The Best AR-10 Barrels [May 2023]

Best AR-10 Barrels

The AR-10 rifle was first manufactured by a division of the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation back in the 1950s. The original straight-line Armalite AR10 barrels were initially designed for warfare and have over the years become a predecessor for a wide range of firearms, including the M16. 

While today’s modern AR-10 rifles have some modifications since the original design, many users still prefer to make adjustments to the factory default to suit their needs. One popular upgrade that gun owners like to make is to replace the barrel with one of the options available on the market. 

Modern AR-10 barrels are made from high-grade stainless steel to allow them to withstand the enormous pressure of expanding gas whilst ensuring that the projectile is able to obtain optimum muzzle velocity. With today’s guide, we will be going through some of the best AR-10 barrels and their review on what makes them a good choice. 

BarrelsNameEditor’s CommentRatingGet The Deal
Criterion Barrels Inc – 308 AR Hybrid Barres, 6.5 Creedmoor

Most Recommended Option

1. Lightweight design
2. Works perfectly with rifle-length gas system
3. Suitable for long-range shooting

10/10SHOP NOW
DPMS – .308 AR SASS Barrel

Premium Option

1. Designed to fit most AR-10 rifles and standard .308 AR componenents.
2. Machined from 416R stainless steel with matte-black Teflon
3. 1:10 twist rate

9.5/10SHOP NOW
Faxon Firearms – AR-15 Barrels .308 Winchester Big Gunner Profile1. 2 stage match-grade trigger
2. Cerakote-treated upper and lower receiver set
3. Ships with free 30 round magazine
9.5/10SHOP NOW
Wilson Combat – AR .308 Recon Barrel1. Ideal length for AR-10 hunting rifles
2. Machined from stress-relieved 4150 Chrome Moly Steel with nitride finish
3. 1:10 twist rate and 5R rifling
9.0/10SHOP NOW
Brownells Premium Barrels – .308 AR Barrel

1. Fits a wide range of AR-10 rifles
2. Made from 416 gun barrels with black nitrite finish
3. 1:10 twist rate

8.0/10SHOP NOW

Advantages of Upgrading Your AR-10 Barrel

Most shooters prefer to upgrade their AR-10 rifle to build a more versatile and customized weapon for themselves. However, these rifles are produced by various companies and differ slightly in configuration and quality. Some may prefer longer barrels as they feel that it confers with greater accuracy while others prefer it shorter for versatility and speed. 

Other than those, weight of the barrel is also taken into account to ensure a more comfortable setup. You can also choose to switch up your barrel to allow for altered features such as cartridge chamber, length, twist rate, profile, etc. All these combined will result in more accurate and optimized shooting experience. 

In addition, some barrels also come with chrome lining and other finishing to help increase the life of your weapon by protecting it against corrosion. In any case, you should always choose your upgrade wisely, so it is important to take every factor into account before making the final purchase. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best AR-10 Barrels

Picking the best AR-10 barrel out of the many choices is not an easy task, but it doesn’t have to be challenging as long you know exactly what to look for. Here are a few aspects that you can take into consideration to help you decide whether it’s a high-quality barrel or one that would perform miserably. 

High-Quality Materials

A good barrel should always be made from high-quality sources as it equals better longevity and durability. So, it is best to opt for AR-10 barrels that are made from steel or other metal such that they stand out more ways than one. Also, just because it is made from high quality material, it doesn’t mean that you should forego cleaning and maintaining it. You should always remember to take great care of your AR-10 barrel and it will in turn take care of you in its own way. 

Installation

Finding AR-10 barrels that are easy to install is crucial, especially if you don’t want to spend the whole day trying to set your firearm up or spend extra dollars to hire a professional gunsmith. Modern AR-10 barrels come with a drop-in design that will only take a few minutes to install and be ready to go in no time so that you can quickly head out to your shooting adventure without wasting too much time on installation.

