I've been working on my first build since July, ordering a part here, a part there. I'm to the point where I need a barrel and I'm torn. Here's the Evil Black Rifle thus far:



I want a 16" mid-length fluted (I like the look) 5.56 or .223 Wylde pipe. 1/7 or 1/8 twist is fine with me. My handguard is 10", so I will have about 1/4" of gas block exposed. This is primarily going to be a range/fun rifle (for now) with a 3-9x40 scope. What I've narrowed the field to:

Voodoo $299
https://dsgarms.com/aarvdibrl-16-m-m-f-556-ss-t


I was originally dead set on keeping the rifle all black. I like the 1/8 twist. This one fits the bill. I've had an extremely hard time finding fluted barrels with a black finish.

Wilson Combat $325
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Combat-Match-Grade-Barrel-556-NATO-Recon-Tactical-16-1-7-Twist-Stainless-Fluted/productinfo/TR-556RC16F-17/

So as time went on, I started thinking about going the natural stainless route.

Northtech Defense $415
http://northtechdefense.com/products/barrels/ar15-barrels-16-223/

I could step it up in price a bit and snag this guy with a Wylde chamber.

Rainier Arms $325
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-selecttm-5-56mm-fluted-barrel-16-ss

This is the 'flashier' option that I'm considering. I kinda like the spiral flutes. Am I crazy?

Any opinions? Any suggestions I haven't listed? Keep the rifle black or go with the natural stainless? I've also considered having Black Hole Weaponry build me a barrel. Price would be in line with the Northtech. I appreciate any input!

I have an 18" Lothar Walther SPR barrel for sale. If you want accuracy, you won't be disappointed. Less than 100 rounds thru it, coated desert tan. Can recoat black if you buy it.

tx, I appreciate the offer, but I'm set on a 16". I've already purchased the handguard and it would expose more barrel than I'd like on an 18incher.

On another note, this build is based on the Spikes lower I got from your dad a few month's back. Had it shipped to 03ki11erAG's shop in Ft Worth. The whole transaction was extremely easy. I wasn't planning on a build until you announced the group buy, then I thought 'what the hell' and here I am. It's been a fun project.

I would also look at White Oak Armament. They chamber almost all of theirs in .223 Wylde

Nice build so far. I don't have an educated opinion on the barrel beyond being a big fan of the natural stainless look. Not sure I'd go with spiral flutes, but the standard stainless fluted barrel is a great look.

BTW.... what handguard is that?

I can't speak as to the VooDoo barrel you're looking at, but I'm running a 16" Mid Length EVO Ultra Lite and I've been happy with it for 3-gun. I'd also take a look at AR 15 Performance, I don't have any experience with their barrels, but I've heard great things about them. Just note the thread size on the muzzle.

I like the Ranier Arms

White Oak looks like a great recommendation, I forgot about them. I glanced through their offerings awhile back and didn't see anything fluted, but now that I look closer, they will flute their barrels. Looks like I'd be all in at $340.

Rogue, I agree with you on stainless straight fluted. I think now I'm btw the Northtech and White Oak.

The handguard is an SLR Rifleworks Intrepid. They've got some great stuff and have fantastic customer service. The head guy talked to me over the phone for awhile after I sent an email inquiry about their products.

http://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?route=common/home
*edit* these guys run 10-20% off sales almost every holiday. I waited to buy mine at 20% off this past labor day.

dsvogel, I'm glad to hear the voodoo is good stuff. I really looked hard at AR Performance, their barrel seemed to have specs matched perfectly to what I want, but the thread size completely turned me off. I just don't want to have to use a .30 cal muzzle device on a .223. Disappointing.

I have an 18" Rainier Select Series on my 3gun rifle. I can get 3/4" groups at 100 yards with Freedom 55's and an MTAC 1-4. They give a 90 day faultless return policy too.

OK, y'all gave me validation that I'm not crazy for running a stainless barrel. I'll narrow the field down to

White Oak


and

Rainier Arms

can you link to the WOA barrel? All I'm seeing is 18" fluted stuff on their site.

