Building your AR15 rifle from scratch can be fun and you’ll get more knowledge on how your rifle works.
With this approach, you may make a better rifle than those premade.
However, whether you’re building a rifle or looking forward to changing an old and worn-out barrel, you must choose carefully, as bullets without a barrel are useless.
With this in mind, we made a list of the best AR15 barrels for your rifle and we will mention a few models for each caliber out there.
A Few Words Before the List
Choosing the right barrel for your rifle is the most important part of the whole process because choosing the wrong barrel may affect your rifle’s accuracy, and durability, and even cause incidents.
We want to avoid this, so let’s make a short throwback on types of calibers and AR15 barrels (if you’re interested, you can read a more detailed guide on AR-15 barrels, here we’ll work only on creating a list).
AR15 chambers:
- 5.56 NATO
- .223 Remington
- 6.5 Grendel
- .300 Blackout
- 6.5 Creedmore
- 9mm
- .223 Wylde
Pay attention to 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington as there are special rules for shooting them interchangeably (check the linked guide above).
However, if you want to use these two types of ammo interchangeably without having to worry about compatibility, go with a .223 Wylde barrel as they can work well with both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington calibers.
Best AR15 Barrel Brands
Faxon Firearms Barrels
When it comes to quality firearm components, Faxon Firearms stands at the forefront of innovation and craftsmanship. With its reputation, Faxon Firearm barrels are renowned among shooting enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Of course, one of their offerings is the Faxon Firearms barrel lineup. These barrels are engineered with precision and made of high-quality materials.
The Faxon Firearms barrel lineup includes various barrels like the most popular 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington chambers, but if you’re going to shoot them interchangeably, you can find them .223 Wylde barrels too.
Precision is another cornerstone of Faxon barrels. Each of their barrels is made with attention to detail and uses only high-quality materials. As a result, Faxon delivers barrels with great concentricity, consistent bore dimensions, and unparalleled accuracy.
Regarding durability and corrosion resistance, Faxon barrels are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use without sacrificing performance. While they may not be as resistant to extreme conditions as some top-tier barrels, they are still built to endure harsh environments and regular wear and tear.
They also strike a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness, making that each shooter gets a reliable barrel without breaking the bank.
It is important to note that Faxon Firearms barrels are affordable, but they are not cheaply made. The company takes pride in its craftsmanship and uses quality materials to make these barrels.
If you’re considering getting one of their barrels you can trust with your investment that the Faxon barrel will perform well and last for a long time.
Ballistic Advantage Barrels
Ballistic Advantage is a manufacturer known for its wide range of high-quality barrels for AR15 rifles. Their barrels come in various profiles referring to the external shape and dimensions.
Each of these profiles offers different benefits and is made for different purposes.
BA barrel profiles:
- Hanson: The Hanson profile is one of Ballistic Advantage’s signature designs. It has a hybrid contour providing a balance between lightweight and construction and improved rigidity. This profile has improved accuracy and heat dissipation.
- Pencil: Slim and lightweight profile, a great choice for reducing rifle weight.
- Government: Traditional and versatile barrel design, mostly used by law enforcement and the military.
- Tactical Government: This profile builds upon the standard Government profile by adding a portion of the barrel with a thicker profile in front of the gas block.
- M4: The M4 profile is similar to the Government profile but with cuts in front of the handguard to accommodate attachments like grenade launchers or bayonets.
- SPR (Special Purpose Rifle): The SPR profile is optimized for precision shooting.
- Heavy: The Heavy profile features a thicker and more robust design throughout the barrel length.
- DRP (Dissipator): The DRP profile is a unique design that combines a lightweight barrel with a full-length handguard.
- Straight: The Straight profile refers to a simple, cylindrical barrel shape without any specific contours or modifications. It provides a standard, no-frills option for those who prefer a basic and straightforward barrel.
