Hey guys I am looking for some input on my current project. I am looking for a quality yet affordable 18 inch AR 15 barrel in 5.56. I have been leaning towards a stainless barrel so any recommendations for a stainless would be appreciated. Thanks for the help!
I built one w/ a BCM 18" barrel that shot terrific. I specifically wanted a rifle-length gas system, which limited my options some. My barrel did OK with the ammo I ran through it, but I understand the 18" barrels with rifle-length gas systems can be touchy with lighter loads.
I second White Oak Armament; I have one of their 18" stainless barrels with the 223 Wylde chamber, but they are a little on the expensive side, and looks like out of stock right now. I would recommend AR Performance as well, but they are not stainless and are out of stock too.
Here's the real deal. Mark 12 Mod 0 SPR barrel in 416R stainless by Douglas. Kinda spendy, but you'd have pretty much the gold standard in 18" AR barrels: AVAILABLE ITEMS | HIGH CALIBER SALES, LLC
Check with Compass Lake Engineering. They carry Kreiger and Douglas barrels there. Frank White does a great job clambering them too. I got an 18" Douglas SPR barrel for my MK12 from them.