Expo Arms 5.56 NATO Chrome Lined AR-15 Barrel - SOCOM Profile - Carbine Length - 10.3"

Outstanding Barrel, Zero issues, used 5.56 and 223. I used iron sights only and it was spot on at 25 yards and 50 yards. I can't say enough about this barrel. Build a MK18 clone.

This is a sleeper barrel.
This barrel is spec'd correctly and install was very snug in 2 separate upper recievers. 10.3" barrel was giving me appx 1.15" moa/100yds with 77gn Match King with Swampfox Arrowhead at benchrest.
Great barrel, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another!

Works great with Russian 55 grain ammo.

Impressive for the price point. Thick heavy uniform chrome bore, heavy park, clean concentric threads.

Gas port is slightly smaller than .070 but that’s a 30 second fix. Gun runs great with and without a RC2 Socom.

Dimpled for gas block, shipped in sealed plastic, soaked in milspec heavy storage oil.

Need a 14.5/13.7 heavy profile next

Very snug fit in my upper. Had to tap in with a plastic mallet. Functions well and accuracy is actually impressive. At 50 yards, Prime 77gr ammo was doing 1/2" 5 shot groups with a 4MOA dot reflex sight. I'd be curious to see what this can do with a magnified optic.

As an aside, not directly attributed to the barrel per se: I'm working on some gas regulation issues and finding the right spring/buffer weight for my different ammo I shoot from 55gr reloads, 223 stuff, NATO 55/62gr loads, and 75/77gr stuff. I may just need to find one cartridge and just do that for reliability.

At just over a hundred monies, thought I take a chance for a high-end pistol build. It may sound funny to go with a "cheap" barrel on a high end build, but I'm confident it's a good barrel because I know many of the other OEMs who make Expo parts for PA and they're all very reputable. While I'm not suggesting your going to get a DD or FN barrel at this price, the fact is I (like most civilians) don't shoot 1000 rounds a month, or need pinpoint accuracy to 300 yards out of a 10.3 pistol. I just need a good barrel that will feed and shoot reliably with hot defense ammo, isn't over-gassed with or without a suppressor, and has minute-of-torso accuracy at 50 yards. Keep in mind, that also means you need to feed it appropriately with M855 or something similar, because low pressure .223 isn't going to cycle even unsuppressed (at least it wouldn't with the Geissele Super 42 spring and H2). While I haven't shot it a lot, so far this barrel is showing me it can do what I need it to.

I can smack 8" plate all day long with a red dot. Excellent finish and price.

Nice barrel Good tight fit in upper haven't shot yet but the other barrels shoot great .

Appropriately gased, dimpled (actually at top dead center unlike some higher end ones I have had), awesome profile, chromed lined and fit snugs in my receiver. Checks all the boxex. This is a case of get more than you pay for or maybe I have just been overpaying before. :)

Very impressed with the overall quality of the machining and chrome lining. Bore scoped it after running an alcohol patch and the rifling and chrome lining were awesome. Built a Mk18 clone with an adjustable gas block leaving the gas port alone, as is, at .070" and so far so good with 5.56. Will see if it will run ,223. Have not run it suppressed but I can reduce the gas even further if needed. I highly recommend this barrel.
It shoots well and should last longer than me.
So if considering a SOCOM profile with a carbine gas system and .070” port diameter for reliable function, this is a good option at a great price. Caught mine on sale for $80. Thanks PA.