MEGA 308 Upper setup, trying to decide on a barrel

[The Tiger]

Update Below in Post 35

I'm looking to finalize my AR308 upper and wanted your input on barrels. I'm close to pulling the trigger but wouldn't mind some critique.

I'm looking for a fun rifle that can pull dual duty as a range gun and a backup hunting gun. I purchased the receiver already so why not?

I shoot at ranges up to 1000 yards and already have a few choices in the safe, as range toys or to hunt with, but variety is the spice of life.

This is a MEGA MATEN matched receiver set. The lower was done with a Geissele SSA-E trigger.

I wanted a shorter barrel for weight savings and maneuverability but I'm not going for total light weight. I figure a little weight is ok because it's a 308 and a few extra ounces might tame that recoil.

I was considering the Fulton 18.5 medium contour stainless barrel. It adds half a pound to the barrel over a thinner profile but I think that might be a good thing. I like the price point at $280.

http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfatitan185nmmedss1x10936gasblock.aspx

I'm also looking to use the Midwest Industries 15" free float handguard and some kind of muzzle brake. I wouldn't mind a suggestion on the muzzle brake. I prefer quieter brakes and don't mind giving up some of the effectiveness to save my ears a little more.

[SmallShark]

i use Mega barrel, such a tight fit. i had to hammer the barrel in

[The Tiger]

i use Mega barrel, such a tight fit. i had to hammer the barrel in

In my research on barrels I found there are few barrel makers and lots of private labelling going on. The MEGA barrels look good but their specs leave out some data and I don't know who they are getting their barrels from. I feel like I'm taking them on faith without knowing more.

Fulton is using Criterion and says they are match quality and hand lap the barrels. I feel like I know what I'm getting.

[Wildhawk66]

That Fulton/Criterion looks like a solid choice for your purpose. Assuming money is no object, this Lilja may be another good option.

http://riflebarrels.com/shop/drop-in-barrels/308-ar10740-drop-in/

[NATEWA]

http://criterionbarrels.com/barrels/.308_AR

I had an 18" upper and currently have a 20" lite barrel. Even with the lite barrel, ar 308's tend to be heavy.

[k1dude]

308 AR's are pigs. That barrel will put your gun over 9 pounds.

I would suggest the Fulton Armory 18.5" Light Weight over the Medium. That'll put your gun at about 8.5 pounds. Fulton's Light Weight is basically Faxon's medium profile.

I would personally recommend the Faxon Gunner in 18". It has more material in strategic spots than their Pencil profile to stiffen it up.

If you want to go really light, Faxon's Pencil profile in 16" will do the trick. But that would be more for hunting than blasting at the range.

[G38xOC]

If I can do it again , I try 16" . then again , I might endeding up liking my 20"

[OUTLAWZ]

I have a JP Rifle 16" Supermatch (1:11.25 Twist) Mid Length Light Contour (High Grade Polish) barrel with thermal dissipator on same MEGA ARMS MATEN matched billet set.

Per MEGA: Depending on barrel manufacturer you decide, Some barrel installations will require thermal fitment to get barrel on upper due to tight tolerances. MATEN upper barrel bore dimensions is 1.1880” +/- .0005

FYI - MEGA ARMS was acquired by ZEV Technologies earlier this year in case you call customer service.

[wade1234]

Do the faxon 20" heavy fluted 308 barrel


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[CandG]

I've got the Fulton (criterion) 18.5" medium weight, and it's a NICE barrel. But it's a heavy beast! The rifle I put it on, I was trying to mitigate recoil as much as possible, and didn't care about weight, so it was perfect. Their lightweight barrel might be a better choice if weight is at all a concern.

I also hear really good things about Faxon, and their customer service is top notch. I just don't have any personal experience with their barrels yet.

[BlueOvalBandit]

Mine has a Faxon 18" heavy fluted (I don't think they offer this anymore, might be wrong), it's very nice and shoots well. Install was really tight (good or bad your choice), had to freeze the barrel and heat the upper plus some mallet persuasion but would definitely use them again if I ever do another build. They also regularly run promos and sales.

[nimbus]

16" JP for mine in a Maten receiver set. Comes in around 8lbs unloaded and no optic. I was really happy with it until I bought my Scar 17. Now it just sits in the safe.

[The Tiger]

I appreciate all the advice, its good to hear other people's experiences.

I'm looking at the Faxon barrels now and like what I see. I like that medium taper barrel in 18"

To clarify...

I'm not going for ultra lightweight, just looking for some middle ground to keep this fun at the range. For that reason I don't mind a little weight. I already have lightweight guns if I needed to carry something all day. This isn't a 100% practical build. I want fun with options.

I think I'll shoot it more if it has less recoil at the range. And if I go on a hunt where I know I'm not walking all day I have that third option over what I already have.

[CandG]

I appreciate all the advice, its good to hear other people's experiences.

I'm looking at the Faxon barrels now and like what I see. I like that medium taper barrel in 18"

To clarify...

I'm not going for ultra lightweight, just looking for some middle ground to keep this fun at the range. For that reason I don't mind a little weight. I already have lightweight guns if I needed to carry something all day. This isn't a 100% practical build. I want fun with options.

I think I'll shoot it more if it has less recoil at the range. And if I go on a hunt where I know I'm not walking all day I have that third option over what I already have.

My 308 is a strictly range gun too, I made it intentionally heavy... Nearly 14lbs. Recoil is almost nothing, much less than a 5.56 AR but I'd definitely hate to have to carry it around for very long!

[motox917]

I have an 18" Fulton Armory heavy barrel on my 308, and it shoots great. I'm not a paper puncher, so I couldn't tell you how tight of a group it shoots. What I can tell you is that I can hit 14" steel consistently at 800 yards, which is good enough for me.