First AR build: 20in Barrel w/ FSB? (and other parts related questions)

JC82 · Dec 31, 2017

Hi.

BLUF:
I'm looking for recommendations on a 20" barrel with a pinned fsb. Fairly accurate, with good durability. If I'm honest, I'm not well versed on barrel twist but my general understanding is that 1:9 is a good general purpose rate.

BACKGROUND:
I'm having difficulty finding a 20" heavy profile Barrell with a pinned fsb. I did find one at Del-Ton, but the more I read about Del-Ton the more I worry about their quality. Other companies make them w/o offering pinned fsb as an option. Drilling the barrel for an fsb is about the only part of the build I don't think I'd be able to do myself.

Why 20"?:
Admittedly this is mostly nostalgia. My next build will likely be a 16".

MORE:
I'm in the early planning stages of my first build. Actually the first AR I'll actually own as a civilian (not that I ever "owned" anything while in service). My current parts list started as a "budget build" (including the Del-Ton barrel) and totalled just under $602, but I'm starting to realize that I'm going to have to get a bit pricier for a build I'll be happy with. I can post a the current parts list if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

mvee · Dec 31, 2017

These guys have a hbar barrel with a fsb available as well as a couple of delton barrels. I don’t know the specifics of any of them. Maybe someone else here does. http://www.jsesurplus.com/20.aspx

JC82 · Dec 31, 2017

mvee said:
These guys have a hbar barrel with a fsb available as well as a couple of delton barrels. I don’t know the specifics of any of them. Maybe someone else here does. http://www.jsesurplus.com/20.aspx

Thanks for the resource!
Many of them are listed as "multiple mfg" as the manufacturer. I wonder who actually makes them.

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3paul10 · Dec 31, 2017

I like the plan. Build one you want, and then build more later....never enough ARs!

RJRjr · Dec 31, 2017

I have a Stag model 4, 20 inch rifle. They sell the barrel , it is 20" pinned fsb. They were 1-9 but I think they are 1-8 now. Not chrome lined. I like mine.

Shazam · Dec 31, 2017

Del-Ton is OK for the money and JSE has given me good service. Buying a barrel with the FSB already mounted will save time and money in having it done for you. Installing a FSB isn't a DIY job for most people.

A 20 inch HBAR is a bit nose heavy. A fixed A2 stock helps to balance it out.

JC82 · Dec 31, 2017

Shazam said:
Del-Ton is OK for the money and JSE has given me good service. Buying a barrel with the FSB already mounted will save time and money in having it done for you. Installing a FSB isn't a DIY job for most people.

A 20 inch HBAR is a bit nose heavy. A fixed A2 stock helps to balance it out.

I'm back and forth on going with Del-Ton. the price is tempting. I hadn't thought about the fixed A2 stock... but I am now.

RJRjr said:
I have a Stag model 4, 20 inch rifle. They sell the barrel , it is 20" pinned fsb. They were 1-9 but I think they are 1-8 now. Not chrome lined. I like mine.

Thanks! For some reason I missed that barrel when I first looked at Stag. $250 doesn't seem like a bad price either.

3paul10 said:
I like the plan. Build one you want, and then build more later....never enough ARs!

If the first build goes smoothly... It could be a problem

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jimbobborg · Dec 31, 2017

I think you'd be better off buying a 20" heavy barrel, a virgin FSB, and have someone with the right tools drill it out and install it.

clandestine · Dec 31, 2017

If you are looking for accuracy as your primary goal, then you dont want a pinned FSB. You want Clamp-On as it applies more uniform stress to the barrel. Same goes for Muzzle Devices, you want to keep the torque value low to reduce stress on the barrel.

If you want a good Heavy Barrel buy a Kreiger.

Im not saying a Taper Pinned FSB AR CANT shoot well, im just saying it increases the chance that it wont shoot well as does an improperly installed Muzzle Device.

If you want a Pinned FSB, I can install one.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGUeIKBN_X/?taken-by=schooloftheamericanrifle

JC82 · Jan 1, 2018

clandestine said:
If you are looking for accuracy as your primary goal, then you dont want a pinned FSB. You want Clamp-On as it applies more uniform stress to the barrel. Same goes for Muzzle Devices, you want to keep the torque value low to reduce stress on the barrel.

If you want a good Heavy Barrel buy a Kreiger.

Im not saying a Taper Pinned FSB AR CANT shoot well, im just saying it increases the chance that it wont shoot well as does an improperly installed Muzzle Device.

If you want a Pinned FSB, I can install one.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGUeIKBN_X/?taken-by=schooloftheamericanrifle

Chad, of course, you're right. But I swear to God you're the reason I want a pinned fsb in the first place. I'm sure I've seen you advocate for it before. If I weren't currently under the influence id be looking for a specific quote. Cheers. JC.

