Best basic barrel for the dollar?

[polydeuces]

Having had the pleasure of building most every rifle with Noveske, DD and Centurion barrels, I am now doing a "budget" build - from parts that meet or exceed specs, yet are as affordable (cheap?) as as possible.
Hint: it's for my daughter, who is just now getting interested in shooting.
Have most everything is covered so far, except the barrel, which happens to be the most important piece. Looking for a 14.5 or 16", profile and weight less important than cost. Can be car or mid.
Kinda stuck here. Open for suggestions. Thanks. (ps - used is OK)

[Paulo_Santos]

I've seen some affordable DD barrels around the net. Also, WOA sells some affordable SS barrels. Also check Rainier Arms as they sells some nice SS barrels.

[TehLlama]

I agree - for durable value the DD barrels are hard to beat, and for precision stuff the WOA. The Rainier complete uppers are a steal, but my honest suggestion would be a DD Lighweight 16" Middy.

[polydeuces]

Am considering this:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-14-5-Mid-Length-Barrel-Stripped-p/bcm-brl-s-mid-14%20std.htm
Think I can do any better for cost - other than finding a used one?
Would like to check EE at M4C but they seem to be down...:(

[Paulo_Santos]

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/SearchResults.asp?mfg=Daniel+Defense

Check out the DD barrels.

[polydeuces]

Looks like a winner, may have to pull the wallet on that one.

[polydeuces]

Ooops - out of stock.
May have to go with my initial pick.
Another option obviously is go with used. With the inherent risk involved....

[federalist22]

I have that DD 16" M4 carbine 1:7 barrel on my custom build--good deal, great part. Bought it from Bravo Company USA in 2009.

[5pins]

PK has some of the DD barrels in stock for $191.00

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Daniel_Defense_Barrels/121/c

[Gator]

I found even cheaper ones on Riflegear.
http://www.riflegear.com/p-1058-daniel-defense-chrome-lined-barrel-16-midlength-stripped.aspx
http://www.riflegear.com/p-860-daniel-defense-chrome-lined-barrel-16-m4-stripped.aspx

[federalist22]

Bravo Company has DD barrels for $169.95.

[Rodman24]

PK has some of the DD barrels in stock for $191.00

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Daniel_Defense_Barrels/121/c


I found even cheaper ones on Riflegear.
http://www.riflegear.com/p-1058-daniel-defense-chrome-lined-barrel-16-midlength-stripped.aspx
http://www.riflegear.com/p-860-daniel-defense-chrome-lined-barrel-16-m4-stripped.aspx

Be sure you're not expecting these to be CHF barrels.

The PKF site does note "THESE ARE NOT HAMMER FORGED".
Riflegear only notes "with a 1-7" right-hand twist cut rifling in the chrome-lined bore."

[Fixit69]

The DD barrels can be had cheaper, but you really have to take the time and look. I've built the upper with quality parts, and now I'm glad I waited, but it took almost a year.

[TehLlama]

Their button rifled units are still quite accurate, and durable. I'd still take one of those over a lot of other barrels out there.

[polydeuces]

Be sure you're not expecting these to be CHF barrels.

The PKF site does note "THESE ARE NOT HAMMER FORGED".
Riflegear only notes "with a 1-7" right-hand twist cut rifling in the chrome-lined bore."


That would be my entire point. We're so being sold on everything CHF and super duper top of the line etc. that the mere mention of anything short of that makes us go "Ooooh nooo....." - Yours truly included.
So my plan is to build this bad boy with just solid "regular" specs, and run it hard next to both my "super-duper" DD and Noveske rigs, and see where the real difference is. As an objective trial.
Or as objecive as possible.
One thing I can already predict that no matter what (quality regular) barrel, it will be more accurate than I deserve.

[Rodman24]

Be sure you're not expecting these to be CHF barrels.

The PKF site does note "THESE ARE NOT HAMMER FORGED".
Riflegear only notes "with a 1-7" right-hand twist cut rifling in the chrome-lined bore."

Just to make sure no one misunderstands my comment, my only intention was to help make sure no one made the mistake of assuming these were the CHF barrels. [:)]

[polydeuces]

No worries, I got that. We're communicating.
Too bad this site has no EE - would love to get my hands on a used barrel. May peek at ARF.com, but that place gives me the heebyjeebies....

[Stickman]

No worries, I got that. We're communicating.
Too bad this site has no EE - would love to get my hands on a used barrel. May peek at ARF.com, but that place gives me the heebyjeebies....


The idea was kicked around, but I would rather not have an EE than to run the risk of anyone getting shafted on dealings here.

[polydeuces]

Kinda going off-topic here, but.... understand and appreciate the concern, so just to offer a"pro" argument - as far as I can see there's virtually no negative feedback on either M4C or Gunbroker, think simply it's too small a community where word goes around fast. It is in every ones interest to aim for that A+ feedback - unlike Fleabay where you could get away with pillaging and plunder on a daily basis.
I really would welcome and value an EE on this here forum. Can imagine though you're not really needing the xtra hassle.....