I was going to go with the 14.5 for this barrel.
http://shopnoveske.com/collections/b...ainless-barrel

And this is going to be the handguard I was gonna go with.
http://fortismfg.com/index.php?route...&product_id=63

What do you guys think of that set up so far with a black rain ordinance upper and lower.

Quote Originally Posted by Wulf202 View Post
free floating the barrel has to do with the handguards, nothing to do with the barrel

but for this step you need to figure out;

caliber (556, 5.45, 300blk, 7.62 etc)

lined/unlined(chrome, melonited, NIB, chrome molly, etc)

length of barrel (7-24")

length of gas system (pistol, carbine, mid, rifle)

rifling twist rate (1/7 thru 1/12)

profile (pencil, gov, m4, heavy, target, bull etc)

generally noveske and white oak barrels are considered the best. DPMS makes pretty good ones for the price.

You really should pick an intended purpose with priorities given to longevity, accuracy, weight etc