BAD AR-15 Barrels – 5 Barrels Evaluated from Bad Attitude Department

This guide, presented by Josh from AT3 Tactical, explains the fundamental concepts of AR-15 barrel rifling and twist rates. It details historical methods, modern manufacturing processes like button rifling, cut rifling, and cold hammer forging, and clarifies how twist rate impacts bullet stability based on weight. The information is presented with an emphasis on practical application for firearm owners.

This guide details a comprehensive physical inspection of a Bear Creek Arsenal 16-inch AR-15 barrel, led by an expert from School of the American Rifle. It covers critical measurements like gas port size, headspace, and erosion, along with functional chamber tests and installation techniques including thermal fit and alignment checks. The inspection reveals potential issues with the throat length and crown, impacting compatibility with certain ammunition types.

This guide details a comprehensive barrel autopsy procedure for an AR-15, as demonstrated by Chad Albrecht from School of the American Rifle. It covers essential checks including thread runout, material verification, erosion gauging, straightness, gas port alignment, and headspace. The critical step involves using a borescope to identify manufacturing defects, such as the smoothbore condition found in the featured Ballistic Advantage barrel, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspection regardless of brand reputation.

This video discusses the importance of selecting the correct AR-15 barrel for specific use cases, differentiating between tactical and accuracy-focused barrels. It highlights cold hammer forged barrels for their durability and heavy-duty nature, though notes they may not offer the absolute best accuracy compared to stainless steel options. Brands like Ballistic Advantage, Daniel Defense, and FN are mentioned as producers of quality cold hammer forged barrels.

This video, titled 'Ballistic Advantage Barrel Autopsy', likely delves into a detailed examination or analysis of a Ballistic Advantage barrel. Given the 'autopsy' theme, the content is expected to involve a technical breakdown, potentially focusing on wear, performance, or manufacturing aspects. Viewers can anticipate an in-depth look at a specific firearm component, suitable for those interested in the intricacies of AR-15 barrels and their performance characteristics.

This video outlines three key reasons to build your next AR-15: complete customization to your exact preferences, potential cost savings compared to buying factory-built, and the significant educational value gained from the assembly process. The presenter emphasizes prioritizing quality for the barrel and bolt carrier group, while also noting the importance of understanding gas system dynamics for optimal performance, especially when suppressed. Building an AR-15 is likened to adult LEGOs, offering a satisfying and informative experience.

Preston Moore, demonstrating high expertise, provides an analytical assessment of a Criterion CORE series barrel after 15,000 rounds. He details significant internal wear, including throat erosion and fire cracking, using specialized tools like borescopes and erosion gauges. Despite the degradation, the barrel still produced surprisingly acceptable groups with specific ammunition, highlighting its durability and the importance of testing worn components.

This YouTube video thoroughly tests the accuracy of a Ballistic Advantage AR-15 barrel, specifically evaluating if it lives up to its Sub-MOA guarantee. The creator shoots 30-shot groups with four different types of ammunition, analyzing the results to see if they meet the manufacturer's criteria. The video includes a detailed look at the barrel's specifications, a borescope inspection, the range setup, and a comparison of different ammunition performance, concluding with an overall results analysis and leaderboard. The central question is whether the barrel performs as expected for a Sub-MOA rated component.

This video offers an in-depth analysis and accuracy test of the 16-inch Sons of Liberty Gun Works SPR Barrel. It covers the barrel's unique features like its .223 Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist rate, 3-groove polygonal rifling, and 5/8x24 threads. The review includes a borescope inspection of the internal quality, micrometer measurements of external dimensions, and a detailed shooting assessment with three 30-shot groups using different ammunition types (PMC Bronze 55gr, Hornady 73gr ELD Match, Berger 77gr OTM). The analysis focuses on mean radius, group size, velocity, standard deviation, and shooter-induced flyers. A new metric, A-ZED (A-Zone Equivalence Distance), is introduced to practically assess rifle performance at range. The video provides data-driven insights into the barrel's precision and performance.

This video provides a detailed comparison of two BCM ELW (Extreme Lightweight) barrels, examining their manufacturing consistency and on-range performance. The presenter conducts thorough bench inspections, including gauging, weighing, and borescope analysis, highlighting potential manufacturing variations. Live-fire testing involves 30-shot groups at 100 yards with various ammunition types to assess accuracy, velocity, and consistency, offering insights into the practical performance of these lightweight barrels.