10-24-2010, 11:20 AM
(10-24-2010, 10:46 AM)PRIME_Ω_PREDATOR Wrote: What kind of cost are you guys talking about with the upgraded barrels? I'm looking to build a decent carbine without breaking the bank. I could buy a STAG M-8 for around $1100 but when you add the optics and quad rail and other items your easily looking at close to $2000. I could see putting an upgraded barrel on a long range rifle but I'm building something that will be used in urban and suburban areas and home/personal defense.
Almost all the accuracy potential in the AR platform comes from the barrel quality. Add a free float tube and most will easily shoot under 1 moa with handloads. With that in mind, it's relatively easy to build a .5 moa AR for under $1200.
A typical DPMS, Oly or RRA barrel will shoot 1 moa off the shelf with handloads if it's floated and not chrome lined. I have a Model 1 lightweight with a Shaw barrel that shot .75 moa with 69gr Sierra Match Kings when it was new. Of course, if you're shooting bulk 55gr ammo, then you're really not going to see the potential of the gun anyhow........
Anyhow, the best buy for an accurate barrel for the money is a White Oak Armament barrel. For stainless and M4 ramped, they are under $300. I've had two and built two more guns off of those barrels and with 77gr Noslers they all shot .5 moa or better.
This does not mean, however, that this will translate to lighter bullets. The WOA barrels are 1:7 twist and they love the heavy bullets, but shoot 2+ moa with bulk 55gr ammo. In contrast I have a DPMS barreled 1:9 Clark Gator (guranteed .5 moa) that will shoot 69gr SMK at .5 moa and 77gr Noslers at 1.5 moa. So....although the Gator is not my most accurate rifle, it is the most accurate rifle when using a wide variety of ammo.....and would probably a better choice for someone who is only shooting shelf ammo.