AR barrel decision

FortyMikeMike · May 14, 2015

I've built several lowers and matched them to barreled upper assmblies, but thought it would be cool to peice together my complete upper this time.

I decided to go with Nordic for the receiver (prize table pick) and barrel. However, I'm torn between their 16in midlength and 18in rifle length barrels.

I always hear rifle length gas is better/softer than midlength. I've only owned mid and carbine gas guns so I'm in the dark on that.

Virtually all of my shooting right now is inside 200 yards, so the lighter and shorter 16in is appealing. Plus I've heard great things about its accuracy for being a shorter barrel. If I get more into 3 gun and get hit with longer stages, will I regret not having more barrel?

Or am I over thinking all this?

Handgaurd I'm going with is the Diamondhead VRS-T, and probably a JM comp.

twss · May 14, 2015

I'm thinking personal preference on this one. Shorter barrel, less weight, possibly faster transitions. Longer barrel and gas is heavier, possibly slower transitions, but will have a higher bullet velocity. Everything is a trade off. Neither of your choices are going to be a good excuse for not winning. That's on you. Pick what you want and shoot the piss out of it.

I like 20" barrels personally, but I'm a weirdo.

bullittmcqueen · May 15, 2015

I've switched completely to 16". My barrel is called the Stretch-16 and its turned by McGowen and sold through StrongSide Tactical. It may be just what you're looking for. I don't want to kill you too much with marketing on the forums but I helped design it because I wanted a barrel that shot as soft as an 18" rifle gas in a 16" package. For what its worth, the Nordic 18" is the only other barrel I would probably want at this point, but I like the Stretch better. If you want more info send me a PM.

striped1 · May 15, 2015

The biggest question I have is when is it going to be back in stock?

bullittmcqueen · May 15, 2015

McGowen has been really backed up for some reason. Lew told me he was promised barrels 2 weeks ago and they still havent shipped. Any day now is the word. He is taking a priority list if you want to order and have one shipped as soon as they arrive.

I don't want to thread hijack.

FortyMikeMike · May 15, 2015

That stretch 16 looks interesting, I like the idea of the longer gas system. If I go 16in though, the Nordic is $100+ cheaper and in stock.

An 18 inch will still provide a little more velocity than any 16 inch will.

BrandonM(TWSS) said:
I like 20" barrels personally, but I'm a weirdo.

Enjoy feeling like you're operating a crane out there? haha. Do you balance it out somehow, or just he-man the extra weight up front?

wgm2011 · May 15, 2015

Check over on the Enos forum. Some of us have had problems with the Nordic 16" barrels and accuracy. Several indicated they sent them back to Nordic for repairs. It may just have been a bad lot last fall.

I've never heard any complaints about their 18" barrels.

hunter_dmw12 · May 15, 2015

i have 2 16 inch nordics and love them. I have never had a problem with them being accurate. plus buying from a boomer shooter sponsor is always a great thing. Support the ones that support us.

twss · May 15, 2015

I'm 6'2" and 240lbs. A few ounces up front never hurt.

Matt1911 · May 15, 2015

I have a 16" mid length and an 18" rifle length gas. The 18" is noticeably softer shooting and recovering for a follow up shot is easier, but I don't worry as much about ports with the 16"
If most of your shooting is closer hoser stuff with tight ports I would go with the 16". Longer range and minimal ports, I'm taking the 18"

racnsoonr · May 15, 2015

I love my Satern 18" I got from www.makereadyproshop.com. probably in stock knowing Tony

FortyMikeMike · May 15, 2015

Thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate it.

I'm going to go with the 18 inch barrel on this one. I want to work on my long range game anyway, and I'm liking the idea of rifle length gas.

If I want to change things up and shoot something really lightweight I could abscond with my fiance's 16in gun once and a while...

Definitely excited to show Nordic some love on this build, they're a great company.

FortyMikeMike · May 15, 2015

Jason Grant said:
I love my Satern 18" I got from www.makereadyproshop.com. probably in stock knowing Tony

Looks like he has the Diamondhead VRS-T handgaurd I want, even the 15in model...

Matt1911 · May 15, 2015

Tony is the local drug dealer.

Wall · May 16, 2015

MikeF said:
Looks like he has the Diamondhead VRS-T handgaurd I want, even the 15in model...

I have the 18" nordic barrel as well

FortyMikeMike · May 16, 2015

So, should I sign my next paycheck to Make Ready Pro Shop, or Tony "The Enabler" Wall?

As far as gas blocks go, I always hear about adjustable gas being the thing to do. I'm running a standard BCG and A2 buffer/spring, would I benefit from one of those?

Matt1911 · May 16, 2015

MikeF said:
So, should I sign my next paycheck to Make Ready Pro Shop, or Tony "The Enabler" Wall?
As far as gas blocks go, I always hear about adjustable gas being the thing to do. I'm running a standard BCG and A2 buffer/spring, would I benefit from one of those?

Some like the adjustable gas block.
I personally have had 2 different ones close up on me during a match which gave me a single shot rifle. I'm done with adjustable gas blocks. There really isn't much of an advantage to using one when you have a good comp, a lightened bcg, lightened buffer, and rifle length gas.

Wall · May 16, 2015

Without a lightened carrier you won't see a big advantage from an adj. block (some but not huge) because the block will have to be adjusted a lot more open to operate with the full mass carrier. But, when you move to a lightened carrier you will need an adj. block to see the full benefit. I wouldn't run a lightened carrier without an adj. block, some do, just personally wouldn't. It's like going to all the trouble to lighten your pistol slide & then using the full power recoil spring & full power ammo.

drmitchgibson · May 16, 2015

You get more benefit from a compensator than you do from using adjustable gas with a full mass carrier. I would tie the low-mass carrier and adjustable gas block into one purchase or at least one install. I feel like adjusable gas and a low-mass carrier are a better payoff than a compensator.