease due to less projectile stabilization from increased bullet velocity. In addition to choosing an AR15 length specifically for your weapon, it’s also possible to choose one that falls between two different sizes, as well as rifles with adjustable or folding stocks that are capable of accommodating different barrel lengths.

Design

No matter what type of AR15 barrel you purchase, it will usually fall into one of three main categories, which include button-rifled, pre-hardened, or hammer forged. All three have unique benefits, making them better for specific applications than the other types.

Button-Rifled Barrels

Button rifling is a manufacturing process that uses a button-shaped tool with a sharp edge to bore out the inside of your barrel, which creates pre-made grooves down the length. This design usually provides the most accurate results, specifically when paired with high-quality ammo.

Pre-Hardened Barrels

A pre-hardened barrel is created by placing steel in a furnace, heating it to its plastic point, and cooling it before it becomes problematic. This design is excellent if you look for a highly durable option that can provide accurate results with most lower-grade ammo.

Hammer Forged Barrels

Finally, a hammer-forged barrel is created by pounding the steel through two hardened steel pins, making grooves down its length. This type of design typically provides the least accurate results because of lower quality manufacturing processes that don’t emphasize creating precise grooves and rifling. However, this type of design is still a popular choice for many shooters because of its overall durability and availability.

Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel

Choosing from stainless steel or carbon steel mostly depends on the specific shooting application you are planning on using it for. Carbon steel profile barrels, also known as chrome-lined barrel, provide excellent corrosion resistance, which is best if you plan to use your barrel for wet and dirty conditions. Stainless steel is more often used by hunters who want to avoid any possibility of corrosion they may experience while hunting in the rain or snow. These barrels will usually only be offered as chrome-lined models because stainless steel doesn’t provide anywhere near the level of protection against rust and corrosion as its carbon counterparts.

Barrel Lining

Most barrels are either chrome-lined or feature a black nitride/nitrate finish applied after the barrel has been machined. Chrome lining provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion while also reducing friction inside the barrel, which improves accuracy over time as long as you properly care for your weapon. Nitride/Nitrate finishes provide an incredibly durable yet thin layer of protection that doesn’t significantly add to your barrel’s overall weight or thickness. This process gives you all of the benefits of chrome lining without any associated downside.

Gas Block Journal

The gas block journal on a barrel is essentially the diameter found right before tapering down towards the gas block. There are two main differences to be aware of: low profile and total diameter. A low-profile design is great when you want to save as much weight as possible because it allows the barrel to taper much sooner than a total diameter one. However, this type of design requires an adjustable gas block because it can limit how much gas reaches the BCG, affecting your cycling and reliability. A full-diameter gas block journal is optimal if you don’t have to worry about recoil or muzzle velocity rise when shooting. This design will usually be heavier than a low-profile one, but it is still an excellent choice for many shooters because it also ensures the most reliable cycling.

AR-15 Barrel Contours

There are many contours to choose from when selecting a new AR-15 barrel, and knowing the specific details associated with each one can help you make a perfect choice. Your first step should be determining what rifle application you intend to use it for, which can provide the best place to start. For instance, the lightest options are usually favored by competition shooters who need them for fast maneuverability during a match. However, these might not be optimal for someone who wants to use their barrel for varmint hunting because they typically feature very thin barrels which don’t provide the necessary durability.

A medium contour is excellent if you shop for an AR-15 used around heavy brushes or medium-sized hunting games. This type of contour will typically be the most durable while also thicker than some lighter barrels, which can help reduce any potential accuracy issues caused by warping under heavier recoil. The heaviest contours are usually reserved for precision shooters who want to add as much weight as possible to their barrel to help reduce recoil and muzzle rise when firing. These barrels will usually be the thickest ones, which can decrease potential accuracy because of alignment issues when placed under heavier recoil.