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

Preston Moore conducted a comprehensive test of PMC X-Tac M855 62gr ammunition across eight different chrome-lined AR-15 barrels. The test focused on 30-shot groups at 100 yards, measuring both velocity and accuracy using advanced tools like the Garmin Xero C1 Pro and Ballistic-X app. Moore's 'A-ZED' metric provided practical accuracy insights, revealing that LMT, Krieger, and Noveske barrels generally performed best with this specific ammunition load, while Daniel Defense and Red Right Hand barrels showed less favorable results.

This comprehensive review tests ADI World Class 69gr Sierra MatchKing ammunition across nine different AR-15 barrels. The analysis employs a rigorous methodology, including 30-shot groups at 100 yards and advanced data collection tools, to evaluate accuracy and velocity. The Seekins 16" barrel emerged as the top performer, demonstrating the potential of budget-friendly match ammunition when paired with the right barrel.

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the Seekins Precision 16" AR-15 barrel, including detailed technical specifications, physical inspection, and performance testing. The barrel features a .223 Wylde chamber, 1:8 twist, and mid-length gas system. Testing involved 30-shot groups at 100 yards using various ammunition types, with results evaluated using the 'A-ZED' scoring system. The review highlights the barrel's construction and performance characteristics.

This AT3 Tactical video seeks community input for their AR-15 barrels guide, specifically focusing on the optimal barrel length. The instructor, demonstrating expertise through a multi-episode series, encourages viewers to share their opinions and justifications for the 'absolute best' barrel length. This interactive approach aims to gather diverse perspectives for an upcoming episode.

This expert-level review by Preston Moore rigorously compares a Hodge Defense 14.5-inch barrel against a standard FN 14.7-inch M4 profile barrel. Both are cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined with 1:7 twist rates. The Hodge barrel consistently demonstrated superior accuracy and velocity consistency across multiple premium ammunition types, outperforming the FN barrel in 30-shot group tests at 100 yards. Borescope inspection revealed significant internal defects in the FN barrel not present in the Hodge.

This video is a product spotlight on Rosco AR-15 barrels, presented by Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant. The video highlights Rosco Manufacturing's research-driven approach to optimizing barrel specifications, such as gas port diameter, gas system length, and rifling twist rate, for different barrel lengths. This ensures maximum accuracy and soft recoil without compromising reliability. The description emphasizes Rosco's OEM manufacturing history for high-end AR-15 makers and their commitment to quality. It mentions material options like 416R stainless steel with black Nitride finish and 4150 chrome-moly alloy, as well as unique features like dimpling for gas blocks and proprietary gas tubes that come with the barrel. The video also notes Rosco's "Proudly made in the USA" motto.

This extensive 15,000-round test reveals the surprising longevity of a Criterion CORE series AR-15 barrel. Despite significant internal wear, including fire cracking and erosion, the barrel maintained respectable accuracy, particularly with 77gr handloads. The test highlights how barrel degradation impacts ammunition sensitivity and emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing methodologies.

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 features a head-to-head comparison of two BCM BFH ELW (Enhanced Lightweight) AR-15 barrels. The creator conducts thorough inspections, including borescoping and headspace checks, revealing some unexpected findings. The testing involves shooting 30-shot groups at 100 yards with three different ammunition types: Winchester 55gr M193 FMJ, Frontier 68gr BTHP, and Federal Gold Medal 77gr SMK. Data is collected using a Garmin Zero C1 Pro chronograph and a Mantis X10 Elite, with results analyzed using mean radius and a custom A-ZED scoring system. The video aims to determine the consistency and real-world accuracy of these specific barrel models and whether any bore anomalies correlate with performance.