SHILEN AR-15/M16 MATCH BARREL/BOLT SET

This is a great barrel for an AR 15. The fit and finish are superb and the matching bolt makes it a perfect drop in upgrade for any mil spec AR. This barrel is a 1/2 MOA set up for an AR. I have been able to test it out to 165 yards and it is dead on and consistent with XM855 ammo. I am in the process of developing a hand load for it and have great expectations. I can't wait to test it at 400+ yards. It will repeatedly dot nickel size or better groups at 150 yards witth 10 shots. I couldn't be more pleased. It is pricey, but if you are looking for a terrifically accurate barrel, this is the ticket. Mounted on a DPMS upper/lower, Yankee Hill free float foregrip, Magpul PRS butt stock, and Geissele DMR trigger. Brownell's has all the parts to build a real shooter.

Accuracy has proven to be superb, at 50 yards indoors with a 3-9X scope off a front rest and shouldered stock 3 shot groups that can be completely covered with a dime are routine. I've also seen no muzzle flash and it shoots quietly enough that I can hear the buffer spring "twang" when the bolt returns. (Makes it really easy to know when an empty mag has locked the bolt back). So, I don't see any need to have the barrel threaded. Chambering is on the "tight" side for headspace so ammo should be gaged. However, this means that case growth due to firing is near nill and this will extend case life. A fired case checks at just 0.001 inch "long" in my Wilson case gage so they are light to full length size and after one cycle the cases are still at my Trim To length.



The only possible negative is the weight, this is not a light weight barrel and my complete rifle with A2 stock and Gibbz Arms upper and handguard is 9.5 lbs.



BTW, I'm not using the supplied Bolt, I am using the Nickel Boron Bolt that came with my Spikes Tactical bolt carrier group and the Spikes bolt was a dimensional match for the Shillen bolt.

I have been able to shoot 1/2 MOA or better groups with this barrel so far with Hornady Superformance Varmint factory loads. I expect even better results once I start handloading this caliber. This barrel is definitely top quality.

Great exterior finish. Gas Block req'd internal sanding for push fit. Barrel extension was firm push fit to Aero-Precision upper. Porting was correct and required no adjustments. Barrel was fired 1x, then attached target with 2 different loads was shot. Wow. Perfect weather, dead calm, 61 degrees. Scope was on 16x. Benchrest with bags.

Shilen makes an excellent barrel and their customer service is excellent. I have 3 Shilen AR barrels and several of their Rem700 triggers (one of which broke and was repaired at Shilen's expense). For the reviewer who says these barrels don't shoot, I would suggest he look elsewhere in his setup or switch the barrel to another upper. Some uppers just don't fit some lowers well and affect accuracy. I happen to believe in matched billet sets and have the Shilen barrels, including the 20" Wylde chamber shooting very good groups. My 24" 223 match Shilen AR barrel shoots under 3 inches routinely at 500 yards. If I could get dead still conditions I can improve on that. Of course, I have the triggers to support this accuracy.

Fit and finish was perfect. First three shots during break in we're sub moa and first cleaning showed minimal fouling and bore was bright and crisp. My next build will include this barrel. Could not be more pleased.

Have built 3 guns with this combo. Can get 1/2 moa or better consistently in informal shooting. Highly recommend this combo

Excellent product. Incredibly accurate.

I'm still breaking this barrel in 1 shot "JB" for 100 shots BH55grFMJ then 5 shot group "JB" (X 3 now) with same ammo Groups are starting to close in Will do this total of 10 times before finding the perfect box ammo With the 1:8 twist i expect it will be 62-77gr hopefully BlackHills 5.56 77grBTHP NEXT TIME I WILL TRY a box of "TUBS break in AMMO"

I built my first 204 with this barrel . The barrel is one of the most accurate barrel i have use on the AR Platform. My first three shot group after sight in at 100 yards was almost one hole with Win Brass , Sierra 39 gr BK , 26 GRS of Hod 4895 , Rem 7.5 BR Primers. Group measured .256 If you want a accurate 204 on the AR platform then this is the barrel you want.

I ordered the barrel to build a Competition Service Rifle. It is a very attractive barrel with a great contour and a very nice crown. The fit in the gas block area was excellent. Thats about all of the good. The original "fitted" bolt did not headspace correctly so that had to be replaced. Feeding was a problem and the "feed ramp" had to be ground. Does not group well, I have fired a standard A-2 barrel in this rifle with all other components being the same and got groups less than hals the size. To make a long story short, I would not recommend you purchase this expensive (over priced)item.