pros and cons of lightweight 5.56 barrels?

[kendog1989]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIM16LWT&name=AIM+16%22+CHF+Midlength+MOE+.223%2f5.56+Lightweight+URG&groupid=586

I am shopping around for a descent, cheap 5.56 upper to complete my AR. I ran across this deal and was thinking about buying it.

The obvious pros are that it is lighter, easier to carry and maneuver..

Some cons might be that i may feel a little more kick because there is less weight; the barrel may heat up quickly??

Any advice would be helpfull

[RK808]

There isn't much kick with .223/5.56 to begin with especially put a muzzle brake on the barrel. Other options, like the Spike's Tactical heavy buffer can reduce felt recoil and still allow you to run the light barrel. Accuracy can be affected, but I'd bet my life that you could still shoot decently with good ammo, proper shooting stance, and good fundamentals. Don't worry about your barrel getting too hot. Unless you're shooting high volumes of ammo rapidly, you shouldn't have any problems. With mag capacity at 10 and bullet buttons, I don't think you'll be doing anything that will get you close to harmful temperatures. Even if you were to go featureless, I doubt you'd blow through hundreds of rounds in a matter of seconds. So, what I'm trying to say is... if it's a good deal, go for it!

[MXRider]

Pro's - Lightweight
Con's - ? I haven't found one

[hermosabeach]

This looks perfect!

NB bolt for easy carbon removal

As we cannot shoot full auto- you really do not need a heavy barrel to help dissapate heat
As we do not have grenade launchers- no need for the grenade launcher relief cut

The only drawback- out of stock!!!

[AeroEngi]

Pros: Lightweight/more maneuverable, cools down quicker.

Cons: Heats up quicker, could be slightly less accurate because it's less rigid (more barrel whip), potentially more recoil.

[MrPlink]

^ heavy bbl actually wont disipate heat as fast as a light one. Difference is the heavy will not be as adversely effected when hot as a light bbl.

If you are looking for practical accuracy for a shoot and scoot type gun light weight is a great option.

[evidens83]

Only con I can think of is that it heats up quicker. Besides that I love mine.

[a1c]

There isn't much kick with .223/5.56 to begin with especially put a muzzle brake on the barrel. Other options, like the Spike's Tactical heavy buffer can reduce felt recoil and still allow you to run the light barrel.

That's what I did for my girl's AR. She's 5'2, doesn't have a ton of upper body strength, so I changed her upper for a similar upper (lightweight barrel, MOE furniture) and Spike's buffer, and she's very happy with the result.

Just keep in mind - and this is totally normal - that you will see more smoke and heat from shooting a few mags with this thing than with a heavier barrel.

[HK Dave]

The con to lightweight barrel is your accuracy suffers as the barrel gets hot. Whether you need and can make use of that accuracy is an entirely different matter.

[Kokopelli]

I am shopping around for a descent, cheap 5.56 upper to complete my AR.

Here's another but be sure to order before midnight. The sale ends today. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/513...ck-flash-hider

[SoCalXD]

When I carry my LW rig, Its a joy to have a lb less barrel, and at 300 yds and less, it gets hits on steel just fine, even when hot. When I carry my M4 barrel rig, it hits a little better past 300, but it feels kinda piggy with optics, and I always think that I should just grab the LR308 if I'm going to carry a 3lb barrel. I vote 16" pencil barrel, if you can find a decent on in stock!

[pinoy916]

Having some weight will help with accuracy at longer distances.

[kendog1989]

Thank you all for your help. Ill post picks when it arrives.

[deviljon]

Wouldn't it be more effective to run a LW barrel with a LP gas block instead of standard A2 front sight? This way you could REALLY save some weight, right?