In addition to the different profiles, BA offers a variety of calibers to suit different needs. They include calibers like 5.56 NATO, .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout (BLK), 9mm, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester.
The Hanson series barrel, developed by Clint Hanson, represents Ballistic Advatage’s premium offering. It incorporates the Hanson profile, which blends lightweight characteristics with improved accuracy. This barrel is known for its exceptional performance and is highly regarded by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Rainier Arms Barrels
At Rainier Arms, we put lots of effort when it comes to crafting our AR15 barrels. With a strong emphasis on precision craftsmanship and attention to detail, we produce barrels that meet the highest standards.
One of the key features when it comes to our barrels is the wide range of options you can find at our store. You can find our barrels in different profiles, lengths, and calibers which allows you to choose the perfect barrel for your next build. And you can choose from different 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington to the powerful .308 Winchester and versatile 9mm. We also have .223 Wylde barrels suitable for both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington rounds.
Our barrels are designed and made with a focus on performance and durability. Whether you’re seeking enhanced accuracy, improved barrel life, or optimal reliability, our barrels will deliver great results and won’t leave you disappointed.
As for our selection of barrels, you can also find different types of profiles like lightweight, full-flute, and more.
You can take a look at our selection of barrels here: Rainier Arms AR15 Barrels.
Noveske Barrels
Noveske Rifleworks is another highly respected firearm brand known for its top-tier barrels that have gained a reputation for their exceptional quality and performance.
Noveske too offers a wide range of barrel options to cater to various shooting needs. Barrels are available in different calibers, lengths, and profiles, however, Noveske barrels are a little bit costly so if you’re not willing to spend lots of money, their barrels are probably not for you.
However, despite having a little pricey product, these barrels come with great craftsmanship and attention to detail in almost every aspect of the barrel.
One of the hallmarks of Noveske barrels is their great accuracy. The company’s precise machining and strict quality control processes result in barrels that exhibit excellent tolerances and consistency.
In addition to this, Noveske barrels use top-grade materials and employ advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure that their barrels are built to last, providing shooters with reliability and longevity.
Although these barrels are durable and quality, Noveske barrels have a slightly heavier profile compared to some lightweight options. While this can contribute to better stability and durability, it may also result in a slightly heavier firearm, which could be a concern if you prefer weight reduction.
Best AR15 Barrels
1. Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 .223 Wylde Barrel
The Ultramatch barrel is made with a high-quality stainless steel blank and has a special TiN extension. It's 20 inches long and has a twist rate of 1:7.5, which makes it suitable for many different types of shooting and works well with different bullet weights. You can easily attach things to the end of the barrel because it has a thread pitch of 1/2 x 28, and it also has a gas block seat that works with most gas blocks.
The barrel has a chamber called .223 Wylde, which means it can fire both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition. This is great because you don't need to have separate barrels for each type, which saves you money. It also has M4 feed ramps, which help make sure the bullets feed into the gun smoothly and reduce the chances of any problems.
One thing that stands out about this barrel is its special shape, which is designed to find a good balance between accuracy and keeping the weight down. It weighs 2 pounds and 4 ounces, so it helps keep the overall weight of the gun lower.
Price: $400.00
Purchase here!
2. Faxon Firearms 5.56 Chrome Lined 4150 5R Barrel
The CL5R barrels have a special lining that makes them resistant to scratches, wear, and rust, so they last longer. The outside of the barrel is coated with a strong material called manganese phosphate to make it even more durable. The 5R rifling design helps improve accuracy and speed, and the chambers are made to meet specific industry standards for reliability.
Faxon makes these barrels themselves and puts them through tests to make sure they're strong and accurate. They use a type of steel called 4150 GBQ Mil-Spec Steel. The barrel has a special kind of rifling called button rifling in the 5R style, with a twist rate of 1/7, which is good for heavier bullets.
