The popular 16″ barrels offer an ideal balance of maneuverability and performance, meeting all legal requirements for versatile applications. If extended-range accuracy is your priority, our 18″ and 20″ barrels deliver the necessary velocity and stability for precision shooting.

To accommodate varying shooting needs, we stock barrels with multiple twist rates. This selection ensures that whether you’re shooting lightweight varmint rounds or heavy match-grade ammunition, there’s a barrel that optimally stabilizes your chosen bullet weight. We understand that each shooter has unique requirements, so we maintain options for a range of twist rates to suit different preferences.

Material and surface treatment are also critical to barrel performance and longevity. Our selection includes chrome-lined barrels for outstanding durability and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for high-volume shooters and harsh conditions. Nitrided barrels offer a balance of accuracy and lifespan at a competitive price point, while stainless steel barrels provide match-grade accuracy for precision builds.

When you choose a barrel from Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, you’re making a smart, reliable choice. We work with manufacturers who have a proven track record for quality and consistency, so you know you’re getting dependable performance without any unnecessary frills.

Our range of barrel profiles and lengths caters to a variety of shooting applications. Shorter barrels are well-suited for close-quarters engagements, delivering maneuverability and reliability. Mid-length barrels strike a balance between handling and ballistic performance, while longer barrels maximize velocity, perfect for competition and precision applications. Each profile, from lightweight to heavy contour, is designed to meet specific shooting needs without compromise.

Explore our selection below to find the right barrel for your build. Whether you’re assembling a duty rifle, competition gun, or a reliable range companion, we have options that deliver the performance you need at a fair price. The Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo team is here to help – reach out with any questions about specific models or applications.

Frequently Asked Questions about AR-15 Barrels (FAQ):

• How do I clean an AR-15 barrel?
  We don’t clean after every range visit, but every once and a while it will be in your best interest to pay some attention to your barrel. Proper barrel cleaning requires a methodical approach using the right tools and materials. Begin by ensuring the firearm is unloaded and separated from the upper receiver. Using a quality bore snake, make several passes to remove loose debris. Next, apply a copper solvent to address fouling, allowing it to dwell according to manufacturer specifications. Follow with a properly sized bronze brush to scrub the bore, then run clean patches until they emerge without discoloration. Finish by applying a light coat of quality gun oil to prevent corrosion.
• How do I change or remove an AR-15 barrel?
  While your current barrel should last you thousands of rounds, there may come a time when you want to swap out your old barrel with a new one. Changing an AR-15 barrel requires specific tools, including an action block, torque wrench, and barrel nut wrench. Begin by securing the upper receiver in a vise using the action block. Remove the gas block and handguard. Using the barrel nut wrench, loosen and remove the barrel nut. The barrel assembly can then be removed from the upper receiver. Installation reverses this process, with special attention paid to proper torque specifications (typically 30-80 ft-lbs) and gas tube alignment.
• How many rounds will an AR-15 barrel last?
  Shooting out an AR-15 barrel is an expensive endeavor, as the amount of ammo required to do so would cost you thousands of dollars. Barrel life varies significantly based on construction and use patterns. Chrome-lined barrels typically maintain accuracy and performance for 15,000-20,000 rounds under normal conditions. Nitrided barrels often see 10,000-15,000 rounds of effective life. These numbers can decrease significantly with high volumes of rapid-fire or poor maintenance practices. Match-grade stainless steel barrels may show accuracy degradation earlier, sometimes around 5,000 rounds, particularly under intense use.
• How do I measure AR-15 barrel length?
  Proper barrel length measurement must be done from the closed bolt face to the end of the barrel, not including any removable muzzle devices. For attached muzzle devices, only permanent attachments (pinned and welded) count toward the legal barrel length. The measurement must be taken along the barrel’s centerline, using a rod inserted from the chamber to the muzzle for accurate results.
• What is the legal barrel length for an AR-15?
  Federal law requires a minimum barrel length of 16 inches for rifles unless registered as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) under the National Firearms Act. This length can be achieved through a permanently attached muzzle device, provided the total fixed length meets or exceeds 16 inches. State and local regulations may impose additional restrictions.
• What is the shortest barrel allowed on an AR-15 pistol?
  The shortest we prefer is an 8” 300 Blackout.  That said, AR-15 pistols have no federal minimum barrel length requirement. However, practical considerations typically limit the minimum length to around 7.5 inches for 5.56 NATO, primarily due to reliability and ballistic performance. Shorter barrels work better with cartridges designed for brief dwell times, such as .300 Blackout, which can function reliably with barrels as short as 5 inches.
• How do I assemble an AR-15 barrel?
  Assembling an AR-15 barrel requires careful attention to detail and proper tools. Ensure the barrel extension is properly installed and torqued. Lubricate the barrel extension and receiver threads. Insert the barrel into the upper receiver, install the barrel nut, and torque to manufacturer specifications (typically 30-80 ft-lbs). Align the gas tube with the gas port. Install the gas block and secure it properly. Finally, install and time any muzzle devices according to manufacturer specifications. For precision builds, consider using a barrel nut alignment tool and proper torque wrench to ensure optimal alignment and accuracy.