heavy/bull barrel- unbalanced?

[Cato]

Since I regularly read here about "superlight" Ar15 barrels, I wanted to know, what you think about the balance of a 16" bull barrel Ar like this one:

For me, it would be the only chance to get a semi-auto carbine of military origin in Austria. The (German made) Oberland Arms Ar/OA15 was only recently removed from the banned weapons list- and only because it was modified, so that a fast barrel change with original Ar15 components is impossible.

Now here comes the problem: even the 16" version weighs in at 4kg (8.8lbs) due to the Walther SS bull barrel and the milled receiver!

However, the gun should serve for home defense & TEOWAKI, that is why weight does not concern me as much as balance. So:

• How off balance can I expect this thing to be?[*]At 8.8 lbs, do you think its worth it?
• Any suggestions beyond a simple barrel change- which isn't legal here yet- to lighten the thing?
• Is turning a barrel down a huge problem for somebody who knows how to work on a lathe?

Sincerely

Cato

PS: The .223 CIP chamber may be a problem too, but according to "our" CIP there is no extra NATO chamber. It has been discussed here, but maybe you could sum up the Ar15.com opinion: How does chrome-lining, which most pros seem to favour, compare to a quality, button-rifled SS barrel like the Walther, for a SHTF weapon?

BTW, contrary to what most Europeans think, I hope the US boys kick Saddams butt and all of them are home safe for the easter holidays!

 

[Art Eatman]

That's not enough barrel to make the balance bad. If anything, a rifle that's slightly muzzle-heavy is a bit easier to hold for offhand shots. My 20" Bushmaster match-target weighs 9.5 pounds, and I've hunted for decades with a 26" '06 of the same weight. No problem.

Turning a barrel in a lathe is no big deal. Cut too much, though, and you'll lose the advantages of the heavy barrel's heat dissipation.

In my experience to date, .223 ammo, whether civilian or military, all goes bang with no problems. "Liberated" US GI 5.56 or any old handloads/reloads or factory stuff all worked through my Mini 14s.

The chrome linings are alleged to be a bit less accurate for match-target accuracy. However, they should do a bit better insofar as rust resistance in a wet climate and with poor maintenance.

Art

 

[Slick]

Cato,
I appreciate your kind thoughts for our troops.
Slick

 

[Steve Smith]

I agree with Art. In addition, having a 16" barrel heavy barrel isn't as bad as a longer one. I think you'll be fine.


What was done to make the barrel more permanent? Is it removable at all?

 

[hksw]

I have a DPMS Lo Pro Classic similar to the configuration you have questioned.

https://tp-commerce.techpro.com/pantherarms/images/products/rfa2-lpc.jpg[img]

The front heaviness is noticable if you hold with the weak hand below the mag or just in front of the mag well. If you hold the front handguard, not that big of deal. What I have done to help balance it out is added the 3.5# lead weight in the stock. Makes the gun a bit heavy for a shorty but I don't mind the weight being somewhat physically fit. It does have the benefit of reducing recoil. I don't mind all of the weight of the gun as I don't see myself ever carrying it over hills through the woods for miles. It will slow you down a little if you plan on using it in defensive situations.