Testing a 14.5” Noveske N4 Stainless Barrel… Worth the Price?

Published on June 18, 2026
Duration: 5:58

This video provides a detailed performance analysis of a 14.5-inch Noveske N4 stainless steel barrel. The review includes extensive ballistic testing with various ammunition types, measuring velocity, group sizes (MOA), and AZ scores at 100 yards. The presenter, Preston Moore, offers insights into the barrel's accuracy potential and value proposition, comparing its performance to other barrels.

Quick Summary

The Noveske 14.5" N4 stainless barrel was tested for accuracy and performance. With 77-grain match ammunition, 30-shot groups averaged around 2.0-2.2 MOA, and velocities ranged from 2,373 to 2,583 fps. Cheaper 55-grain M193 ammo yielded larger groups, around 3.5 MOA.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Upper Assembly
  2. 00:16Barrel Condition and Headspace Check
  3. 00:32Chamber and Throat Inspection
  4. 00:44Rifling, Gas Port, and Crown Inspection
  5. 00:59Testing Ammunition: Federal Gold Medal 77gr Sierra Match Kings
  6. 01:10Federal Gold Medal 77gr Results and Analysis
  7. 01:29Comparison to Other Barrels
  8. 01:54Testing Ammunition: Bone Frog 77gr Barnes Match Burner
  9. 03:03Testing Ammunition: Federal Gold Medal Sierra Match Strike 77gr
  10. 03:26Testing Ammunition: PMC X-TAC 55gr M193
  11. 03:46Summary of 77gr Load Performance
  12. 04:05Velocity Comparison of 77gr Loads
  13. 04:14Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the Noveske 14.5" N4 stainless barrel tested?

The Noveske 14.5" N4 stainless barrel tested features a 14.5-inch length and a stainless steel construction. It was part of an upper assembly including a Voltorb receiver, LMT enhanced BCG, and Geissele Mark 16 handguard, with a Cobalt Kinetics muzzle device.

How did the Noveske 14.5" N4 stainless barrel perform with different ammunition types?

The barrel showed varying accuracy. With 77-grain match ammunition, 30-shot groups ranged from 2.012 to 2.267 MOA. Cheaper 55-grain M193 ammo produced a 3.537 MOA 30-shot group, indicating it's better suited for precision loads.

What was the average velocity achieved with the Noveske 14.5" N4 stainless barrel?

Average velocities varied by ammunition. Federal Gold Medal 77gr Sierra Match Kings averaged 2,410 fps, Bone Frog 77gr averaged 2,583 fps, Federal Sierra Match Strike 77gr averaged 2,373 fps, and PMC X-TAC 55gr M193 averaged 2,980 fps.

What is the significance of the 'AZ score' mentioned in the Noveske barrel test?

The AZ score represents the maximum distance at which a corrected 30-shot group size would still fit within a USPSA A-zone. For example, an AZ score of 257 yards means the group would fit within the A-zone at that distance.

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