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Posted: 5/16/2026 1:14:44 PM EDT
| I am trying to build a AR10 before my states awb goes into effect. What is a good quality barrel manufacturer. I can not afford the top of the line so I am looking for a good mid tier. |
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For affordability, I'd look at Ballistic Advantage when on sale at various vendors. I rag on BA at times due to some bad experiences with three of their .223 barrels, which I detailed in depth here some years ago with pics, but their .308 barrels (about six of them) have delivered great accuracy and did live up to their MOA guarantee. I've been happy with Wilson Combat, Rock River Arms, and X-Caliber as well but those are above the $300 mark. |
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Originally Posted By rookie421: I will have to check them out. Do you guys have a prefered company to buy from or BA directly? Like i said, with an awb looming, i am looking to get it quickly since I can keep what I have once the law kicks in. Prices at other places are generally lower than buying from BA directly, below are some places to look: BKings Firearms AR15 Discounts Black Rifle Depot Dirty Bird Industries |
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Hard to beat BA for the price, but for about $100 more (which is almost double the price...) you can source a match grade barrel from Deadshot Barrels. That's the cheapest best barrel I have come across for 308. In between BA and DSB you have KAK, AndroCorp, Diamondback, and lastly Bear Creek Arsenal. All those will be mid $100s or maybe cheaper if you shop around. |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Prices at other places are generally lower than buying from BA directly, below are some places to look: BKings Firearms AR15 Discounts Black Rifle Depot Dirty Bird Industries Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Originally Posted By rookie421: I will have to check them out. Do you guys have a prefered company to buy from or BA directly? Like i said, with an awb looming, i am looking to get it quickly since I can keep what I have once the law kicks in. Prices at other places are generally lower than buying from BA directly, below are some places to look: BKings Firearms AR15 Discounts Black Rifle Depot Dirty Bird Industries I have not heard of any of those companies. I checked them out and none of them carry the 20 inch 308 barrel. I think one had a 19 inch. I'll keep those in mind if I can not find the 20 inch I am hoping for. |
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Originally Posted By mercdank: Hard to beat BA for the price, but for about $100 more (which is almost double the price...) you can source a match grade barrel from Deadshot Barrels. That's the cheapest best barrel I have come across for 308. In between BA and DSB you have KAK, AndroCorp, Diamondback, and lastly Bear Creek Arsenal. All those will be mid $100s or maybe cheaper if you shop around. I checked out DSB and my only issue is the lead time. They state 3-8 weeks and the awb kicks in on July 1st. There is a good chance it would not make it in time. I might give them a call tomorrow and see what there current turn around time is. Thank you for suggesting them. |
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Originally Posted By rookie421: I have not heard of any of those companies. I checked them out and none of them carry the 20 inch 308 barrel. I think one had a 19 inch. I'll keep those in mind if I can not find the 20 inch I am hoping for. I've found the 18" barrels to be a great choice... will do anything a 20" will do but a little less length and weight. The AR10 is heavy enough as it is, I suggest you consider an 18" barrel unless there's a specific reason you want 20". Both of these are 18" barrels...   My 7mm-08 and .338 Federal builds are also 18". I did go 20" on the .243 because that's how Rock River made them, but if they offered an 18" version I'd have gone that route as well. |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: I've found the 18" barrels to be a great choice... will do anything a 20" will do but a little less length and weight. The AR10 is heavy enough as it is, I suggest you consider an 18" barrel unless there's a specific reason you want 20". Both of these are 18" barrels... https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q70/923/XHun5n.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q70/924/PMqB2V.jpg My 7mm-08 and .338 Federal builds are also 18". I did go 20" on the .243 because that's how Rock River made them, but if they offered an 18" version I'd have gone that route as well. I wanted to get into some longer range shooting at some future point and thought the 20 inch would help with that. I not sure if I can get another barrel once the awb goes into affect so I wanted to get the longest that made sense. I would be interest in your thoughts on this now that you know my motivation and intended use. |
