rj62
Greenhorn
Posts: 2
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Post by rj62 on Jan 17, 2017 10:14:23 GMT -8
Long time hunter, first time AR builder here (with the help of a very knowledgeable friend on AR builds). I am building this AR to be as lightweight as possible and as accurate as possible of course, as this will be my go to deer and pig gun. It will be a 16" .264 LBC/6.5 Grendel barrel. My buddy who is helping me tried to convince me to go with an AR pistol build, and I plan to second time around, but for my first build, I want a rifle. My question is this: If I go with a mid length gas system and plan to Honeycomb flute the barrel, would there be any problem with going with a light profile barrel or would it be better to go with a standard profile? I would guess the light profile barrel, honeycomb fluted, would be a very light barrel and if there are no issues (accuracy/overheating/etc) with doing that, that is the barrel I plan to purchase. Any ideas out there on this barrel? Thanks in advance.
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Post by peabody on Jan 17, 2017 17:36:38 GMT -8
I think the mass of the barrel will play more into when you see POI shifts due to it heating up from firing. Profiles can play a role with the harmonics, such as on the M4 profile with the cut for mounting a grenade launcher. But I think any of the BHW factory profiles will perform fine.
If you want a light carry gun for hunting and only plan on shooting a few rounds in a go (1-5), I think a lighter profile would do well. A heavier profile lightened with fluting may do equally well, or arguably better. But it will cost more and will take longer to manufacture (unless they have a Ready to Ship item that suits your fancy). I personally would go for a light profile and a free-float hand guard.
If you're hunting close (under 200 yards), a 16" barrel will likely do the job. I have an 18" standard profile 264 LBC with a compensator (about 20" combined) and a 20" 6x6.8 SPC with a target crown (both BHW). The latter barrel is a laser and recoils fine, though the 264 with comp ain't too shabby! I will argue that, in hindsight and based on your goal of a lightweight package, a 20" light profile with target crown is worth considering - especially if you plan to hunt at longer ranges (less that 400 yards). The muzzle rise and recoil on the AR is not so great that you can't stay on target for a follow up shot, if needed - even with a target crown. Also, in my opinion, muzzle attachments can be another source of inaccuracy, as they are extra mass on the end of the barrel and can create heat-related POI shifts due to differing metal expansion rates and tension/torque on the muzzle thread area. Thus, for a light carry gun with great accuracy, I vote for a 18-20" light profile, with target crown... 20" if you want to reach out a little farther.
Yep, them's my opinions, anyway...
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Post by chesapeake on Jan 17, 2017 19:57:48 GMT -8
I agree. 18 or 20" light profile with crown. All that fluting probably removes just a little more weight than the muzzle brake adds. Use a low profile Adjustable gas block. 12" hand guard Ace stock Extra high rings, or light cantilever. Use a 14oz scope rather than a 24oz one.
AR's tend toward heavy and all the bulky add on items increase it quickly.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2017 8:48:18 GMT -8
I would go with a light profile and honeycomb flute the front end. This is going to be your lightest option and still have good accuracy. I would go with a target crown unless you are planning on suppressing it. Muzzle attachments add unneeded weight. Recoil is definitely on the mild side, so not much need for a brake.
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rj62
Greenhorn
Posts: 2
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Post by rj62 on Jan 19, 2017 10:20:45 GMT -8
I would go with a light profile and honeycomb flute the front end. This is going to be your lightest option and still have good accuracy. I would go with a target crown unless you are planning on suppressing it. Muzzle attachments add unneeded weight. Recoil is definitely on the mild side, so not much need for a brake. Thank you. This is what I am looking to do. I will probably suppress it at some point if the law changes. So, you don't recommend fluting the back end? I was going to order online, while on sale, but what you said is not an option unless I call the order in. Would you happen to know if it is cheaper to only flute the front, and was your suggestion because the front end is the only real visible part of the barrel, or was it because of some other consideration? Thanks.
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