The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - AR 15: National Match Barrel vs Gov Profile

riverwalker76 · July 28, 2010, 09:39 AM

In my opinion you are trying to compare apples to oranges.

The HBAR barrels usually have a 1:8 or 1:9 twist rate and are 20" barrels.

The Gov't Profile Barrels are 1:7 twist rate and have 16" & 20" barrel options.

I have never had any problems with the Gov't Profile barrels. Most of them are chrome lined, but some are not depending on the maker. To be honest ... the only thing that makes the 16" class barrels 'Government Profile' is the addition of the grooves in the barrel for the M203 grenade launcher option. Some A2 class rifles also have the bayonet lug below the front site, but not all A4s do. I know ... it's kind of confusing.

The HBAR barrels are heavier and bulkier than the Gov't barrels.

HBAR barrels are not necessarily more accurate than the Government Profile barrels. I have found the 1:7 twist (gov't profile) to be just right for me. I can shoot the heavier 77 gr. SMK & 75 gr. Hornady HPBT Match bullets with ease and good accuracy.

July 28, 2010, 09:39 AM	#4
riverwalker76 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 993	In my opinion you are trying to compare apples to oranges. The HBAR barrels usually have a 1:8 or 1:9 twist rate and are 20" barrels. The Gov't Profile Barrels are 1:7 twist rate and have 16" & 20" barrel options. I have never had any problems with the Gov't Profile barrels. Most of them are chrome lined, but some are not depending on the maker. To be honest ... the only thing that makes the 16" class barrels 'Government Profile' is the addition of the grooves in the barrel for the M203 grenade launcher option. Some A2 class rifles also have the bayonet lug below the front site, but not all A4s do. I know ... it's kind of confusing. The HBAR barrels are heavier and bulkier than the Gov't barrels. HBAR barrels are not necessarily more accurate than the Government Profile barrels. I have found the 1:7 twist (gov't profile) to be just right for me. I can shoot the heavier 77 gr. SMK & 75 gr. Hornady HPBT Match bullets with ease and good accuracy. __________________ *Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto* - “You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass.”