What twist AR Barrel?

[Ray HP]

What twist rate barrel(20") should I order, 1:8 or 1:9?

The rifle will be used for High Power militery competition. I expect to be using light to medium weight bullets. Please excuse my vague terms on bullet weights, this will be my first AR-15.

 

[bk40]

light to medium- I'd go with the 1 in 9

 

[Nukem]

Ray,

Light to medium bullet weight and High Power rifle competition don't really belong together.

bk40 is right, a 1-9" is a safe bet if you're undecided. If you're going to shoot the 77 or 80gr. go with the 1-8"

 

[Pampers]

Well, Sierra, who knows a little about NRA High Power competition, recommends 1:7 for their 80gr MatchKing.

------------------
Fred J. Drumheller
NRA Life
NRA Golden Eagle

 

[45 Shooter]

I have a Colt 1/7 and a Bushmaster 1/9. Ya know, I can't really tell the differance. I must ad that I'm not planing on going to Camp Perry.
45 Shooter

 

[Mouse Gun]

Ray, unless you are going to be shooting alot at 600 I would stick with the 1:8 twist as the the 1:7 may be overkill for lighter weight match bullets(52-53 gr.) for reduced course matches. I shoot 200, 300 and reduced targets for 600 and 69 Sierra Match Kings are more than adequate. If it's very windy were you are then the 77 SMK might be better choice at 300 or across the course. Who's building your rifle?


Brian

 

[WalterGAII]

Good advice from everybody. My guess is that somebody who's "new to AR's" doesn't have a clue what he's going to be using the rifle for. With that in mind, the 1-in-9 might be a safe bet.

 

[slickpuppy]

1 in 8 is a good rate for the heavier bullets and handles the 52 and 53 grainers fine as Mousegun pointed out.

My 1 in 9 twist barrels are great with 69 grain and lighter bullets, but groups open up with heavier weight projectiles.

Krieger's 1 in 8 twist is actually 1 in 7.7 and is a great performer on everything from 52 grains and higher. I also have a Douglas 1 in 8 I purchased on a whim that I haven't built up yet and will have to see how well it works.

Whatever you decide, remember you can always get another upper with another twist rate or simply rebarrel the existing one. That is the nice thing about ARs.