Price

The price tag will obviously matter a lot to budget shoppers. However, you need to remember that you should search for one that offers the best quality and performance that you can afford instead of going for a cheap AR-10 barrel. You should understand the true value of what a barrel can do for you and don’t sacrifice quality just to save a little money. 

Review of the Best AR-10 Barrels

As you go through the list, make sure you take note of the unique features and characteristics that stand out to you. If you happen to come upon a description of what an ideal barrel looks like to you, then you can compare your notes to decide if it’s the perfect one for you. Now, let’s dive straight into our list of the top AR-10 barrels you can find on the market now. 

1. Brownells Premium Barrels – .308 AR Barrel

Best Overall

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The .308 barrels by Brownells measure at about 20 inches in length, meeting a good number of compliance laws in the United States. This is a great choice especially for those who live in a state where they need a barrel that can meet even the toughest gun laws. Aside from its length, the .308 AR barrels are also pretty rugged and can easily fit into almost any AR-10 rifle easily. 

These .308 Winchester DPMS barrels are produced by Satern Barrels from 416 gun barrels and feature a 5R button rifling for a superior shooting experience. It also comes with a black nitride finish and a 1:10 twist. These .308 barrels would make an ideal choice for anyone who wants to boost their rifle’s accuracy and achieve tighter shooting groups in any application. 

Many recent buyers have expressed their overall satisfaction with the barrel thanks to how easy it was to install it on their rifles. They’ve also noticed that the barrel gave a significant boost in accuracy for most applications. One was even able to fire off 20 shots at distances between 100 to 200 yards with tighter shooting groups upon installing the barrel. 

If you’re looking for something as close to the factory replacement barrel as possible while giving your rifle the boost it deserves, then the Brownells’ Premium Barrel might just be the one for you. These .308 barrels are available at a decent price and with features that allow for a more long-lasting and durable weapon. This versatile barrel can even be chambered to various bullets and be useful for multiple purposes. 

You would like this if:

You use your AR-10 rifle for various applications. Unlike the carbon fiber barrels of the same brand, this nitride finish rifle barrel does not only fit most AR-rifles, but it can also take on a range of bullets to suit all kinds of shooting purposes. 

You want a high-quality barrel. The AR-10 barrel is made from corrosion-resistant material that looks good and even offers superior durability. 

You want to improve your firearm’s accuracy. The barrel provides a boost in your rifle’s precision and accuracy upon installation.

You might not like this if:

You want to reduce recoil. Unfortunately, the barrel does not work to reduce recoil as much as some may expect.

You want a lightweight barrel. While this may be one of the best barrels available, it can be a little heavy for some rifles. 

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2. Criterion Barrels Inc – 308 AR Hybrid Barres, 6.5 Creedmoor

Runner-Up

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The Criterion Barrels Inc .308 AR hybrid comes in either 18 or 22 inches in length and is made with high-quality substances to kick your battle rifle into the clutch when it comes to knocking long-range targets down. This is the barrel you might use if you own a rifle that fires long-range rounds like the Creedmoor 6.5 to make sure every shot goes the distance each and every time. 

The Criterion Barrels 6.5 Creedmoor AR barrels feature a flatter trajectory and greater ballistic coefficient than its .308 Winchester alternative. It’s button-rifled and hand-lapped arrangement also results in a uniform bore. However, do note that the Creedmoor barrels allow users the option to swap it out with factory .308 barrels and gas lengths accommodating the DPMS-style gas tubes. 

This AR-10 barrel stands out as one of the best possible choices among owners who want the ability to hit long-range targets. Whether you plan on hitting a deer from 600 yards away or nailing a bullseye at the range from 1,000 yards, this AR-10 barrel will certainly give you the boost in performance you need. 

The Criterion Barrels Inc AR .308 Winchester AR Hybrid barrels were a top choice among buyers who intended to hunt or shoot targets at impressive distances. Most of them were happy to find that they could hit targets about 500 yards or beyond accurately when they had this barrel installed onto their AR-10 guns. One user even reported that he was able to land a whitetail deer from about 600 yards away during a recent hunting trip thanks to the barrel. 