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Originally Posted By rookie421: I wanted to get into some longer range shooting at some future point and thought the 20 inch would help with that. I not sure if I can get another barrel once the awb goes into affect so I wanted to get the longest that made sense. I would be interest in your thoughts on this now that you know my motivation and intended use. There are a lot of factors to shooting at distance, and by distance, I mean 600 yards and beyond. Of all the factors that will effect performance using the .308 Win round, lacking 2" of barrel is low on the list. Not that it scientifically won't make a difference, but the degree of that difference is arguable. |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: There are a lot of factors to shooting at distance, and by distance, I mean 600 yards and beyond. Of all the factors that will effect performance using the .308 Win round, lacking 2" of barrel is low on the list. Not that it scientifically won't make a difference, but the degree of that difference is arguable. Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Originally Posted By rookie421: I wanted to get into some longer range shooting at some future point and thought the 20 inch would help with that. I not sure if I can get another barrel once the awb goes into affect so I wanted to get the longest that made sense. I would be interest in your thoughts on this now that you know my motivation and intended use. There are a lot of factors to shooting at distance, and by distance, I mean 600 yards and beyond. Of all the factors that will effect performance using the .308 Win round, lacking 2" of barrel is low on the list. Not that it scientifically won't make a difference, but the degree of that difference is arguable. Thanks. I kind of screwed myself. I wanted to build this for a while and put it off then, my state govt went stupid and passed a awb so I am under the gun to grt the parts while I can. |
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These are in-stock and ready to ship according to the vendor: Ballistic Advantage 18" Rifle Length Gas, Fluted Ballistic Advantage 18" from BKings Wilson Combat 18" Rifle Length Gas Wilson Combat Super Sniper If you can spend the few extra dollars, I'd ump on that Wilson Combat barrel and not look back. I have their 18" in .338 Federal and their 16" in .358 Winchester and both have shot very well with hand loads. |
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Do it all barrel? Chrome lined is what I’d want (what I use) and I’d look no further than Criterion. Match barrel? Best option is to buy an extension, SS tube of your choice and take or send it to a gunsmith of your choice. Easy button is Craddock, Lothar Walther etc…. I don’t gamble with barrels, just its the hart of the rifle. |
If a 147 grn 9mm at 1000 FPS is the hammer of Thor then a 165 grn. 40 at 1200 fps must a lightening bolt from Zeus!
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Craddok RTR Criterion I would definately go with a Craddok or Criterion. IF or Until this AWB gets struck down you won't have the chance to build another one. So get the best you can afford and stretch it a bit. I'm in CT. I went through the same thing. I chose an SR25 ECC/M110K1 for my 308 AR for life when had to choose. |
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Specifically this 18 inch, rifle gas, nitrided Criterion In stock, relatiovely lightweight and under $400.00 |
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I have the upper mocked up, I am still figuring out what handguard i want to get. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By switchback7: what is that abomination on the end of that barrel!? lol It is a Barrett style break. It looks like it should help with recoil. I bought 2 breaks, maybe this one is more to your liking. Attached File I'll try both and keep the onion the rifle that bests handles recoil. |
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AH! A fellow Virginian! I have been in the same boat. Have always wanted a AR10 but always put it off as there aren't many true long range places here after i lost the farm i used to shoot at. I have a bolt gun in 6.5 creedmoor and an AR15 in 6.5 grendel, so the need wasn't that great. But then they said i cant have one, SO i had to get one! I wish i had the money and time to get a side charging JP LRP-07 LRI-20 in 308. But i couldn't find one. If you are on reddit, look at the r/VAGuns subbreddit. They have a pinned post on a mega thread of all the companies that will still ship to Virginia after July 1st. https://www.reddit.com/r/VAGuns/comments/1typepw/va_guns_company_shipping_policy_tracker/ I cant wait to see how the rest of the build goes! Is that a Gibbs upper? |
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| If you suspect it's going to affect your ability to buy parts for the foreseeable future, you may want to spend the extra for something like a Criterion chrome-lined barrel (around 350 from brownells, a site sponsor!). The longevity afforded will certainly pay dividends many years from now if you're still stuck in a bad situation. |
