Testing a Colt SOCOM AR-15 Barrel (Groups, Borescope, Headspace, etc)

This review details the Centurion Arms 14.5-inch RECCE barrel, including technical specifications, bench and borescope inspections, and extensive 30-shot group testing. Preston Moore, demonstrating high expertise, found bore and rifling defects but noted improvements after warranty work on the crown, providing detailed performance data for various ammunition types.

This expert review of the SOLGW 11.5” MK1 CAR upper receiver, conducted by Preston Moore, details its build quality and performance through rigorous testing. The analysis includes detailed technical specifications, internal and external measurements using precision gauges, and extensive range testing with 30-shot groups. The barrel demonstrated consistent accuracy and velocity across various ammunition types, highlighting its potential for sub-MOA performance.

This review of the Green Mountain 12.7" AR-15 barrel highlights its lightweight profile and budget-friendly nature, suitable for general use. While the barrel exhibits minimum spec chamber and throat dimensions, its performance is significantly hampered by an oversized gas port, leading to an overgassed system and poor shooting experience. Accuracy varied considerably with different ammunition types, with match-grade loads performing better than M193.

This video provides an expert overview of the new US Palm CAT4 AR-15 rifle and pistol, showcased at SHOT Show 2026. The presentation highlights premium features like fully ambidextrous controls, a durable DLC-coated bolt, the innovative Monoloc handguard system for rigidity, and a unique 3D-printed Hurricane muzzle device. The CAT4 aims for high-end performance at an accessible $1,299 MSRP.

This video provides an in-depth review and testing of the Centurion Arms MK12 18-inch 5.56 NATO barrel. Preston Moore, demonstrating high expertise, meticulously inspects and tests the barrel with various 77gr loads, including MK262. The results highlight the barrel's accuracy potential, particularly with MK262, and offer valuable data for AR-15 builders and precision shooters.

This review from Classic Firearms covers the new Shadow Systems U526 Rifle and E526 Pistol, marking their entry into the AR-15 market. The video highlights proprietary designs, including a unique gas block, rail system, ambidextrous controls, and an anti-rattle buttstock. Expert insights are provided by Trevor from Shadow Systems, detailing the technical specifications and value proposition of these duty-grade firearms.

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.