Overall, this 308 AR 6.5 Creedmoor barrel is your best friend both out in the field or at the range when it comes to long-distance shooting. You’d definitely be surprised to see how much of a change you can get out of this barrel compared to the default. However, although this versatile and easy-to-handle barrel is said to be compatible with .308 AR rifles in the DPMS pattern, you ought to remember that gun configuration varies according to manufacturers. 

You would like this if:

You want a lightweight barrel. This versatile barrel is made with lightweight materials to make sure it does not add on excess weight onto your gear, making it a great choice to bring along for hunting and target range shooting. 

You want a versatile barrel. This barrel works perfectly with rifle-length gas systems and can deliver accurate shots when installed on most rifles that are designed for long-range shooting. 

You want something easy to install. Not only is this barrel extremely accurate, but it can be easily installed onto your firearm within a few minutes. 

You might not like this if:

You don’t want to pay extra for a professional. While the barrel fits most AR-10 rifles, several models require the barrel to be headspaced by a gunsmith. 

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3. DPMS – .308 AR SASS Barrel

Best AR-10 Barrel for the Money 

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The DPMS AR SASS Barrel is engineered to deliver a superior performance to your rifle compared to any factory default that you’ve used in the past. This is certainly one of the more useful and reliable barrels you can find on the market for AR-10 rifles, no matter the purpose. So, if you’re on the lookout for a great upgrade that will enhance the overall performance of your rifle, then you should give this barrel a closer look. 

The 18-inch heavy-fluted barrel is machined from 416R stainless steel and features a buttontifled, mid-length gas system, and a 1:10 twist rate for better accuracy. It also comes with a nice matte-black Teflon for enhanced corrosion resistance and gevity. 

The DPMS SASS Barrel will most likely be favored by various AR-10 owners for applications such as hunting or long-range target shooting. This is easily the closest option you can get to a multi-purpose barrel. For gun owners looking for a simple upgrade and a good push in performance, you’ll likely want to opt for a barrel like this for your rifle. 

Most buyers were satisfied with this barrel as they noticed an instant recoil reduction compared to their previous barrel even without a muzzle brake installed. This has also ultimately led to more accurate shots as it allowed shooters to achieve tighter groups from 100 yards and beyond. 

Overall, this stainless steel finish DPMS 308 WInchester AR SASS Barrel will likely stand out as one of the best budget option barrels available for you to replace your AR-10 factory default any time soon. You’d even be surprised to find how much your rifle can now accomplish with just a simple switch of a barrel. This is an affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and accurate choice. However, do be careful when choosing a gas block as it does not come included in the product and may have fitting issues. 

You would like this if:

You enjoy long-range shooting. This rigid barrel makes it good for taking long-distance shots accurately while also reducing recoil impulse. 

You want a barrel that fits. The barrel has been designed to fit most AR-10 rifles like a glove. Other than that, it is also compatible with standard .308AR components. 

You might not like this if:

You want a lightweight barrel. While this may be one of the best barrels available, it can be a little heavy for some shooters. 

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4. Faxon Firearms – AR-15 Barrels .308 Winchester Big Gunner Profile

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If you’re looking for yet another simple barrel for switching out the old with a new barrel, then this .308 Winchester barrel may just be a great choice to get. However, one application where this particular barrel stands out from the rest is in hunting as it delivers tight groups to make sure an effective kill shot every time. You’ll notice the changes almost immediately once you have this installed onto your gun. 

The big gunner barrel is machined from stress-relieved 4150 Chrome Moly steel and a nitride finish. The medium taper barrel is also very versatile as it is compatible with either a DPMS LR 308 upper or Armalite AR-10 with a 1:10 twist and 5R rifling. It also comes in 16”, 18”, and 20” models. 

The Faxon Firearms barrel will be great for hunters looking to boost their probability in landing a more effective kill shot. The barrel delivers tighter groups to give users a better chance in knocking down a small or large animal right the right kind of shot placement. There is simply no other barrel as precise and accurate as the Big Gunner Profile barrel right here. 

