The modern AR-10 rifle dates back to the 1950s when it was manufactured by Armalite, a division of the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation. Though the original, straight-line barrel rifle was used for warfare, over the years it became a predecessor for a wide range of firearms like the M16.
Today, users of the AR-10 may prefer to make adjustments to the factory-manufactured version to suit their needs. This can include replacing the barrel with one of the options available in the market.
The latest barrel models are usually constructed of high-grade stainless steel to withstand the enormous pressure of expanding gas and to ensure that optimum muzzle velocity is obtained by the projectile. In this article, we will be discussing a few modern options and looking at what makes a good barrel.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-10 Barrels
Comparison of the AR-10 Barrels
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How to Choose an AR-10 Barrel
Finding a barrel for an AR-10 wonโt be as challenging if you have a good idea of what to look for in one. In order to find one for yourself, you should use this list below as a guide on what makes one stand out in the best way. Hereโs what you should keep an eye out for:
Price
The price wonโt matter much to a lot of shoppers. But if you are a budget shopper in search of the best quality and performance you can afford, then you can find a barrel that will fit the bill. Donโt go for cheap or sacrifice quality so you can save a little money. If the price is the last thing on your mind, you will understand the true value of what a barrel can do for you.
Choose High-Quality
High-quality materials will always equal better longevity and durability. So, you should be able to find a barrel made from steel or any high-quality materials so it can stand out in more ways than one. Just because itโs high in quality, it wonโt necessarily mean you can forego cleaning and maintaining it. Take great care of your barrel and it will take care of you in its own way.
Installation
We managed to find barrels that will be easy to install. This means you wonโt have to find one that will need installation services by a gunsmith. You have already waited long enough and spent enough money on a barrel to begin with. So why pay extra to have someone install it for you? Find one that is a drop-in design that will take minutes to install and be ready to go in no time.
Are AR-10 and AR-15 Barrels Interchangeable?
One of the key differences between the two models is their caliber and this makes certain parts non-interchangeable despite their similar design.
The AR-10 utilizes the .308/7.62x51, while the AR-15 uses the .223/5.56 x 45 cartridge. The AR-10 is also slightly larger and hence, heavier.
Additionally, there is more space between the pistol grip and lower receiver in the AR-10 than the AR 15.
Thus, due to slight differences in configuration and chambering of calibers, the barrels of the two models are not interchangeable and neither are their thread and nut extensions. Learn more about interchangeable parts between AR-10 and AR-15 here.
Best Barrel Length for .308 AR
The optimum barrel length depends on numerous factors including the type of barrel, twist rate, and weight of the bullet.
A longer barrel allows for a greater muzzle velocity and bullet rotation upon exit, compared to a shorter barrel, but does not inherently quantify greater accuracy.
However, it is easier to hold a longer barrel from unsupported positions and hence, may lead to more accurate shooting. The typical barrel length for a hunting rifle chambered for high-intensity cartridges like the .308 is 22-24 inches.
This particular cartridge usually operates at 2500-2800 fps and so the velocity loss in a 22-inch barrel isnโt too noticeable, so the balance and swing remain unaffected.
Most .308 ARs find a change in velocity of about 30-40 fps per inch of barrel length, but individual barrels of the same length could have that much (or more) variations.
However, users recount a shorter barrel being more rigid, so may confer greater accuracy. Most AR-10 users recommend a length of 18.5 inches for optimum accuracy and ease of movement since its lighter.
At the end of the day, choosing a barrel length is not a science, but depends on your comfort and purpose of use.
Review of the Best AR-10 Barrels
Through the list, you should make notes about the features and characteristics that stand out as interesting to you. If you have a description of what your ideal barrel looks like, you can refer to your notes so you can find one that is close enough.
In this section, we will discuss the main features and qualities of the best barrel models available in the market for the AR-10. Now, letโs take a look at the first barrel on our list:
Best Overall:
Brownells Premium Barrels - .308 AR Barrel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were happy with the barrel overall. They said it was easy to install on their rifles while giving them a boost in accuracy for most applications. Some users have even reported seeing a huge difference in their shooting groups. One user said after firing off about 20 shots at distances between 100 to 200 yards, he noticed the shooting groups were tighter than ever prior to installing the barrel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This barrel is measured at about 20 inches in length. So ideally, itโs something that will meet a good number of compliance laws. If you live in a state where you need a barrel that will be excellent for tough gun laws, youโd be hard-pressed to find anything like this on the market. Aside from its length, itโs pretty rugged and can easily slip into almost any AR-10 rifle with ease. Once installed, you can expect improved performance.
