Criterion .223 17" 1:9" Barrel, Rifle Length System, Nitrided, Double Polished

General description:

• We designed this barrel here at BestPatron and we are proud of it
• Design with European competitive shooters' requirements in mind
• One of the best barrels you can buy (both in terms of quality and materials)
• Make sure to read the individual comments on "why this one"

Why 17" length?

• A sensible length compromise between 18" specials suitable for precision shooting and IPSC in the Standard category, while still compliant for the Open category. It's simply not so long that it becomes "too much". It remains highly versatile for general use.
• Advantages of the "rifle system" – i.e. a long gas tube. In this configuration, the user can enjoy the best possible firearm behavior, the highest shooting comfort, and the widest tuning options.

Why 1:9" twist rate?

• Best suited for ammunition with 55gr FMJ projectiles. At these barrel lengths, it is far better suited to the most commonly used ammunition than 1:8 (universal) or 1:7 (military). Even with such a basic projectile, you are able to achieve unexpected accuracy.
• Tolerant of projectiles up to 69gr – which is an undeniable advantage for those who want to use this barrel for target disciplines or to set some records with it.

Why the BP custom contour?

• Contour designed to allow the use of a barrel cooler. Most barrels derived from military standards have a gradually tapering profile toward the gas block and therefore cannot accept a barrel cooler of a uniform diameter. This barrel is straight at 0.750" diameter (which enables the use of a barrel cooler), a very interesting and beneficial accessory for those who shoot (compete or train) more extensively. The barrel does not overheat as much, accuracy is maintained, and barrel life is extended.

Why a nitrided barrel?

• Nitriding a barrel extends its service life in several ways. There is quite a lot of debate about what the actual service life of nitrided barrels really is.
• Extended barrel life up to approximately 20–25 thousand rounds when using quality projectiles
• High corrosion resistance – useful not only for shooters using military ammunition with corrosive primers. This resistance is approximately 4× higher than that of hard-chrome-lined barrels.
• Barrel hardness between 62–64 Rockwell while standard barrels have a hardness of around 27–35 Rockwell. The nitrided surface thus protects the soft steel body.
• Significantly lower negative impact on accuracy compared to hard-chrome-lined barrels
• Unlike hard chrome, it does NOT add an additional layer ... that could start to peel or flake off from the bore material.
• And nitriding on a stainless steel barrel is an added advantage that takes a stainless target barrel to a higher level of durability and resistance ... without compromising its original benefits.

What does double-lapped mean?

• Most barrels are conventional hard-chrome-lined, and after the bore is formed they are sent straight to chrome plating, which locks in all burrs and imperfections ... any break-in of the barrel is a futile exercise and the barrel is therefore not among the most accurate ... but for military purposes that's OK.
• This barrel is lapped during production after forming, which achieves a higher degree of smoothness and surface slickness, minor imperfections are lapped out, and the stainless barrel is brought to a much higher level. Only then is it sent for nitriding, which therefore does not lock in what it shouldn't ... but instead simply protects the beautifully lapped barrel.
• Why double? Because we specifically arranged with the manufacturer that after nitriding, these barrels are run through a nitride polishing process, further increasing their smoothness. There is then no need for a break-in period (it doesn't make much difference at that point anyway) and the barrel will serve you well for a long time.

Why Criterion?

• Because they really know what they're doing. They are the top of the field.
• Some nitrided barrels made in the Czech Republic lasted only a few hundred rounds. They had great marketing, excellent reviews ... and poor results. We wanted to avoid that. So we paid extra (quite a bit more) but we know we are bringing you a top-tier product.

Personal opinion of BestPatron.eu:

• To the best of my knowledge and conscience, I have tried to design the best possible barrel.
• Regardless of cost, complications, waiting time ... I simply wanted the TOP ... as in TOP TOP. "Whatever the cost..."
• And it bloody well worked out. We've only been testing them for a few weeks, but the results are unexpected. I suspected/knew it would be good ... but that it would be this outstanding ... I had no idea. Even GGG "bulk" ammo flies out of it like HPBT from other barrels.
• I'm genuinely thrilled with them. I just stand there and feel proud that it turned out this well.
• And I'll be happy when you feel that same joy too.