Most new customers had little to no complaints about the barrel. They were also pleased to find that the barrel came in various lengths to suit different state laws. Aside from that, the barrels also offered great overall performance by providing accurate shooting and tighter groups for any general purpose. 

The bottom line is that the Faxon Firearms Big Gunner Barrel is at the perfect length and provides superior performance for any hunter that may be relying on the AR-10 rifle. The AR-10 barrel also lays some groundwork for the possibility of making kill shots much more effective compared with the old factory barrel. Overall, this barrel comes highly recommended by users for its good looks, safety, easy installation, and suitability for various applications such as hunting, self-defense, home-defense, or target practice. 

You would like this if:

You want a versatile barrel. This barrel works perfectly with many guns and is the ideal length for AR-10 hunting rifles. 

You want an easy to install barrel. Not only is this barrel extremely accurate, but it can be easily installed onto your rifle within a few minutes. 

You might not like this if: 

You don’t want to pay extra for a professional. While the barrel fits most AR-10 guns, several models require the barrel to be headspaced by a professional. 

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5. Wilson Combat – AR .308 Recon Barrel

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The Wilson Combat barrel is made from a really tough stainless steel and is built like a tank to last you awhile. If you need a barrel to give your firearm a big boost in performance upon installation, then you should definitely give this one a try. Whether you’re planning on upgrading your rifle bit by bit or if you want to simply switch out the barrel, this could be the one barrel to consider as a replacement. 

This barrel is made from 416R stainless steel and features a medium rifle-length gas system. It is also precision button-rifled with a 1:10 twist for excellent accuracy with various ammunition. Aside from that, the barrels are also compatible with DPMS-style SR-25/LR-308 rifles. 

The Recon Barrel stands out as a great choice across many different applications. Whether you choose to use it for hunting, competition, or to defend your home with an AR-10 rifle, this will be the one to ensure a much better accuracy, reliability, and less recoil. 

The WIlson Combat barrel has won a lot of approval from gun owners looking for a simple upgrade for their AR-10 rifles. One user even said that the barrel is perfect length-wise, but it has really made its money when the user found out that it can shoot tighter groups at targets ranging from 100 to 200 yards out. 

This is perhaps one of the best barrels in the business and for good reasons: durability and reliability. If those aspects are what you want to get out of your newest upgrade, then the choice is obviously clear. This is one of the best models available that excels in terms of price and practicality. It has a good profile and is suitable for hunting, target shooting, as well as other outdoor activities while the fluted-barrel configuration guarantees high accuracy. 

You would like this if:

You want a versatile model. This barrel is not only really durable and sturdy but it is also designed for multiple purposes. 

You want an easy-to-install barrel. This model features a super-quick install design that will only take a couple of minutes to get everything setup.

You have an intermediate gas system. This barrel is also designed to fit intermediate gas system length perfectly. 

You might not like this if:

None

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Conclusion

With the number of options available in the market these days, we understand that choosing the best AR-10 barrels could be a complicated job. That is why we shop that this article today has left you with a better idea on what to look for in a good AR-10 barrel. Remember to familiarize yourself with some popular models and take into consideration the cartridge size, barrel length, rigidity, and resistance before choosing your upgrade. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best barrel length for AR .308?

The best barrel length for AR .308 will depend on several factors, including the barrel type, twist rate, and bullet weight. A longer barrel will allow greater muzzle velocity and bullet rotation. It is also easier to hold a longer barrel from an unsupported position, leading to more accurate shooting. The typical barrel length for a hunting rifle is about 22 -24 inches. Most .308 ARs find a change in velocity of about 30-40 fps per inch of barrel length, but individual barrels of the same length could have that much variation. 

Q: Are AR-10 and AR-15 barrels interchangeable?

No, the AR-10 and AR15 barrels are not interchangeable due to the difference in their caliber as well as the design of certain parts. The AR10 uses a slightly larger and heavier cartridge compared to the AR-15. Also, you’d find more space between the pistol grip and the lower receiver in the AR-10 than the AR15. 

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