Produced by Satern Barrels, these .308 Winchester DPMS barrels feature 5R button rifling and are machined from 416 gun barrel for a superior shooting experience. Other features include a black nitride finish and a 1:10 twist.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be an ideal barrel for those who want to up their accuracy and it can take a simple barrel upgrade to get the job done. If you want tighter shooting groups and to make your AR-10 stand out more in any application, this barrel might be exactly what you are looking for.
Bottom Line
The Brownells' Premium Barrel might be the closest thing you can get to a factory replacement barrel. But make no mistake about it, itโs a pretty solid barrel that will give your rifle the boost it deserves. Donโt be surprised if you can shoot with more accuracy or even take it a little beyond its usual distance.
These barrels are available at a decent price and features, such as the nitride finish, and allow for a more long-lasting and durable weapon.
A versatile barrel can chamber various bullets and hence, be used for multiple applications.
Runner-up:
Criterion Barrels Inc - 308 AR Hybrid Barres, 6.5 Creedmoor
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users were those who intended to hunt or shoot targets at impressive distances. Specifically, they shoot at targets about 500 yards or beyond. So, they were not disappointed when they installed this barrel on their AR-10 rifles. They said their shots were more accurate and precise from such impressive distances. One user even said he was quite stoked when he landed a whitetail deer from about 600 yards out on a recent hunting trip.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While available in lengths of 18 or 22 inches, this rifle is high in quality and definitely helps your rifle kick itself into the clutch when it comes to knocking down targets from long ranges. So if you own a rifle that fires long-range rounds like a Creedmoor 6.5, ideally this might be the barrel you can use to make sure every shot goes the distance and actually counts each and every time. Donโt be surprised if your shots go a bit farther than ever before.
The Creedmoor AR barrels feature a flatter trajectory and greater ballistic coefficient than its .308 Winchester alternative.
Also, button-rifled and hand-lapped result in a uniform bore. Note that Creedmoor barrels can be swapped with factory .308 barrels and gas lengths accommodating DPMS-style gas tubes.
Who Will Use This Most
Of course, if you are an AR-10 rifle owner with the ability to hit targets from long-range, itโs obvious that this barrel will stand out as the best possible choice. Whether you want to hit a deer from 600 yards away or hit a bullseye at the range from 1000 yards, itโs absolutely your call. But you need a barrel that will give you a boost in performance to last a good, long time.
Bottom Line
The Criterion Barrels 308 AR 6.5 Creedmoor Barrel will be your best friend either out in the field or on the range when it comes to long-range shooting. Youโd be surprised how much of a change you can get out of this compared to your old factory default barrel. This one will take you places your shots have never been before.
Although said to be compatible with the .308 AR rifles in the DPMS pattern, one must remember that rifle configuration varies according to the manufacturer. This is a versatile and easy to handle barrel.
Best for the Money:
DPMS - .308 AR SASS Barrel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers were pretty satisfied with this barrel and for a few good reasons. For one, they instantly noticed the reduction in recoil compared to their old barrel. One user even said he was shocked that a barrel with no muzzle brake installed would suddenly tame recoil. Accuracy was also positive since it allowed users to shoot tighter groups from 100 yards and beyond.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This will give your barrel a much better performance compared to any factory default youโve used in the past. Itโs certainly one of the more useful and reliable barrels for an AR-10, no matter what the purpose. So, if you are in search of a barrel that makes for a great upgrade and will enhance the performance of your rifle, this might just be what you need.
This model is machined from 416R stainless steel and has an 18-inch heavy-fluted barrel. It is button-rifled, has a mid-length gas system, and a 1:10 twist rate. Finishing is done in matte-black Teflon for corrosion resistance.
Who Will Use This Most
This barrel will likely be used by various AR-10 users that use it for certain applications like hunting or target shooting. In short, itโs the closest thing you can get to a multi-purpose barrel. If you just want a simple upgrade and a good boost in performance, youโll really want a barrel like this to install on your rifle. Donโt be shocked if the onset of these improvements is immediate.
Bottom Line
The DPMS 308 AR SASS Barrel will likely stand out as one of the best options if you need to replace your AR-10 barrel any time soon. Youโd be surprised by what you can accomplish with the simple switch between old and new. Believe us when we tell you this new barrel might just be what the doctor ordered when it comes to needing a few improvements.
All-in-all, this product comes highly recommended, as it is affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and accurate. However, you need to be careful when choosing a gas block, as it doesnโt come included with the product and may cause issues if the fit isnโt perfect.
