Is this a good deal?

StealthESW · Jan 18, 2012

I found this on the Spike's Tactical website.

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st-fn-cold-hammer-forged-16-midlength-barrel-556-p-830.html

16" Mid-Length 1 in 7 Twist
Cold Hammer Forged
Hard Chrome Lined to M249 Mil-Spec (Supposedly thicker than a standard M4 barrel.)
For $199.

StealthESW · Jan 19, 2012

Well, I was hoping for some feedback on this barrel before I drop a couple hundred on it.

Matt1911 · Jan 19, 2012

I wish I could say yes or no, but it's been a while since I've price shopped for barrels.
Being chrome lined with mid length gas and 1/7 twist it doesn't seem too bad of a deal. I don't think I would be disappointed if I were buying it for my build.

brandt9913 · Jan 19, 2012

StealthESW said:
Well, I was hoping for some feedback on this barrel before I drop a couple hundred on it.

No clue about the Spikes barrel you are looking at, but Chambers and Rusty both speak highly of the 16" Wilson barrel that Nordic sells.

http://shop.nordiccomp.com/Wilson-Nordic-AR-Rifle-Barrel-Stainless-16-BBL-223-16M-WIL.htm

Matt1911 · Jan 19, 2012

Damn fine barrel right there.

StealthESW · Jan 19, 2012

I like it too. For the difference though I like the color and 1/7 twist on the Spike's. Also, the Spike's is between the government profile and a lightweight barrel.

What is the benefit of the cold hammer forged barrel? I think the barrel on my old glock was CHF.

brandt9913 · Jan 19, 2012

StealthESW said:
I like it too. For the difference though I like the color and 1/7 twist on the Spike's. Also, the Spike's is between the government profile and a lightweight barrel.

What is the benefit of the cold hammer forged barrel? I think the barrel on my old glock was CHF.

Cold hammer forged is less accurate than one made of solid stock. I know this is a big deal for the bench rest and prone guys trying to shoot 1/2 MOA at 600 and 1000 yds. I don't know if it matters that much for less than 600 yds and shooting a semi auto rifle. It is cheaper to produce the cold hammer forged barrel.

StealthESW · Jan 19, 2012

I know Noveske uses FN made CHF barrels. And I thought they were fairly accurate.

brandt9913 · Jan 19, 2012

StealthESW said:
I know Noveske uses FN made CHF barrels. And I thought they were fairly accurate.

I'm not trying to say CHF barrels can not be accurate. They are just cheaper to make. This may be a bad example, but think of the argument of a bolt gun vs a semi auto. Given the same quality components, bolt gun is more accurate, but both are usually more accurate than the shooter.

Good CHF barrels are easily sub MOA. Just don't expect them to be 1/2 MOA.