*Edit* after reading the WOA website, it looks like you would buy their 16" barrel, then have them flute it in a separate process for an additional fee. Also, the pic you supplied us shows no threads on the barrel. You might want to verify with them if that's what the end product looks like or if that's just a sample (which is what I assume).

Yeah the fluting pic was just a generic example of their "Varmint Fluting." This is the actual barrel I would order:

http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17568&cat=250&page=2

They have their fluting price listed as $95. I shot them an email this morning to confirm that I would add the barrel to the shopping cart then add the fluting to the shopping cart to purchase a fluted barrel. I got a quick response stating that this is the correct process and that they would discount $30 off the fluting price since they're fluting their own barrel. I really like the $340 total price.

Are you set on having a stainless, heavy barrel profile? If not I would recommend you take a look at the BCM Enhanced Lightweight Fluted barrels. I have a non-fluted version and it is awesome.

Heavy barrels get annoying to lug around once the honeymoon is over.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Barrel-ENHANCED-LIGHT-WEIGHT-FLUTED-p/bcm-brl-mid-16-elw-f-std.htm

Spec's on the rifle in case anyone's interested

-Spikes Punisher stripped lower
-Spikes M4 upper
-Spikes enhanced lower parts kit (I wouldn't waste my money on this if I had to do it over again)
-Spikes mil-spec buffer tube/ST-T2 heavy buffer
-Magpul CTR
-Magpul MIAD
-Raptor CH
-PSA NiB BCG
-SLR Rifleworks 10" Intrepid handguard

Still need barrel, gas block, gas tube, muzzle device (thinking BCM Mod 0 comp), Nikon P223 scope and rings and I'm hoping for a Black Friday deal on a Geissele SSA or SSA-E to lose the Spike's battle trigger and KNS pins.

On that note, the LPK came with an Ergo grip that I didn't like. If anyone's interested in a brand new Ergo grip, whoever speaks first gets it at no charge.

I would typically go with the Rainier Arms barrels for less headache to ordering, but reading all of the custom stuff White Oak does at the factory is better for your situation. You might want to ask them what barrel blanks they use so you can get a direct comparison to what Rainier uses.

Order 16" barrel, get it fluted (for fee), then have them bead blast after fluting (for $15) to get that rough grey look. THAT is hot. Heck, if spiral fluting is your thing, they might be able to do that if you ask.

I have an 18" White Oak on my AR and I couldn't be happier with it. At 500 yds I'm on 10" steel every time, and have walked it in at 1000. It also eats anything and everything, but really likes cheap Lake City bulk for whatever reason.

If I recall right white oak uses wilson blanks,but Im not 100% on that.

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Are you set on having a stainless, heavy barrel profile? If not I would recommend you take a look at the BCM Enhanced Lightweight Fluted barrels. I have a non-fluted version and it is awesome.

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For this particular build, I'm pretty set on a standard/heavier stainless barrel. I think, once I'm done with this one, I'm going to start a lightweight, budget carbine build that the BCM would be perfect for. I'm loving building this thing, so I know I'm going to want to keep going once this one is in the books.

As for White Oak, I think it's a winner. I like the options and the Wylde chamber. I didn't even think about bead blasting it, but that would be awesome. Even cutting the flutes after bead blasting would look pretty sweet. I don't mind going through an ordering process or wait since I'm just enjoying the process so much. I very much appreciate the input and suggestions!

It's not fluted but I built mine around a White Oak Armament SS 223 Wylde barrel and it was only $260. I consistently shoot 4" squares at 325 yards. It is a shooter.

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On that note, the LPK came with an Ergo grip that I didn't like. If anyone's interested in a brand new Ergo grip, whoever speaks first gets it at no charge.

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I'll take it if we're close or you'll be at the game this weekend (or turkey day), I'm in Austin. Or I could send you a few bucks if you don't mind mailing it.

taco, shoot me an email.

I'll drop it in the mail. Screw and washer included.

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I have an 18" Lothar Walther SPR barrel for sale. If you want accuracy, you won't be disappointed. Less than 100 rounds thru it, coated desert tan. Can recoat black if you buy it.