4. Faxon Firearms - AR-15 Barrels .308 Winchester Big Gunner Profile
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers had no complaints about this barrel. Not only that, a lot of them were living in states where the barrels had to be a certain length and meet certain state requirements. While one user didnโt agree with the strict gun laws (as such is the case with most gun owners, in general), he did say he chose this so it could meet the compliance laws in his state. But aside from that, he said the overall performance was great. It provides accurate shooting, tighter groups, and is designed perfectly for any general purpose.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This barrel is once again perfect for simply just switching out the old with the new. However, this excels in a hunting application since the shooting groups will be tight enough to make sure every kill shot is effective. If thatโs something you want to get out of a new barrel, youโll know this is one of them. Youโd be insane to pass up an opportunity to give this barrel a closer look. Not to mention, once installed youโll be able to notice the changes almost immediately.
This model is machined from stress-relieved 4150 Chrome Moly steel with a nitride finish. The medium taper barrel is compatible with a DPMS LR 308 upper or Armalite AR-10 and has a 1:10 twist with 5R rifling. It is available in 16โ,18โ, and 20โ models.
Who Will Use This Most
This barrel might simply boost your probability to land a more effective kill shot. The tighter the groups, the better the chance youโll be able to knock down a small or large animal with the right kind of shot placement. You cannot find any other barrel as precise and accurate as this barrel right here. If you are a hunter looking to upgrade their AR-10 barrel, this should be willing to get the job done.
Bottom Line
The Big Gunner Barrel is at the perfect length and provides superior performance for any hunter that uses an AR-10 rifle. This also lays the groundwork for the possibility of making kill shots a heck of a lot more effective than with the old factory barrel that continues to disappoint you to this day. Why wait when you can make the change?
Best used for hunting, self-defense, or target practice, this barrel comes highly recommended by users because it looks good, is safe, easy to use and install, and works with various guns.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This barrel won a lot of approval from those looking for a simple upgrade to their AR-10 rifles. Many users were hunters, competitive shooters, and even those who use their rifles for home defense. One user said the barrel is perfect length-wise, but really made its money when it can shoot tighter groups at targets ranging from 100 to 200 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This barrel is made from a really tough stainless steel that is built like a tank and can last you quite a while, assuming you take the best care of it. The barrel even gives your rifle a big boost upon installation. If you love your rifle, youโll certainly take care of it and you can give it the upgrade it deserves. So if you plan on upgrading your rifle bit by bit or if you want to simply switch out the barrel, this could be one such barrel you can consider a replacement.
The Wilson Combat Barrel is made from 416R stainless steel and has a medium-length gas system. The barrel is precision button-rifled with a 1:10 twist for excellent accuracy with various bullets. The barrels are compatible with DPMS-style SR-25/LR-308 rifles.
Who Will Use This Most
This will stand out as a great barrel across many different applications. So if you hunt, compete, or defend your home using an AR-10 rifle, this barrel might just be the one youโll need for better accuracy, reliability, and less recoil. Even if you are building a rifle from the ground up, this might be a nice addition to the building project itself.
Bottom Line
The Wilson Combat AR 308 Recon Barrel is perhaps one of the best in the business and for good reason. Durability and reliability are two things that stand out most in this barrel. If thatโs what you want to get out of your newest upgrade, the choice is obviously clear. Donโt be surprised if this barrel winds up giving you years of faithful service.
This is one of the best models available in the market in terms of price and practicality. It has a good profile for hunting, target shooting, and other outdoor activities. The fluted-barrel guarantees high accuracy.
Advantages of Upgrading Your AR-10 Barrel
Most users prefer to upgrade the factory version of the AR-10 to build a more versatile and customized weapon for themselves. Since the model is produced by various manufacturers, not all weapons created are identical, and they differ slightly in configuration and quality.
Some shooters prefer longer barrels, as they feel it confers greater accuracy, while others prefer shorter barrels for versatility and speed. Weight is also usually taken into account. You can switch up your barrel to allow for altered features including cartridge chamber, length, twist rate, profile etc.
The result will be a more accurate and optimized shooting experience. Chrome linings can help increase the life of your weapon by protecting it against corrosion.
You should choose your upgrade wisely depending on the application you have in mind, so take every factor into account before making a purchase.
Conclusion
With the number of choices available in the market these days, choosing a new barrel for your AR-10 shouldnโt be that difficult of a task.
We hope this article has left you with a better idea of what to look for, familiarizing you with some popular models and factors to consider including cartridge size, barrel length, rigidity, and resistance when choosing your upgrade. We wish you a pleasant shooting experience!
