R-4 Profile vs. Lightweight Profile

[Iowa Hick]

I am building a lightweight upper for my AR and am having trouble deciding between a lightweight R-4 barrel and a straight up light weight barrel. I've been looking at the barrels offered by RRA, so if someone has a suggestion for a different company I'm open to that to. So am I going to see much difference in accuracy? Is there any major downsides to these? I already have a rifle built for accuracy, now I would just like something that is decently accurate and lightweight enough to carry.

Thanks.

[RMTactical]

I own both styles. My favorite is the M4 profile 14.5" with 1.5" perm flash hider. I think it's a great compromise between lightweight and keeping the heat down in rapid fire mode.

However, the 16" superlight is excellent for carrying. Also shoots fine for the first mag or so... :)

Either way, I prefer these lighter barrel configurations. I hate HBAR's.

For the record, the "lightweight M4" profile that is lighter under the handguards is the real govt M4 profile. The heavy M4 (or R4 in the case of RRA) profile is just a wannabe M4 profile. :supergrin:

[bukn77]

buy one of the RRA lightweight barrels and try it out. I'm looking at one and if you buy it first then you can tell me how you like it before I spend my money.:rofl:

[Iowa Hick]

Also shoots fine for the first mag or so... :)

See this is what I'm worried about. Even though this guns main purpose isn't super accuracy, I would like it be somewhat accurate. But at the same time my original purpose was light weight, so I can't decide which is of higher priority to me. I'm leaning towards the government profile.

[Iowa Hick]

Here's another question, Model 1 Sales has a similar government profile barrel made by E.R. Shaw, so which is generally a better barrel, the Wilson or the Shaw?

[RMTactical]

Here's another question, Model 1 Sales has a similar government profile barrel made by E.R. Shaw, so which is generally a better barrel, the Wilson or the Shaw?

Both are decent barrel makers.

The Shaw barrels from Model 1 are probably fine, but I wouldn't buy anything else from them, personally.

[Skintop911]

However, the 16" superlight is excellent for carrying. Also shoots fine for the first mag or so... :)

See this is what I'm worried about. Even though this guns main purpose isn't super accuracy, I would like it be somewhat accurate. But at the same time my original purpose was light weight, so I can't decide which is of higher priority to me. I'm leaning towards the government profile.

What's your accuracy standard?

During a certain range exercise, AR6520s (Govt Carbine, LW barrel) go through stacks of magazines, putting rounds on 12"x20" steel plates at 200-250yds, as fast as the trigger can be pressed and target hit. All are too hot to hold unless gloved. Rounds remain on target. That seems good enough for most fighting purposes.

The RRA barrels (R4 and LW) are lesser grade steel, and typically tighter chamber. Their performance in such an exercise would still approximate the 6520, if chamber dims and ammo didn't become an issue.

[chakup]

keep in mind that some of the off companies pick up 2nds- which accounts for the cost.

[Iowa Hick]

The Shaw barrels from Model 1 are probably fine, but I wouldn't buy anything else from them, personally.

I tend to agree.

keep in mind that some of the off companies pick up 2nds- which accounts for the cost.

That is a risk, does anyone know of another place to buy a Shaw?

[RMTactical]

Shaw sells barrels and barrel blanks to many companies including (but not limited to) Stag and Colt.

Which barrel profile have you decided on?

[Iowa Hick]

I think I want to get a government profile or similar mid length.

[halfmoonclip]

To the OP, go as light as you can. That is an AR's claim to fame.
Moon

[Iowa Hick]

I ended up going with a CMMG government profile barrel with midlength gas system.