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8/29/2016 11:24:14 PM EDT
Looking forward to build a spr kind upper with a custom 18” inch barrel, rifle gas system. I will shoot with a suppressor and that is why I prefer a naturally short gassed rifle gas. I want the barrel to be stiff for both accuracy and suppressor POI shift reasons. I am not happy with my current 20" FN made barrel. Its government profile is not stiff enough. I am deciding among the three profiles but can’t make my mind:

SPR profile; 2.35 lbs
National match profile (Ø.97” under handguard and Ø.750 gas block); 3.1 lbs
Semi bull profile (taper from Ø.97-.93” under hand guard and Ø.875 gas block, Ø.860 to muzzle); 3.3 lbs

I know the heavier one is also stiffer, but, decisions are difficult to make. Someone help me to get the semi-bull profile out of my mind. I'm afraid it is too heavy. Which one to pick for mostly bench shooting and occasion hike in the woods ?

Thank you for your time.
8/29/2016 11:32:16 PM EDT
[#1]
AR barrel profiles is perhaps the worst incidence of compromised engineering due to idiotic events and decision making out there. As an engineer, it drives me crazy.

SPR should work.  There really needs to be more taper options, but most manufacturers make barrels to sell (marketing), not necessarily to perform.
8/29/2016 11:58:31 PM EDT
[#2]
Hanson profile

Ballistic Advantage
8/30/2016 12:34:06 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
AR barrel profiles is perhaps the worst incidence of compromised engineering due to idiotic events and decision making out there. As an engineer, it drives me crazy.

SPR should work.  There really needs to be more taper options, but most manufacturers make barrels to sell (marketing), not necessarily to perform.
View Quote


Could't agree more. Larue has a good taper but I really want rifle gas 18" barrel so they are out.
8/30/2016 1:35:39 AM EDT
[#4]
Little reason to go heavier than the SPR profile, the bull barrel profiles are ridiculous for practical usage.
8/30/2016 7:46:02 AM EDT
[#5]
I have used NM profile a lot. I can't say that I have ever felt like it was too heavy, and I love the way it balances.
8/30/2016 9:15:35 AM EDT
[#6]
Adams Arms Voodoo line has an 18", match grade, 1:7, melonited, and FLUTED barrel that shoots extremely well.  Brother and buddy both shoot this one, and had it existed before I did my SPRish build a few years ago, I would probably own it as well.  You get the heavier profile and most of the stiffness without all the "heavier."  Seems to be the compromise you're looking for.  It's a midlength gas system but that's a small compromise to make I think.

barrel

While on the subject, you mention shooting suppressed.  I HIGHLY recommend an external piston kit.  Keeps the action clean and cool, and you don't get a boatload of gas to the face like you can with the standard DI.  What you spend extra on it is saved not needing a gas-buster charging handle.
9/1/2016 1:24:44 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
Hanson profile

Ballistic Advantage
View Quote


Thank you very much for the mention. Said barrel can be found here: 18" BA Hanson barrel Premium Series
It has a slow taper to the .750 gas block and is just a touch under .750 forward of the gas block. I don't have the specs right in front of me but I believe the 18" Hanson weighs right around 2.5 lbs, maybe a bit heavier. We also make a standard SPR that is a little bit heavier than the Hanson.

Feel free to reach out to us if we can help you in any way.

-Tony @ BA
9/1/2016 1:26:44 PM EDT
[#8]
If you wanted to go even lighter than that, we have a 17.7" Hanson, weighs a touch under 2 lbs.
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