16" M4 profile barrel vs. RRA heavy barrel - real-world differences?

[benEzra]

I'm looking at selling my mini-14 and using the proceeds toward an AR. I'm looking at either an RRA or Bushmaster, and leaning toward the RRA Mid-Length A4, but I see that Bushmaster offers an M4-profile barrel that would be somewhat lighter.

My questions - what are the real-world differences between the Bushmaster M4 profile barrel and the RRA straight barrel? I know the RRA is going to be a little more nose-heavy, but by how much? (After all, we're talking about a 16" barrel here, not a 20" HBAR.)

Also, how much real-world difference would you see in accuracy, especially as the barrel heats up? I have absolutely had it with too-skinny-barreled rifles (I have a mini-14, after all), and if the M4 profile is going to be more prone to mini-14-like barrel flop/POI shift as it gets hot, then it's a heavier barrel for me.

Final question - if I go with the RRA, I see that for $50 extra I can get a Smith Enterprises Vortex flash suppressor instead of the standard A2 style suppressor. Is it worth the extra $50? This carbine will likely serve in a home-defense role; I don't care a whole lot about flash (I figure the A2 model will cut flash to tolerable levels), but was wondering if the Vortex increases/reduces muzzle blast and perceived loudness compared to the A2 style.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Compared with a pencil barrel or M-4 barrel profile, a heavy barrelled 16" carbine isn't quite as lively in the hands. My ideal 16" AR-15 would have the pencil barrel.

By all accounts, the Vortex flash suppressor is the best available. It shouldn't increase perceived blast.

The weight of the Mini-14's barrel isn't the problem, it's how they are made and the way the gas block is mounted which contribute to the Mini-14's (in)accuracy. The AR-15 pencil barrel is about the same diameter as the Mini-14 barrel, but most AR-15s will outshoot most Mini-14s in stock configuration.

 

[Jackal]

Ive got a Bushmaster 16" HBAR and love it. Its a lil nose heavy, but nuthin like a 20". The 16" HBAR is nice because i can fire about 20 rds. before barrel actually starts heating up. Accurate too. With my Nikon 1x20 scope, i can roll pop-cans all day on my 50 yd. range.

 

[lionking]

while I have a Colt H-bar,a shooting buddy of mine took out his Bushmaster Dissapator on a shooting day a couple months ago.I shot a 5 round inch grouping bullseye with it a 100yds,I was impressed,we were using USA brand 5.56mm ammo.Used open sights no scope.
Just thought for you,maybe you might check it out.I think its site radius helped as compared to a M4.A little heavier but same size as a M4 with 16inch barrel.

I have never tried a RRA though.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The RRA barrel will be around 8oz. heavier than the Bushmaster M4 barrel. It will also have the midlength gas system though, where the Bushmaster will have the carbine length gas system. I think the midlength gas system is superior for a 16" barrel and I like the extra sight radius as well.

I really don't think you will have any heat problems with either profile, unless you need both a high degree of accuracy and a pretty heavy firing schedule. You'll definitely be able to do several mags without noticing any heat related shift unless you are shooting from a bench, using match ammo and going for absolute precision (and even here I've done 200 rounds and still done sub-MOA groups from my SS medium-profile match barrel).

You can also have the RRA barrels re-profiled to something that suits you better if weight is an issue. I believe it runs about $50.

The Vortex is an excellent flash hider. It doesn't make any additional noise; but can kick up dust in the prone position if it isn't timed properly when installed. Muzzle blast and loudness is comparable to an A2.