Zmego Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 I am very new to 3 gun and I am just got the go ahead from my wife to finish my "budget build" AR. I think I have most everything figured out except for the barrel length and the gas system length. The few matches I have shot I used a 18 inch mid length and did very well and had no recoil issues. Problem is I am very impatient and am having a hard time finding 18 inch barrels in stock anywhere...at least on my budget. Is there any advantage to going with a 18" over 16"? Is the main difference between rifle and mid-length gas systems recoil? Any and all advice is welcomed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskapopo Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 The main difference is the rifle vs mid length gas. Otherwise there is not much practical difference in accuracy or shootability. pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviesterno Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 switching from a 16" carbine gas system to an 18" rifle length with JP gas block meant such a reduction in recoil that my split time improved and I never come off target when the shot breaks. as far as length? It's not as important as what you do with it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
assaulter Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Have you checked with Nordic Components? That have an excellent 18" barrel with rifle length gas system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shooter115 Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 (edited) The NC barrel is a good option. Personally I think the best buy going as far as barrels are concerned is the 18" DPMS Mark 12 barrel made by Wilson. They were just on sale at Midway for $160 last month and comes with a gas block and tube. One of my AR's has a 20" Kreiger heavy contour, one aother I have a 16" Lother Walther barrel. Both are easy sub-MOA rifles, but the one that will out-group them both happens to be the Mark 12 barrel. Shouldn't be, but it is. Edited September 10, 2012 by Shooter115 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepswithdogs Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 People are really talking about the DPMS barrel. Lots of people are paying way more and getting less accuracy. Tar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
co-exprs Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Nordic barrel= good. DPMS Mark12= Heavy. If you don't often shoot beyond 400, a 16" barrel will get the job done and might even be preferred. There will be no noticable difference in accuracy inside of 400. If you frequently shoot beyond 400, the additional velocity will serve you well. Rifle length gas is nice and does help a little when chasing that last little bit of recoil refinement, but a good tunable comp (such as the rolling thunder) will make that 16" handle very flat and smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 I completely forgot about NC, it looks like they have some 18's in stock and that might do me in. I have looked at the DPMS Mark 12 but I was a little hesitant because of the weight. 2.65LBS sounds like a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shooter115 Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 (edited) The actual difference in weight is only 4 oz, but it's also $110 cheaper. I didn't say it was the very best barrel, but I do think it's the best "bang for your buck" barrel. When I built my game rifle, budget was an issue with a new baby on the way. After shooting it for almost a year I'm not disappointed in my choice one bit. In fact I just bought another when they were on sale last month. You can read the original thread on it here. Budget 3-gun build If you've got the cash go for the Nordic. It's a great barrel, from a great company, run by great folks. They have outstanding customer service and do a ton to support the shooting sports. Edited September 10, 2012 by Shooter115 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now