12-02-2018, 03:23 AM
I'm contemplating a 6.5 Grendel build for range use (at least to 200 yd, and possibly to 1,000), varmint hunting, and whitetails if my state ever allows semi-autos for big game or I head out-of-state. I've tentatively settled on three (3) 18-inch stainless, fluted barrels;
Alexander Arms 18" Fluted Lite Barrel (1.85 lbs), $220: By far, the least inexpensive of the three, AA uses a mid-length gas system and a (newish?) LiFe oxide treatment, but less common 9/16-24 threads.
*Price and LifFe treatment for the win.
https://www.shopalexanderarms.com/DIY_Pa...arrel.html
Ballistic Advantage, 18" 6.5 Grendel SPR Fluted Rifle Length AR 15 Barrel, Premium Series (1.96 lbs), $315: BA uses a rifle-length gas system, standard 5/8-24 threads, and is HP and MPI tested.
*Rifle length gas system and MPI tested for the win.
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-6...arrel.html
Faxon Match Series- 18" Heavy Fluted, 6.5 Grendel , 416-R, 5R, Nitride, Nickel Teflon Extension(1.81 lbs), $320: The most expensive, Faxon uses a mid-length gas system, standard 5/8-24 threads, is nitride treated, has 5R rifling, and is MPI tested.
*5R rifling, Nitride, lowest weight, and MPI tested for the win.
https://faxonfirearms.com/match-series-1...extension/
Alexander Arms' price is certainly the most appealing. However, I would think BA's rifle length gas system would reduce recoil and be more suppressor friendly if I ever go that route. Faxon's barrel seems to offer the best of everything, except for (possibly?) the mid-length gas system. Any thoughts on these? I REALLY want to get repeatable 5-shot, sub-MOA groups.
Alexander Arms 18" Fluted Lite Barrel (1.85 lbs), $220: By far, the least inexpensive of the three, AA uses a mid-length gas system and a (newish?) LiFe oxide treatment, but less common 9/16-24 threads.
*Price and LifFe treatment for the win.
https://www.shopalexanderarms.com/DIY_Pa...arrel.html
Ballistic Advantage, 18" 6.5 Grendel SPR Fluted Rifle Length AR 15 Barrel, Premium Series (1.96 lbs), $315: BA uses a rifle-length gas system, standard 5/8-24 threads, and is HP and MPI tested.
*Rifle length gas system and MPI tested for the win.
https://ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-6...arrel.html
Faxon Match Series- 18" Heavy Fluted, 6.5 Grendel , 416-R, 5R, Nitride, Nickel Teflon Extension(1.81 lbs), $320: The most expensive, Faxon uses a mid-length gas system, standard 5/8-24 threads, is nitride treated, has 5R rifling, and is MPI tested.
*5R rifling, Nitride, lowest weight, and MPI tested for the win.
https://faxonfirearms.com/match-series-1...extension/
Alexander Arms' price is certainly the most appealing. However, I would think BA's rifle length gas system would reduce recoil and be more suppressor friendly if I ever go that route. Faxon's barrel seems to offer the best of everything, except for (possibly?) the mid-length gas system. Any thoughts on these? I REALLY want to get repeatable 5-shot, sub-MOA groups.