As luck would have it, both of these are rather hard to find. Right now I lean towards the BCM SOCOM 16” as I don’t really want to pin and weld a muzzle device, but I have heard of accuracy issues with the BCM SOCOM. I am not really sure how, as BCM advertises that their barrels are milspec at minimum. The worst I have heard for the BCM is 2-4 inch groups at 100 yards. Meanwhile, the Colt SOCOM 14.5” is renowned for it’s accuracy, NSW crane reported 0.9 inch 30 shot groups with their example. Has anyone used BCM’s 16” SOCOM barrel and how has it been for you? What kind of groups have you squeezed out of it?
BCM SOCOM vs Colt SOCOM profile barrels
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Shawn 3212
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these serious users seemed to have done fine with pencil barrels.
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2,924 Posts
Not really. Many soldiers were killed in Viet Nam due to barrels failing due to the excessive heat of non-stop full auto.
In the years following the war barrel re-designs to accommodate heat generated by high rates of fire happened at a rapid pace.
Training was also modified to push semi-auto as the common mode unless there was a prevailing reason for full auto fire.
In the years following the war barrel re-designs to accommodate heat generated by high rates of fire happened at a rapid pace.
Training was also modified to push semi-auto as the common mode unless there was a prevailing reason for full auto fire.
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2,924 Posts
Grenade launching barrel cut-out is on government profile barrels as well and has absolutely nothing to do with the intent, design, and deployment of the 14.5” SOCOM barrels.
The M203 notch is a common feature on all military grade M4 carbines.
The “extra weight for nothing” comment is way off base.
If your mission or needs do not call for a true Colt SOCOM barrel, use what fits the bill.
Those who train with high volumes of ammo at CQB distances then run immediately to the 600 yard range and drop to prone to engage multiple targets ranging from 75 to 600 yards appreciate the Colt 14.5 inch SOCOM barrel.
YMMV
The M203 notch is a common feature on all military grade M4 carbines.
The “extra weight for nothing” comment is way off base.
If your mission or needs do not call for a true Colt SOCOM barrel, use what fits the bill.
Those who train with high volumes of ammo at CQB distances then run immediately to the 600 yard range and drop to prone to engage multiple targets ranging from 75 to 600 yards appreciate the Colt 14.5 inch SOCOM barrel.
YMMV
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Dang, Dawg, you with The Unit, bro?
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The M16A1 barrel was pencil weight…and it lasted all the way through until the M16A2 introduction and that barrel was still pencil weight beneath the handguard.
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You are correct. The M16A2 was introduced in 1983 and the barrel it deployed with was heavier than that of the M16A1 beginning just behind the front sight block:
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The A2 shared the issues of the A1 in regards to heat.
Then came the HBAR design which overcame the heat issues for sustained fire but were very heavy.
In the end, the government profile became the standard issue.
M4 SOPMOD versions with SOCOM profiled barrels (Bloc I and Bloc II) were developed for special operations units where periods of high rates of fire were probable.
The A2 shared the issues of the A1 in regards to heat.
Then came the HBAR design which overcame the heat issues for sustained fire but were very heavy.
In the end, the government profile became the standard issue.
M4 SOPMOD versions with SOCOM profiled barrels (Bloc I and Bloc II) were developed for special operations units where periods of high rates of fire were probable.
Attachments
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Well, if you’re not with SOCOM doing snake eating work then that SOCOM barrel is nothing more than a boat anchor.
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For the average joe, m4 profile is fine unless you enjoy a front heavy AR. I f you need sustained full auto fire you chose the wrong platform.
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Why would civilians be interested in equipping their gears with military grade features?
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Your chest thumping does no one any good. Since you can't answer the question, maybe it is time you just stop trolling.
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My bad. I forget that there are wannabes out there running around trying to look and act like they’re actual fighting men.
Since that I was a real soldier once upon a time, I feel no need to pretend.
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525 Posts
Replaced my government profile barrel with a SOCOM 14.5. Gained 5 oz’s. The extra weight is near the rifles center. Government profile just does make good sense for accuracy.
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40,466 Posts
And the barrel was only changed because they thought there was a warping issue, and the "fix" was to make the barrel thicker where the barrel was apparently bending. However it turned out to be a jacket/lead build up issue, but the change had already been ordered so......
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How so?
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Like millions of 16” carbines, mine came with a 16” FN. government profile barrel. Never understood the GP barrel. Swapped out that barrel for a 14.5 Colt SOCOM. I did the Pin & Weld myself. The colt barrel weighs 5 oz’s more then the 16” GPBarrel. Extra beef on the Colt barrel is under the hand guard, closer to the receive. Barrel whip was my guiding factor. Colt barrel shoots under 1” at 100yd’s. Best 5 shot with the with the FN barrel was 1.6”. That’s my how so.
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Not really. But it seems like it makes you feel better.
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I'm guessing sugarwater meant to say government profile just doesn't make good sense for accuracy.
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