A2 profile barrel

[natedog]

Is it possible to get an AR-15 from a manufactuer that already has an A2 width barrel? I'm not into big heavy "match" barrels, and the "Superlight" from Bushmaster seems to be too thin...I was thinking the A2 profile would be a good compromise.

 

[Jeff White]

Colt

 

[natedog]

Which one? http://www.colt.com/CMCI/rifles.asp

I was more looking for a 20", preferably flattop. Also, what's the deal with the barrels that are fat, but then have a skinny section, but then get fat again (all foreward of the handguard). This seems common on M-4 types.

 

[Werewolf]

The bushmaster 20" fluted barrel is close...

 

[Gewehr98]

What's so special about the A2 profile?

The barrel is only thicker where exposed forward of the handguard. Inside the handguard, it's still pencil-thin, in the location where it gets the hottest. Supposedly brought about as a result of GI's prying stuff with their rifle barrels, so the barrel diameter between handguard and birdcage flash hider was beefed up. Faux reinforcement, as it were.

 

[MagKnightX]

The mid-barrel taper on M4geries is because that profile is necessary to mount the M203. Of course, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[JNewell]

Real A2 profile rifles are hard to find commercially. I don't think there are any currently offered. Years ago (1987-88ish) Colt offered both the HBAR and "Government" profile 20" barrels, but it's been many years I think.

Bushmaster sells a 20" A2 barrel. The code word is usually "government" versus "heavy" profile.

 

[j.wise]

I just picked up my new Bushmaster 20" from my dealer about a month ago. It's a LEO rifle, but I special ordered it to come with the "Gov't barrel". I like the weight of the A2 profile barrel for a 20" rifle, and am very happy with it.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Bushmaster does offer the A2 profile in their barrels; but the barrel must be purchased separately or special-ordered. Chekc their website and it shows the barrel.

 

[DMK]

FYI: Bushmaster Barrel Weights

This was from and email from Bushmaster:

Subject: Barrel Weights

Here is a barrel weight chart for the barrels we carry;

Barrel Weight In Pounds ( for milled front sight subtract 0.2 pounds )

Barrel length_______Heavy Barrels______ Fluted Barrels

10"__________________2.0_________________1.9
11.5"________________ 2.2_________________2.0
11.5/5.5"_____________ 2.6_________________2.5
14.5"________________ 2.5_________________2.2
14.5"AK_______________2.7_________________2.4
14.5"MY_______________2.7_________________2.4
14.5"AM (phantom)______2.7_________________2.4
16"__________________2.7_________________2.3
16" Dissipator__________3.0_________________2.6
20"__________________3.5_________________3.0
24"__________________3.9_________________3.1
26"__________________4.0_________________3.2

Military Style Barrels

14.5"M4_______________2.0
14.5"M4AK____________ 2.2
14.5"M4MY____________ 2.2
14.5"M4AM (phantom)____2.2
16"M4 Dissipator________2.3
16" Superlight__________1.9
16"M4________________2.2
20"A2(govt profile)______2.5