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When you say SPR ... Will the contour jive with the Ops Inc brake/collar?

Yes, it will work with the 223 model, as this barrel is threaded 1/2"-28. My email is in my profile.. I'll make you a good deal.

I have a upper built by Tx4guns that has a 18" WOA barrel in it and its lights out accuracy. With hand loads I have achieved some 1/4" accuracy, with regular factory stuff I can still get under a 1".

Not to throw a wrench in, but I have a 16" Spikes Tactical Lothar Walter barrel and it's lights out accurate. They are on sale at Aim Surplus right now.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XSTSB51603ML&name=Spike%27s+Tactical+Lothar+Walther+16%22++Mid-length+SS+Barrel&groupid=6

I would look for a noveske N4 barrel, if those are to pricy then I'd look at centurion arms barrels

rainier

OP, I know its not one of your options...but Criterion is now making AR barrels and they have done everything right. They are sold on line at Brownells and I am buying them for $251.

When I say they are doing everything right...they are...the barrels are 1-8 Twist with Wylde Chambers. Chrome lined, and then hand lapped. Contours are what they call hybrid and its a mix of govt and A-1 profile that eliminates a lot of needless weight. They dont advertise it as such, but the exteriors appear to be melonited. The ones I have used so far shoot with my Lothar barrels, which is saying a lot.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar15-m16-criterion-barrels-prod54733.aspx

I'm intrigued by the Lothar Walther, love the bead blasted finish, and of course their reputation. WOA has me trapped, though. They told me they could cut the flutes, bead blast the barrel for $15 and then put the barrel on the lathe and polish the outside back to a "machine" finish for free, leaving the bead blasted flutes. That's game over for me. I'm a sucker for appearances.

Puryear, thanks for the link and info on Criterion. Being the AR virgin that I am, I'm unfamiliar with them. The specs and price seem to fall right in line with my next project.

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OP, I know its not one of your options...but Criterion is now making AR barrels and they have done everything right. They are sold on line at Brownells and I am buying them for $251.

When I say they are doing everything right...they are...the barrels are 1-8 Twist with Wylde Chambers. Chrome lined, and then hand lapped. Contours are what they call hybrid and its a mix of govt and A-1 profile that eliminates a lot of needless weight. They dont advertise it as such, but the exteriors appear to be melonited. The ones I have used so far shoot with my Lothar barrels, which is saying a lot.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar15-m16-criterion-barrels-prod54733.aspx

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Is the gas block diameter still 0.750? Didn't see it listed on the details...

Yes, standard size .750 gas seats.

I received my White Oak barrel Friday, after ordering Monday. Their customer service was fantastic, product is beautiful and shipping was surprisingly fast, despite the fact that they had to flute, bead blast and polish the barrel for me. I ran into a problem on final assembly where the gas tube would jam up in the gas key, prevent battery. It would only go in 1/8" before becoming stuck. I took the bcg to a shop today and tried one of their gas tubes in my gas key, and it fit perfectly. Problem solved, though I liked the black nitrided tube better than the stainless look of the new one, but maybe after some cycling and use the key will expand enough for me to be able to run the black one sometime. No big deal.



I swapped the Spikes Battle Trigger for a Geissele G2S Black Friday special. Best. Upgrade. Ever.



I can't decide if I like the exposed gas block, now that everything is together. This is what I was going for, since I like seeing a decent amount of barrel, but I just don't know. I'm going to put in a call to SLR tomorrow to see if they'd be willing to swap the 10" for an 11" for me. Any opinions on this?



I also scratched the hell outta the barrel shoulder getting the gas block in place. It was a tight fit. Should probably Scotch Brite out.


Now, I'm just waiting on optics. Decided on a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 on a standard PEPR mount. Going to be hard to wait to get to the range.

The scope will be here tuesday!

Awesome thanks! Got your PM. I'll take care of it.

Awesome rifle! Hoping to have an upper built with a 22 inch WOA in the next year or so.

I just dropped a G2S-E in my AR to replace a rock river nm 2 stage and it's amazing.

Looking forward to the range report.