Core component
AR-15 Barrels by Brand
The single component that most decides how a rifle shoots. Pick a brand to compare lengths, profiles, gas systems and twist rates.
5 brands, 20 models listed. Checked 2026-08-01
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Ballistic Advantage
mid
The Hanson profile - a tapered contour that keeps weight down without the abrupt step of a government profile - is what most builders come here for. Many barrels ship with the gas block pinned.
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Faxon Firearms
mid
The widest chambering range of any barrel maker on this list, and the place to go for a genuinely light barrel - the Gunner profile pairs a pencil contour with a heavier gas journal.
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Criterion Barrels
premium
Button-rifled and hand-lapped, from the same shop as Krieger. The Hybrid contour is the one that made its name: accurate enough for match use without the weight of a bull barrel.
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Proof Research
premium
Carbon-fibre-wrapped stainless barrels. Roughly a third lighter than a steel barrel of the same contour, and the reason a precision-profile rifle can still be carried.
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Daniel Defense
premium
Cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined, made on the same line as the barrels in its own rifles. Bought for service life rather than for match accuracy.