The length of the gas system depends on how long the barrel is: 7.5 inches for pistols, 10.5 inches for carbines, and 16 inches for mid-length setups. The inside of the barrel has a hard chrome finish, which makes it durable and easy to clean. The outside has a manganese phosphate finish, which protects against wear and rust. The end of the barrel is threaded with a size of 1/2-28, so you can easily attach things to it.
The barrel has a gas block with a diameter of .750 inches, and it has a special part that's 1.9 inches long where the gas block goes. You can use a regular gas block with it. The barrel also has a special part called the M4 barrel extension, and it's tested to make sure it's reliable and good quality. The weight of the barrel depends on the length: the 7.5-inch barrel weighs 1 pound 1.8 ounces, the 10.5-inch barrel weighs 1 pound 9.5 ounces, and the 16-inch barrel weighs 2 pounds 5.4 ounces.
Price: $189.00
Purchase here!
3. Ballistic Advantage Modern Series 300BLK Barrel
The Moden Series is a good choice for guns that use .300 Blackout ammunition. The barrel is 9 inches long and made from strong 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel. It has a special finish that protects it from rust and makes it last longer.
The barrel has a design that makes it lighter and more rigid, so it can be used for different kinds of shooting.
The twist rate of the barrel is 1:7 inches, which helps stabilize different bullet weights commonly used with .300 Blackout ammo.
This barrel is made to work well with pistols and shorter guns. It has a special part for the gas system that makes it easy to install. You can use different kinds of gas blocks with it.
The end of the barrel is threaded with a 5/8x24 pitch, so you can attach different things like compensators, suppressors, or muzzle brakes to it.
Price: $152.00
Purchase here!
4. Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 6.5 Grendel Barrel
The Rainier Arms Ultramatch Mod2 6.5 Grendel Barrel is made from a strong and precise stainless steel blank, ensuring it lasts a long time and performs with accuracy. It also has a special TiN extension that adds even more durability and protects against corrosion.
The barrel is 12.5 inches long and has a twist rate of 1:8, which means it's designed to work well with different bullet weights commonly used in 6.5 Grendel cartridges.
At the end of the barrel, there is a threaded muzzle with a pitch size of 5/8x24. This allows you to easily attach muzzle devices like compensators, muzzle brakes, or suppressors to enhance your shooting experience.
Some other notable features of this barrel include a gas block seat with a size of .750, which ensures compatibility with standard gas blocks. It also has a mid-length gas system and M4 feed ramps, which help with smooth cycling and reliable feeding of ammunition. Additionally, it weighs 1 pound 9.3 ounces, making it a lightweight option for your firearm setup.
Price: $400.00
Purchase here!
Read more:
5. Noveske N4 Light 5.56MM Barrel - 16 SB
The Noveske N4 Light 5.5MM Barrel is a top-notch barrel made specifically for 5.56mm rifles. It's constructed from strong Mil-Spec M249 Machine Gun barrel steel, ensuring it's tough and long-lasting. To provide extra protection, the barrel has a heavy M249 Chrome Lining that's about twice as thick as an M4 or M16 barrel.
The extended feed ramps of the barrel make sure that rounds feed reliably and cycle smoothly, improving the overall performance of the firearm. The barrel also goes through rigorous MP (Magnetic Particle) and HP (High-Pressure) testing with certification to guarantee its quality and reliability. These tests ensure that the barrel meets high standards for durability and safety.
Other features of this barrel include a twist rate of 1 in 7 inches, a Mil-Spec Phosphate finish for added corrosion resistance, a mid-length gas system, and a 1/2x28 pitch thread at the end for attaching barrel accessories. Additionally, the barrel has a Noveske switch block that is pinned to it, offering versatility to the firearm.
Price: $570.00
Purchase here!
Final Words
In summary, improving the barrel of your AR15 is an important way to boost the overall performance and accuracy of your rifle. With numerous brands and options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the ideal barrel for your specific requirements.
However, through careful research and analysis, we have identified the leading brands known for consistently delivering outstanding quality and performance.
Additional Reading
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