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Originally Posted By MDStroup: AH! A fellow Virginian! I have been in the same boat. Have always wanted a AR10 but always put it off as there aren't many true long range places here after i lost the farm i used to shoot at. I have a bolt gun in 6.5 creedmoor and an AR15 in 6.5 grendel, so the need wasn't that great. But then they said i cant have one, SO i had to get one! I wish i had the money and time to get a side charging JP LRP-07 LRI-20 in 308. But i couldn't find one. If you are on reddit, look at the r/VAGuns subbreddit. They have a pinned post on a mega thread of all the companies that will still ship to Virginia after July 1st. https://www.reddit.com/r/VAGuns/comments/1typepw/va_guns_company_shipping_policy_tracker/ I cant wait to see how the rest of the build goes! Is that a Gibbs upper? That is a Gibbz side charger. The lower I got is out of spec is i dropped it off yesterday to get a few things done so I can use it. I hope to have the lower back within the month. |
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Originally Posted By Tamarit_167: If you suspect it's going to affect your ability to buy parts for the foreseeable future, you may want to spend the extra for something like a Criterion chrome-lined barrel (around 350 from brownells, a site sponsor!). The longevity afforded will certainly pay dividends many years from now if you're still stuck in a bad situation. I agree. BUT! Criterion said fuck commies. They said they will continue to keep shipping things to Virginia as they don't recognize unjust laws. So you can keep buying as usual. I think Rooftop defense was actually the one who actually said fuck commies in a response email. But still. Originally Posted By rookie421: That is a Gibbz side charger. The lower I got is out of spec is i dropped it off yesterday to get a few things done so I can use it. I hope to have the lower back within the month. Damn! I am sorry to hear about the lower! I hope everything goes well. They are great uppers! I hope it serves you well. I always wanted to use one in a build. I wanted to get parts for a build, but i got a Zion 25 DMR at an amazing price, so i couldn't say no. Originally Posted By wvfarrier: Avoid Rainier Ultramatch barrels, absolute garbage I am curious, why? Those used to be reguarded as some of the best noncustom barrels. |
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Originally Posted By MDStroup: I agree. BUT! Criterion said fuck commies. They said they will continue to keep shipping things to Virginia as they don't recognize unjust laws. So you can keep buying as usual. I think Rooftop defense was actually the one who actually said fuck commies in a response email. But still. Damn! I am sorry to hear about the lower! I hope everything goes well. They are great uppers! I hope it serves you well. I always wanted to use one in a build. I wanted to get parts for a build, but i got a Zion 25 DMR at an amazing price, so i couldn't say no. I am curious, why? Those used to be reguarded as some of the best noncustom barrels. There's truth in his statement. I had an ultramatch that wouldn't do better than 1.5", usually 2" or worse at 100 with multiple known-good loads and 4 different shooters. Rainier was communicative during the process of troubleshooting, which included a trued upper face and bedded extension. Eventually because i bedded the extension (on their suggestion) they decided not to offer any support like an exchange or refund. It was several years ago, so I remain hopeful they've improved but every now and again someone else posts about their rainier barrel not shooting well. Swapped it for a Wilson Combat and have been loving life ever since, 5 at 100 is at WORST 1.2ish, usually .7-.8" My 6.5C has a Criterion and it's spectacular as well, similar to the .308. I suspect I'm the weak point in the equation at this point, but it's nice knowing the rigs are at least as accurate as I am. 
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Originally Posted By MDStroup: I agree. BUT! Criterion said fuck commies. They said they will continue to keep shipping things to Virginia as they don't recognize unjust laws. So you can keep buying as usual. I think Rooftop defense was actually the one who actually said fuck commies in a response email. But still. Damn! I am sorry to hear about the lower! I hope everything goes well. They are great uppers! I hope it serves you well. I always wanted to use one in a build. I wanted to get parts for a build, but i got a Zion 25 DMR at an amazing price, so i couldn't say no. I am curious, why? Those used to be reguarded as some of the best noncustom barrels. Thanks, I figure it should be able to be fixed. It is my fault for waiting so long that there were not any options except wyat I got. |
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Originally Posted By MDStroup: I agree. BUT! Criterion said fuck commies. They said they will continue to keep shipping things to Virginia as they don't recognize unjust laws. Yeah, I mean it's not like the government has ever gotten a court order to force a business to hand over online/credit card sales records to then use that as evidence to arrest people for violating the law(s) in their own state.  Now there's not much they can do if someone pays cash FTF out of state for non-serialized components, or 80s. Granted that would of course still be illegal but then, so was helping slaves escape to freedom at one point.
