Source for a Short AR 204 barrel??

[Bert]

Anyone know where to find a 20" Shilen .204 barrel or something else in the 20" or less ?

I am trying to collect parts, and so far all I have located is the 24" versions. Shilen does not make the 20" models right now, and they blew me off when I asked.

Thanks, Bert

[Rick in Oregon]

Brownells has always come through for me for about any weapon, and it appears they've got AR barrels in about every configuration and length too.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/ba ... /index.htm

[Bert]

Rick,

Tons of stuff in AR, but very very few for .204 Ruger.

Just to make sure, from the link you gave, I clicked on every single AR style barrel at Brownells.

I only saw the two that I had seen earlier - a 24" DPMS and a 24" Shilen (w/bolt). Are you suggesting that I try for a special order via Brownells?

I am looking for one 20" or less. So far, a one-off custom seems my only option (or to cut and re-crown one of the two that Brownells (and Midway).

I did get one quote from Hart Rifle Barrels for $480 + shipping (I supply bolt to headspace) with a 5-6 month lead-time. Shilen used to produce a 20" in government profile (w/bolt) but they are not interested in helping me.

I checked with Noveske, and they told me "no", but to check with Chris at a later date.

I am really hoping that someone is aware of a to go drop-in 18" or 20" that were available a few years ago, but don't seem to be standard offerings anymore. Tactico Arms lists a 20" Shilen on their web site, but they tell me it is no longer available.

Thank you,

Bert

[Rick in Oregon]

Bert, I'd then check with Pac-Nor, as they make AR barrels and do alot of .20 cal work also. They're teamed with Noveske, as PN makes the barrels, and they're finished up at Noveske for the AR platform.

http://www.pac-nor.com/pricelist/

I've got an 11-twist PN Super Match 3-groove, cut with a custom 204 Match chamber from PTG that shoots the 39 and 40's very well indeed, to the tune of a .3" agg with all three bullet brands. (All three companies are in OR, and are close to one another geographically.)

[Bert]

Rick,

Thanks for the tip. I think I have seen photos of the rifle you have.

A few more semi-newbie questions

I am just getting started on the AR.
My upper, lower, and BCG are from CMT Tactical ( I got in on a great group deal, about 50% off) - https://www.cmttac.com/AR-15_Upper_Lowe ... duct_id=91 and https://www.cmttac.com/AR_Components/Bo ... uct_id=100

Still picking up the rest of my parts, and consider this a long term project.

I am wanting to build something better than average, but not a pig to lug around. My understanding is that in a very good barrel, a shorter 18" - 20" (and lighter) is as accurate as full length (24" - 26") with the sacrifice of some amount of velocity.

Being of short stature, and even shorter arms, I like carbines (but I do have a few full size 204s also on hand).

So, my preference, if I am not acting in stupidity, is to build a nice stout 18" gun.

That said, can you give me a bit more information on your PacNor barrel?

I got the model and twist, so what length, and contour, gas-port (I am hoping to hide an adjustable gas-block under a free-float handguard) and other finish options did you choose?

I will ask if Pacnor still uses the PTG reamer you describe.

I think I recall you used a standard AR bolt (and I think I can use the CMT bolt....). Did you get yours headspaced by Pacnor?

I echo others - Thanks! for your insight!

Bert

[Rick in Oregon]

Bert - PM sent.....

[acloco]

You may end up buying a 24" and having a smith hacksaw off the 4 or 6 you require.

[Bert]

Thanks Rick, I got your PM.

You have given me several good ideas, some great insight, and added confidence to keep moving forward.

So, what about the rest of you guys?

Got some tips for a barrel build on a 18" AR (in .204 of course)?

[acloco]

Buy a blank, an AR stub, and a bolt. Rent reamer, call smith.

[Blacklab]

I just picked up a 17" 1-12 from lilja 2 or 3 weeks ago. They had it in stock and I had it one week after ordering

[Bert]

Anyone familiar with these? - http://ptacarms.com/18-AR15-204-Ruger-B ... 0418RG.htm

[Bert]

I just picked up a 17" 1-12 from lilja 2 or 3 weeks ago. They had it in stock and I had it one week after ordering

Thanks! Can you give a part#, specs, contact name, etc?

[Rick in Oregon]

Bert - This should get you started:

http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/in ... barrel.htm

Dan Lilja is the owner, but seldom answers the phone these daze.

[Bert]

Thanks!

I sent Patty a email to ask what they have in stock from 17"-20"

Bert

[Blacklab]

Gl Bert keep us updated