Compass Lake Engineering + Custom Bartlein AR-15 Barrel – Still Dominating 3,500 Rounds Later?

Published on April 3, 2025
Duration: 20:34

This video provides an in-depth analysis of a Compass Lake Engineering custom AR-15 upper featuring a Bartlein barrel after approximately 3,500 rounds. The testing includes detailed accuracy evaluations with various ammunition types, velocity data, and internal barrel inspection for wear. The presenter, an experienced shooter, offers insights into barrel performance, component fitment, and the long-term durability of high-quality AR-15 components.

Quick Summary

The Compass Lake Engineering custom Bartlein AR-15 barrel, tested after 3,500 rounds, demonstrated good durability and accuracy. It achieved a 1.52 MOA group with Hornady 73gr ELD Match and showed minimal throat erosion, indicating substantial remaining barrel life.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & CLE Overview
  2. 00:58Barrel Build Details & Round Count
  3. 01:27Upper Components & Barrel Specs
  4. 02:56Bolt Carrier Group & Receiver Fitment
  5. 04:07Barrel Condition Check (3500 Rounds)
  6. 04:37Borescope Inspection: Chamber, Throat, Gas Port
  7. 05:32Crown & Muzzle Inspection
  8. 06:03Shooting Setup & Ammunition Selection
  9. 07:38Group 1: PMC XTAC 55gr M193 Results
  10. 09:35Group 2: Hornady 73gr ELD Match Results
  11. 11:44Group 3: IMI 77gr Razor Core Results
  12. 13:37Group 4: Black Hills 77gr .223 Results
  13. 15:17Group Comparisons & Leaderboard Standings
  14. 16:47Standardizing Test Loads: New Ammo Strategy
  15. 19:45Channel Support & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Compass Lake Engineering Bartlein barrel perform after 3,500 rounds?

The CLE Bartlein barrel maintained good accuracy after 3,500 rounds, achieving a 1.52 MOA group with Hornady 73gr ELD Match. Internal inspection showed minimal throat erosion, indicating significant remaining barrel life.

What are the key specifications of the Compass Lake Engineering custom Bartlein barrel tested?

The barrel is 14.5 inches long, made from 416R stainless steel, features a 1:7.7 twist rate, and has CLE's proprietary custom chamber designed for high BC bullets. It also has a bead-blasted finish.

What ammunition was used to test the CLE Bartlein AR-15 barrel?

The test included PMC XTAC 55gr M193, Hornady 73gr ELD Match, IMI 77gr Razor Core, and Black Hills 77gr .223 loads. The Hornady 73gr ELD Match yielded the best group size.

What is the significance of the pinned and welded muzzle device on the CLE upper?

The pinned and welded muzzle device is a common method to legally extend the barrel's length to 16 inches or more, complying with National Firearms Act (NFA) regulations for rifles and avoiding SBR classification.

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