I could use some help...

[Roy7]

Both are excellent choices. Just be aware that the Noveske barrel will probably set you back about $450 and will most likely be difficult to find in stock. If money becomes a factor, you could go with something from BCM or Daniel Defense for around $250.

Would you recommend me waiting until I can get my hands on a Noveske barrel or should I just get a BCM or DD? The only real reason I chose Noveske was because I've heard nothing but good things about them and that they're high quality, durable and have good longevity.

[Brian]

Would you recommend me waiting until I can get my hands on a Noveske barrel or should I just get a BCM or DD? The only real reason I chose Noveske was because I've heard nothing but good things about them and that they're high quality, durable and have good longevity.

All 3 are great companies, and make quality gear. Only you could answer whether the extra cash and time for a Noveske barrel would be worth it to you, but given this is your first AR, I'd suspect that you'd do very well with either of the other two. You are not "cheaping out" getting a DD or BCM as neither is a budget/low-end option.

[ray1970]

All 3 are great companies, and make quality gear. Only you could answer whether the extra cash and time for a Noveske barrel would be worth it to you, but given this is your first AR, I'd suspect that you'd do very well with either of the other two. You are not "cheaping out" getting a DD or BCM as neither is a budget/low-end option.

This.

I've been assembling and enjoying AR type rifles since 1992 and still haven't brought myself to spend the money on a Noveske barrel. The hammer forged barrels you can get from BCM or DD are probably higher quality than the barrels out military uses on their rifles and should last a very long time.

[Brian]

This.

I've been assembling and enjoying AR type rifles since 1992 and still haven't brought myself to spend the money on a Noveske barrel. The hammer forged barrels you can get from BCM or DD are probably higher quality than the barrels out military uses on their rifles and should last a very long time.

Great point and probably worth mentioning... since you have decided you want a 16" barrel, you still have a couple decisions to make.

1) As ray mentioned above, BCM (and others) often have different grades of barrels. Some may be lightweight, some have thicker chrome plating, etc. I agree that the "BFH" hammer forged barrels from BCM are worth the extra cost - you may not ever end up shooting it enough to notice the difference in wear, but it's probably good insurance spent. If you have the extra money and aren't 100% sure what you want, nobody is going to tell you that a Bravo Company BFH barrel is anything but a good choice.

2) You should read up on carbine vs. mid-length gas systems - a 16" barrel can be either. Frankly either one is fine, but you should understand the differences and make a deliberate decision. In general a midlength gives you a slightly longer gas system meaning your handguards will usually be slightly longer and (in theory at least) you have a little less wear due to pressure differences. The carbine length is still more common and is the default way to go unless you're interested in the potential benefits of the mid.

I don't remember seeing it - did you decide on what profile of barrel you want and whether you're doing a FSB or gas block?

[Roy7]

Great point and probably worth mentioning... since you have decided you want a 16" barrel, you still have a couple decisions to make.

1) As ray mentioned above, BCM (and others) often have different grades of barrels. Some may be lightweight, some have thicker chrome plating, etc. I agree that the "BFH" hammer forged barrels from BCM are worth the extra cost - you may not ever end up shooting it enough to notice the difference in wear, but it's probably good insurance spent. If you have the extra money and aren't 100% sure what you want, nobody is going to tell you that a Bravo Company BFH barrel is anything but a good choice.

2) You should read up on carbine vs. mid-length gas systems - a 16" barrel can be either. Frankly either one is fine, but you should understand the differences and make a deliberate decision. In general a midlength gives you a slightly longer gas system meaning your handguards will usually be slightly longer and (in theory at least) you have a little less wear due to pressure differences. The carbine length is still more common and is the default way to go unless you're interested in the potential benefits of the mid.

I don't remember seeing it - did you decide on what profile of barrel you want and whether you're doing a FSB or gas block?

I will have to do more research then on which I'd want, either mid or carbine. What do you mean what profile barrel? I feel stupid asking all of these questions hah I was going to go with the fortis low profile gas block.

http://fortismfg.com/index.php?route...&product_id=71

[Wulf202]

I will have to do more research then on which I'd want, either mid or carbine. What do you mean what profile barrel? I feel stupid asking all of these questions hah I was going to go with the fortis low profile gas block.

http://fortismfg.com/index.php?route...&product_id=71

mid is all the rage right now, and commands a slight premium.

here's picture heaven of barrel profile comparisons
https://www.google.com/search?q=ar15...w=1600&bih=749

Bassically it's the thickness of the walls of the barrel all the way along.