12.5" 5.56 barrel for SBR

[Stubb]

I'm considering options while waiting for the tax stamp on a From 1 Noveske lower. I decided on a 12.5" barrel to give the option of mounting the SPR/M4 also waiting on paperwork. I'll be using the rifle for carbine matches, classes, general good times, and shooting out to 300 yards. No plans on re-enacting the Battle of Wanat. Ammo will include steel-cased brands.

The three main barrels I'm considering are (1) Centurion Arms, (2) Daniel Defense Lightweight, and (3) Noveske Stainless. The price difference doesn't matter. My initial inclination was for the Centurion and DD barrels, but Noveke's stainless barrels apparently hold up quite well in hard use. The Noveske's midweight profile seems quite appealing to me. One of my AR-15s sports a Centurion 16" midweight barrel, and I can't say enough good things about it. I'm not sure if the SPR/M4's MITRE mount, which sits back over the barrel, would cause trouble with the lightweight DD barrel.

I'd appreciate comments on choosing one of these barrels over the other, particularly in regards to running the can. This is my first foray into NFA territory, and I'm sure that there are considerations I'm missing (e.g., adjustable gas block). I'm also undecided between a Vltor 10" VIS and a Vltor MUR + LaRue 10" handguard.

—Andreas

[Paulo_Santos]

Personally, I'd go with the Vltor VIS or the Mega Monolithic upper. I'm a huge fan of the Monolithic uppers. As far as the barrel, you can't go wrong with any of them, but since you already have a centurion arms and you will be shooting steel case ammo, I'd go with another centurion arms.

[Stickman]

May as well stay with the Centurion Arms barrels, especially as you already know how good they are.

[Stubb]

I've seen that you have a couple of 12.5" rifles and an SPR/M4. Can you say if a 10" handguard provides enough clearance to mount the can?

The tax stamp came in the mail today!

—Andreas

[MoxyDave]

With a 9" handguard you will have about 5/8" clearance using an SPR/M4 and 12.5" barrel. I don't know about the others but Noveske uses polygonal rifling which should increase muzzle velocity close to that of a typical 14.5" M4.

[Stubb]

Thanks for all the helpful info! I'm leaning toward the Mega Monolithic upper and Centurion Arms barrel at this point, but we'll see what actually ends up in my shopping cart over the weekend. I'll post photos of the build once it's done followed by a range report.

—Andreas

[renegade]

I had seen a Diplomat, and wanted it in 12.5 Noveskee did not make one, so I made my own:



I prefer the 12.5 over 10.5/11.5. A little lest blast, and still easy to point.

[Stubb]

That's a mighty fine looking rifle! Are you using the 9" VIS upper?

I just put in an order with Monty at Centurion Arms for a VIS upper with his 12.5" barrel.

—Andreas

[Stubb]

Here's a writeup on the complete rifle: link. I've been having way too much fun with it.

—Andreas

[m249saw]

Beautiful carbine. I think I may have to sell my 10.3" MK18 Mod1 upper and go this route.