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Posted: 1/29/2004 1:10:39 PM EDT
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I just got a Rock River Arms 20" A2 and noticed that the barrel is a good bit thicker than the military style. It also gets even thicker under the handguard. I was wondering why this is. Also, what is the benefit to a thinner taper other than weight? And are different parts used for different sized barrels? |
| It sounds like it is a Heavy Barrel Profile or more commonly called HBAR. A smaller barrel has the benefit of less weight but will heat up more quickly than an HBAR. Most parts (barrel extension, muzzle brakes, front sight post) are the same regardless of the barrel profile. There are some barrels with a "pencil profile" that have sight posts and muzzle brakes that are made for the smaller profile. |
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Quoted: I was wondering why this is. The primary reason is the barrel is much more simple and cheaper for the manufacturer to produce... Colt originally introduced the HBAR and convinced the AR buyer that it was superior because it was heavier, when in reality Colt was simply attempting to cut costs. IF you are using F/A, the heavy barrel does have uses in regards to heat, but the average AR owner doesn't get much benefit from the barrel. Unfortunately, whatever Colt does, the other manufacturers follow, and the HBAR was born. AR smiths like Kurt at KKF have made a real industry out of reprofiling barrels and returning the AR to what it was intended to be, not the anchor it has become. edited due to lack of coffee... |
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