JC82 · Jan 1, 2018

JC82 said:
Chad, of course, you're right. But I swear to God you're the reason I want a pinned fsb in the first place. I'm sure I've seen you advocate for it before. If I weren't currently under the influence id be looking for a specific quote. Cheers. JC.

Here's one instance. Happy New year!
https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?p=4564828

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mvee · Jan 1, 2018

Rock river also has a couple of hbar barrels with a fsb installed

https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=272

Biggfoot44 · Jan 1, 2018

Yes , in absolute accuracy , in a bbl otherwise capable of one hole groups , the clamp on block will provide less bbl stress.

But my Colt 20in factory bbl w/ pinned FSB will group sub-MOA . For me , for a std wt rifle , that meets my expectations of " plenty accurate enough " . Your expectations of "accurate rifle" can vary .

Magnumite · Jan 1, 2018

I have two AR’s with RRA barrels, both bearing a pinned FSB.. One a RRA 20” HBAR and the other a 16” HBAR. Both shoot under moa with preferred ammo and shoot good with blasting grade American make ammo...even PPU. The 20”, a full RRA rifle, is my go to accuracy AR. I have had two Colt barreled HBAR rifles...still have one, a 20” cut to 18”. Both shoot small lights out, both with pinned sights. Have/had a Stoner 16” gov’t profile barrel and two other pinned fsb rifles and they shot well fine but not quite as good as the RRA and Colt barrels. My first AR was a Bushmaster 14.5” with a welded muzzle device. Accuracy-wise...terrible, worst AR in the that department. I am sure it was the weld.

Not saying the pinned bases can’t be problematic...I haven’t dealt with that many AR’s. Just they are more likely to work well than not.

clandestine · Jan 1, 2018

JC82 said:
Chad, of course, you're right. But I swear to God you're the reason I want a pinned fsb in the first place. I'm sure I've seen you advocate for it before. If I weren't currently under the influence id be looking for a specific quote. Cheers. JC.

Absolutely pin for the sake of reliability and durability. It does stress the barrel though.

It's no guarantee that the process will cause problems, but I wanted to toss it out there.

Both methods have their own compromises.

JC82 · Jan 1, 2018

clandestine said:
Absolutely pin for the sake of reliability and durability. It does stress the barrel though.

It's no guarantee that the process will cause problems, but I wanted to toss it out there.

Both methods have their own compromises.

Ah, I understand your point now. Thank you.

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Magnumite · Jan 1, 2018

clandestine said:
Absolutely pin for the sake of reliability and durability. It does stress the barrel though.

It's no guarantee that the process will cause problems, but I wanted to toss it out there.

Both methods have their own compromises.

i.e. no free lunch..

JC82 · Jan 1, 2018

Looking at RRA now...looks like they're doing 20% off right now!

jkasprz · Jan 1, 2018

JC82 said:
Hi.

BLUF:
I'm looking for recommendations on a 20" barrel with a pinned fsb. Fairly accurate, with good durability. If I'm honest, I'm not well versed on barrel twist but my general understanding is that 1:9 is a good general purpose rate.

BACKGROUND:
I'm having difficulty finding a 20" heavy profile Barrell with a pinned fsb. I did find one at Del-Ton, but the more I read about Del-Ton the more I worry about their quality. Other companies make them w/o offering pinned fsb as an option. Drilling the barrel for an fsb is about the only part of the build I don't think I'd be able to do myself.

Why 20"?:
Admittedly this is mostly nostalgia. My next build will likely be a 16".

MORE:
I'm in the early planning stages of my first build. Actually the first AR I'll actually own as a civilian (not that I ever "owned" anything while in service). My current parts list started as a "budget build" (including the Del-Ton barrel) and totalled just under $602, but I'm starting to realize that I'm going to have to get a bit pricier for a build I'll be happy with. I can post a the current parts list if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

I would be interested in see your current parts list. I want to build an AR but I am really new to this and your selections would be of interest.
Thanks
John

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JC82 · Jan 1, 2018

jkasprz said:
I would be interested in see your current parts list. I want to build an AR but I am really new to this and your selections would be of interest.
Thanks
John

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Hi John! Sure thing! Here's a link to the spreadsheet I've been keeping:

https://goo.gl/mYHqTy

feel free to make comments on the sheet, its setup to do that (that goes for anyone).

Keep in mind, I think much of this will change based on the feedback I've gotten here (and other research) -so you'll see me making updates. I should probably start including URLs for the parts as well.

-Jerry

First AR build: 20in Barrel w/ FSB? (and other parts related questions)

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