[Masterartisan]

Cancelled the Les Baer because there were too many negative comments. I've started doing some research on these two companies and would appreciate any comments regarding them. Thank you

[Rubber_Duck]

What are your specific needs? I know you said self-defense and target shooting in your other thread.

Noveskes are known to be more accurate than necessary and have arguably the best barrels in the AR industry.

LaRue, well, they are top-notch as well, and they are using stainless barrels with a proprietary chamber and polygonal rifle much like Noveske's SS barrels. IIRC the LaRue comes with a Geissele trigger and a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee with match ammo. The LaRue also uses billet receivers.

So go straight to the source and compare similar rifles with 16-inch barrels:
Noveske RECON: http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi?item_id=16-556&cat=123&page=1&search=&since=&status=
LaRue OBR 5.56 16-inch: http://larueosr.com/lt556-16.aspx

Both offer their rifles in longer and shorter barrel lengths. Also, Noveske builds rifles with chrome-lined barrels which will be more durable than stainless barrels if you do not need match grade accuracy. The LaRue OBR 5.56 only comes with a stainless barrel.

I'm not gonna tell you which to buy because you have chose two of the top brands in the AR world and nobody will tell you you made a bad choice with either one.

[pahrumpcaveman]

I bought the 16" Noveske lightweight barrel and paired it with an upper and bolt from BCM . That thing shoots sub minute with 69 gr sierras. I'm buying an 18" from them next pay day! Very satisfied customer here....As was said though you can’t go wrong either way.

[kwelz]

you can't go wrong either way when it comes down to it.

Your other thread already covered some of the ups and downs of the OBR. I don't own one so I can't say much more than already has been said. I do however have some experience with Noveske.

Noveske's best assets are attention to detail and their barrels. I swear there is a bit of ground up unicorn horn or Pixie dust in their barrels to make them work so well. I have an N4 basic and a custom build using a Noveske barrel. Both are not only lighter than they have any right to be but also more accurate.

The N4 barrels actually use the same steel blanks as the M249 machine gun. This is a slightly higher quality steel than found in normal AR barrels. In addition he uses a different profile that lightens the entire barrel by a small but noticeable amount without losing any rigidity. Finally they use a thicker than normal Chrome lining that further increases the life of the barrel yet seems to have no negative impact accuracy. I have no idea how they do it but I am pretty sure it involved the sacrifices of virgins. Frankly I am OK with this.

The Stainless Barrels are made to Pauls specs by Pak Nor and are about as accurate as you will find outside the custom made barrel market. They use a polygonal rifling system that works very well. You lose a bit in overall life and durability but gain accuracy. Only you know if you are a good enough shot to tell the difference. I personally am not.

[kwelz]

By the way. If I had the money to replace every barrel on every AR I own with a Noveske then I would. That is how much I like their stuff.