1:9 = longer barrel life

[Plinkin' Logs]

Before say anything I am aware that some people prefer a 1:7 twist rate for ARs. I had recently had a conversation that brought up a fact that I hadn't until recently considered. Apparently initially Colt wanted to make the ARs 1:9 for extended barrel life but NATO specs required 1:7 for the longer tracer rounds. Only recently have rounds like the mk262 been developed that take advantage of the 1:7 potential.

According to what I've read a 1:9 barrel should last approx. 25% longer due to the reduced twist rate.

Do you feel like this is a viable consideration when choosing a barrel twist rate for your rifle?

 

[WardenWolf]

No, I do not. The ability to shoot heavier rounds, especially for hunting and defense, far outweighs the longer barrel life.

 

[G.barnes]

You'll burn out the throat before the twist rate comes into play.

 

[primalmu]

A new barrel can be had for $250 or less. When you consider that you'll have to burn a few thousand dollars worth of ammo before you even begin to possibly notice any degradation in performance, that $250 is just a drop in the bucket. Of course, 99% of AR owners will never even come close to shooting enough to shoot out their barrel.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have a preference for 1/9 or 1/8 because I like to shoot 40-50 gr. varmint bullets. Barrel life is not a factor, though. How hot your loads are, how hot you get your barrel and the quality of the barrel have a lot more impact on barrel life than twist rate.

 

[Clint M]

I agree with above posters, barrel life has no impact on my choice of twist rate especially in 223, and even more so as others have posted as easy as it is to change the barrel, and they are dang cheap when all this are considered even for a top tier barrel. You can find all kinds of documented info on barrel life searching the net, overall the 223 if a outstanding round not a barrel burner, and plenty of umph as well.

 

[Zach S]

Considering the lifespan and cost of a barrel, I dont see why it would be an issue. Pick the twist rate that's best for your intended purpose. If you do manage to wear it out, consider the cost of the ammo used to do so, a barrel is a fraction of that.

 

[Inebriated]

If you're worried, go ahead and buy a spare barrel... now's a good time to buy AR parts.