I' m looking to purchase my first AR-15 and I've decided on getting a 20" flattop with a chrome-lined barrel. I'll be using it for plinking, 3-gun and CMP competitions. Cost does matter to me and I don't particularly care about being ultra competitive, I just want to have fun and build up my skill level so when I actually do have a higher disposable income (post-grad school), I'll be able to take advantage of it.
Now my questions: I'm leaning towards getting a government profile barrel, but I'm concerned about the twist rate offered on them. Everything I read suggests getting a 1/9 twist so I can use a wider variety of ammo, yet all the government profile uppers I see have a 1/7 twist. As I said, cost matters, so I won't be shooting any 70 gr+ match ammo and I don't reload yet so I'm concerned about having problems with the lighter, cheaper ammo. Is this going to be an issue, and if so, do any companies offer a chrome-lined govt' profile in a 1/9 twist? Also, to simplify things, is an HBAR really that bad? I handled one the other day and it didn't seem to be too heavy to use comfortably (I am a fairly strong guy though), but people here seem to frown upon the idea.
Thanks.
Now my questions: I'm leaning towards getting a government profile barrel, but I'm concerned about the twist rate offered on them. Everything I read suggests getting a 1/9 twist so I can use a wider variety of ammo, yet all the government profile uppers I see have a 1/7 twist. As I said, cost matters, so I won't be shooting any 70 gr+ match ammo and I don't reload yet so I'm concerned about having problems with the lighter, cheaper ammo. Is this going to be an issue, and if so, do any companies offer a chrome-lined govt' profile in a 1/9 twist? Also, to simplify things, is an HBAR really that bad? I handled one the other day and it didn't seem to be too heavy to use comfortably (I am a fairly strong guy though), but people here seem to frown upon the idea.
Thanks.