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Originally Posted By Tamarit_167: Yeah, I mean it's not like the government has ever gotten a court order to force a business to hand over online/credit card sales records to then use that as evidence to arrest people for violating the law(s) in their own state. Now there's not much they can do if someone pays cash FTF out of state for non-serialized components, or 80s. Granted that would of course still be illegal but then, so was helping slaves escape to freedom at one point. The Virginia ban does not restrict parts at all. It also does not prevent you from making changes to your grandfathered "assault weapon." After July 1st, I can buy new parts and replace everything but the lower on my AR and won't be breaking any laws. Nobody is getting a court order because no crime was committed. |
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Originally Posted By Gotterdammerung: The Virginia ban does not restrict parts at all. It also does not prevent you from making changes to your grandfathered "assault weapon." After July 1st, I can buy new parts and replace everything but the lower on my AR and won't be breaking any laws. Nobody is getting a court order because no crime was committed. Originally Posted By Gotterdammerung: Originally Posted By Tamarit_167: Yeah, I mean it's not like the government has ever gotten a court order to force a business to hand over online/credit card sales records to then use that as evidence to arrest people for violating the law(s) in their own state. Now there's not much they can do if someone pays cash FTF out of state for non-serialized components, or 80s. Granted that would of course still be illegal but then, so was helping slaves escape to freedom at one point. The Virginia ban does not restrict parts at all. It also does not prevent you from making changes to your grandfathered "assault weapon." After July 1st, I can buy new parts and replace everything but the lower on my AR and won't be breaking any laws. Nobody is getting a court order because no crime was committed. My fear is that with the law passed that gun companies can be sued, companies will not sell parts like threaded barrels for fear of the state coming after them. |
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Originally Posted By rookie421: My fear is that with the law passed that gun companies can be sued, companies will not sell parts like threaded barrels for fear of the state coming after them. Kinda like how places stopped selling to Washington after their ban out of fear of what will happen. A lot of business already are stopping selling parts and it sucks as some were my favorites like B King. |
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Originally Posted By MDStroup: Kinda like how places stopped selling to Washington after their ban out of fear of what will happen. A lot of business already are stopping selling parts and it sucks as some were my favorites like B King. That is why I hurried to grt my lower,upper abd barrel. I think those might be hard to grtgoing forward. |
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Originally Posted By Gotterdammerung: The Virginia ban does not restrict parts at all. It also does not prevent you from making changes to your grandfathered "assault weapon." After July 1st, I can buy new parts and replace everything but the lower on my AR and won't be breaking any laws. Nobody is getting a court order because no crime was committed. So then why are so many companies unable to sell to VA after the ban takes effect? If they aren't selling serialized receivers, why are they not allowed to send anything into the state after the drop-dead date? Why is it so important that criterion said "fuck commies" (i'd love to see where they said that too but I'm sure it won't be shared) claiming it's an unjust law? Criterion doesn't make AR lowers, so if that's all that's being banned why is it a big deal? |
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Originally Posted By Tamarit_167: So then why are so many companies unable to sell to VA after the ban takes effect? If they aren't selling serialized receivers, why are they not allowed to send anything into the state after the drop-dead date? Why is it so important that criterion said "fuck commies" (i'd love to see where they said that too but I'm sure it won't be shared) claiming it's an unjust law? Criterion doesn't make AR lowers, so if that's all that's being banned why is it a big deal? Originally Posted By Tamarit_167: Originally Posted By Gotterdammerung: The Virginia ban does not restrict parts at all. It also does not prevent you from making changes to your grandfathered "assault weapon." After July 1st, I can buy new parts and replace everything but the lower on my AR and won't be breaking any laws. Nobody is getting a court order because no crime was committed. So then why are so many companies unable to sell to VA after the ban takes effect? If they aren't selling serialized receivers, why are they not allowed to send anything into the state after the drop-dead date? Why is it so important that criterion said "fuck commies" (i'd love to see where they said that too but I'm sure it won't be shared) claiming it's an unjust law? Criterion doesn't make AR lowers, so if that's all that's being banned why is it a big deal? I am sorry. I completely forgot about this thread. I will come back with the exact laws and response from certain places. The long and short is that the AWB is one small piece. They passed about 35+ laws and all of them together are a weird web of contradiction. One of them allows them to sue anyone who sells guns parts to Virginia that could be made into an assault weapon. Alot of places are refusing to sell because of that till things are looked at by lawyers or just period. |
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Got the upper and lower back today. Here are 2 mock up pics. Lots of stuff needs tightening. The stock has to go on a bit more and locked in. I now need to remove the bolt carrier release so I can put the mag release on and then reinstall the bolt carrier release. i'll get a bcg, handguard and some sights and it should be ready to hit the range. Attached File Attached File |
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