Introduction
Over the years, the AR-10 rifle has gained a large following, thanks to its versatility to be customized as desired. You can select a barrel that meets your requirements.
This older sibling of the AR 15 was created as a battle rifle but was never approved by the US military, hence it was never as popular as the AR 15. Even yet, it has a devoted following since it has greater recoil and is believed to be an excellent long-range alternative. We’ll go through some of the greatest AR-10 barrels available in this post.
Things to Consider When Picking an AR-10 Barrel
Price
Many customers will be unconcerned with the price. However, if you’re on a budget and want the highest quality and performance possible, you may discover a barrel that meets your needs. Don’t cut corners or sacrifice quality to save a few dollars. You will grasp the genuine worth of what a barrel can do for you if the price is the last thing on your mind.
Material
Stainless steel is used in the majority of high-quality AR-10 barrels. It’s the best option for obvious reasons: it’s corrosion-resistant and hence long-lasting.
The type of material used may have a big effect. When the AR-10 was initially introduced, it featured an iron/aluminum barrel that failed the Springfield Armory stress test. The barrel was then changed, but it was too late by that time.
You don’t want to make the same mistake, so be cautious about the material you choose.
Twist
When it comes to improving your AR-10, this is one of the most crucial selections you’ll make.
The twist of a rifle may have a significant impact on the weapon’s overall performance. You must strike a balance since a sluggish twist may cause the bullets to lose stability, while a quick twist would diminish accuracy.
Contour
Barrels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular choice is chrome lining, however fluted barrels are also popular. Similarly, nitride treatment of a barrel is an option.
Many people believe contouring just impacts appearance, but it also affects performance.
Heavier contours may take longer to heat up and cool down than lighter contours. Their weight, on the other hand, can significantly reduce the gun’s recoil.
Thinner contours, on the other hand, can be a good choice since they cool off rapidly, but the lower weight might result in a lot of leaps. The greatest option is usually a medium contour, which combines the best of both worlds.
Length
The gun’s barrel is 20.8 inches long, which may be too long for most users.
If you’re just getting started, the optimal AR10 barrel length is considered to be 18 inches, however this varies from person to person. There are many lengths available. In this evaluation, we carefully picked items in a variety of lengths.
Longer barrels provide several advantages. They have a higher velocity, making them appropriate for long-range tournaments. A longer barrel, on the other hand, might decrease mobility and make carrying the weapon more difficult. A smaller barrel might be preferable in this situation.
Aside from that, barrel vibrations are heavily influenced by length. As a result, pay careful attention to this aspect.
Best AR-10 Barrels
Brownells Premium Barrels – .308 AR Barrel
The length of this barrel is approximately 20 inches. As a result, it should ideally fulfill a wide range of compliance regulations. If you reside in a state with strict gun regulations, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything comparable on the market. Apart from its length, it’s rather tough and fits into practically any AR-10 rifle with ease. You should expect greater performance once the software is loaded.
These top rated 308 barrels from Satern Barrels feature 5R button rifling and are made from 416 gun barrels for a better shooting experience. A black nitride finish and a 1:10 twist are also included.
This barrel would be great for people looking to improve their accuracy, and it can be done with a simple barrel modification. This barrel may be just what you need if you desire tighter shot groups and to make your AR-10 stand out more in any application.
Criterion Barrels Inc – 308 AR Hybrid Barres, 6.5 Creedmoor
While this rifle is available in lengths of 18 or 22 inches, it is of excellent quality and will assist your rifle go into high gear when it comes to knocking down targets at long ranges. If you have a rifle that shoots long-range bullets, such as a Creedmoor 6.5, this might be the barrel to use to ensure that every shot travels the distance and counts every time. Don’t be shocked if your bullets travel a little further than usual.
The Creedmoor AR barrels have a flatter trajectory and a higher ballistic coefficient than their .308 Winchester counterparts.
The bore is also consistent when button-rifled and hand-lapped. Note that OEM barrels may be replaced for Creedmoor barrels. DPMS-style gas tubes may be used with .308 barrels and gas lengths.
DPMS – .308 AR SASS Barrel
This will significantly improve the performance of your barrel over whatever factory setting you’ve used previously. Whatever the reason, it’s undoubtedly one of the more useful and dependable barrels for an AR-10. So, if you’re looking for a superb improvement that will improve the performance of your rifle, this may be precisely what you’re looking for.
This variant has an 18-inch heavy-fluted barrel made of 416R stainless steel. It features a 1:10 twist rate, is button-rifled, and has a mid-length gas system. For corrosion resistance, the finish is matte-black Teflon.
This barrel will most likely be utilized by a variety of AR-10 customers for specific applications such as hunting or target shooting. In a nutshell, it’s the next best thing to a multi-purpose barrel. You’ll want to put a barrel like this on your rifle if you merely want a quick improvement and a performance bump. Don’t be surprised if these improvements happen quickly.
Wilson Combat – AR .308 Recon Barrel
This barrel is composed of extremely durable stainless steel that is meant to last and will last you a long time if you take proper care of it. When installed, the barrel even offers your rifle a significant lift. If you care about your gun, you’ll take good care of it and can afford to update it. If you intend on gradually improving your rifle or just want to replace the barrel, this may be a good option.
Long-range, close-quarters, and hunting all have different requirements, so choose your decision carefully. You might also need an 80 lower to build your firearm, which you can get from 80 Percent Arms.
The Wilson Combat Barrel has a medium-length gas system and is composed of 416R stainless steel. With a 1:10 twist, the barrel is precisely button-rifled for superb accuracy with a variety of rounds.
Conclusion
Like its younger sister, the AR-15, the AR platform is relatively easy to adapt and replace, and one of the most important components is the barrel.
The barrel you pick for your construction is important, and you should choose one that meets your demands. Long-range, close-quarters, and hunting all have different requirements, so choose your decision carefully.
