How is AR barrel measured and permanently attached?

[Reloadron]

I'm going with that has a lot more to do with the free floated bull barrel than the lack of muzzle device

You may have a point there.

Not for the short barrel build. I want it to look like a M-4.

However for another planned build to use for deer and varmint hunting I have thought about going with a 20" barrel without the flash suppressor.

OK & thanks as now I have a better idea of where you are looking to go with this.

Ron

 

[AlexanderA]

Tirod wrote:

In the big picture it then results in a firearm that is highly resistant to future change where someone would be able to change a front sight base or gas block, add or remove a free float, etc. It also slightly reduces the overall ballistic performance. As discussed on a lot of AR forums that means future changes involve either more gunsmith level work, and expense, or buying another barrel. It becomes a $150 road block all for aesthetic purposes, as most who have handled pinned and welded 14.5" and full on 16" barrels with flash hiders find little difference in them.

I agree with this 100%. Since the whole purpose of this exercise is cosmetic, why not use a 16" barrel and one of those slip-over or telescoping flash hiders that make it look like a 14.5" barrel? Much less hassle that way.

 

[Zoogster]

BSA1
BSA replied to:

Quote:

If it ever comes into question, their method for determining if you did it correctly is: Place upper in a vise, put a pipe wrench on the flash hider, and go to town. If the flash hider comes off, you go to jail. If your barrel twists first, they give you back your ruined barrel. At least that is my understanding, but I can't find the link to back it up...

This brings to mind the Witch trials in colonial America.The test was to dunk the person on trial completely in water. If she floated to the surface then that was proof she was a witch.

If she drowned then that was proof she was not a witch and not guilty of practicing witchcraft.

I can easily imagine the BATF agent handing back my ruined, twisted barrel and saying "Congratulations your flash suppressor passed the test."

That was my thought as well.
What a strange world sometimes. Can you imagine if they tested other things like that and it was considered acceptable?
That your modification on the car was compliant by using it till something was destroyed and grading you on that result?
Congratulations your engine blew up prior to exceeding acceptable smog levels, even pegged at red line for long periods it stayed below legal limits.
But then somehow you are happy because the punishment for it not passing is so severe that having your property destroyed at the whim of someone that said give it to me is not a big deal. Doesn't that sound like a defeated people.

 

[jmorris]

The "resistant to change" part is worth consideration I did a "permanent" installation on one of my barrels to save $200 on the build. Not like anything is permanent to a machinist and welder but would still not be an easy job to repair if you forgot or messed up the barrel nut.

 

[Averageman]

My intent is to totally build a AR myself from parts. Since I am lacking the necessary tools and skills the permanently attached flash suppressor means I will have to farm this part out. I don't know of any local "gunsmiths" that I trust to do this work. (Actually I don't think there are any local "gunsmiths" period but I digress).

Of course the easiest route is probably buying the barrel with the flash suppressor already attached made by a reputable company. With the information I have received here I will know what questions to ask.

Thanks again for all of the information.

Or you could just use a minimum of a sixteen inch barrel and have no need for anything more than a crush washer and some torque.

 

[BSA1]

I already have a AR with 16" barrel.

I also have several stripped lowers as I could not ignore the buyers market.

I am not wrapped up in the tactical, survival, zombie way of thinking. Once past basic self-defense my interest is having fun when shooting so why not different barrel lengths and type. Short barrel for combat and vehicle, 16" for general purpose, 20" for target shooting and hunting.

Then I have some kids that the gun elf is going to visit. (Army vets that love the M4 and my Beretta 92's).

On top of all of that I still hear the .300 Blackout calling my name which is actually the first AR I wanted to build.

 

[Averageman]

The last one I put together was a 20 inch barrel SPR and by far that's become my favorite AR lately.
There's just something about dropping 1/2 sized groups at 100 yds that makes me smile.

 

[mavracer]

It's funny but to some of us that extra 1.5" makes a big difference.
My 300 Blackout has a 14.5" barrel and a faux suppressor/linear comp that shrouds 4" of barrel permanently attached.