Criterion Barrels

[snowballs]

Anyone have any experience with Criterion barrels?

Doing an AR build and thinking of using their 223 Wylde 16" 1/8 twist.

Thannks.

 

[lukewarm_fuzz]

They’re great. If you’re looking for accuracy consider grabbing a matched bolt when you order.

 

[PappyM3]

Yes. I’ve had a 12.5” hybrid, 11.5” core, and a 16” 6.5CM Hybrid.

Love them. Though, be warned that for a while their 16” 223 Wylde offering had a rather large gas port. Not sure why it deviated so much from the others and I’m not sure if it still does.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I have one on my CMP 308 Garand. Very accurate and solid so far!

 

[PatMcD]

They’re great. If you’re looking for accuracy consider grabbing a matched bolt when you order.

What does "matching bolt" mean, and what does it do for accuracy? Is it just a bolt that properly heads paces?

 

[PappyM3]

What does "matching bolt" mean, and what does it do for accuracy? Is it just a bolt that properly heads paces?

Yes, as far as I’m aware. There’s theoretical better precision with a tighter (but still in spec) headspace. But I don’t know how much they actually sort to find that. I think it’s just confirmation of a bolt that meets headspace specs.

I’ve always viewed that aspect as somewhat of a marketing thing. But the bolts are BCM, so there’s no harm in getting the bolt added to the order. For their 6.5 CM barrels, they use JP high pressure bolts as add-ons.

 

[lukewarm_fuzz]

What does "matching bolt" mean, and what does it do for accuracy? Is it just a bolt that properly heads paces?

If you order from Criterion, they’ll send it with a bolt they picked out that closes tight on a go-gauge.

Their explanation is that they don’t do anything special in manufacturing, they just try a bunch until they find one that’s tight.

 

[Spicolii]

Fantastic product and even better customer service.

 

[snowballs]

Found this video. Pretty interesting and useful info re bolt. Also how they install a gas tube to maximize accuracy. Looking forward to this build. Thanks to all for the feedback.


View: https://youtu.be/TvWYzCGEuxo?si=OGSwaEf6zMTPsLI5

 

[alx]

What does "matching bolt" mean, and what does it do for accuracy? Is it just a bolt that properly heads paces?

Yes.

But it is nuanced.

If your ammo case-to-chamber fitment is tight- then headspace is not important. However, If it is not and the round is "loose" in the chamber it can be moved around somewhat unpredictably by the bolt with wrong (usually too wide head space) which will result in inconsistent shot grouping. And since usually chambers are a bit oversized to accommodate ammo variations and dirt/ lube - the mating of the bolt to the chamber does play a vital role in positioning the round always the same way.

So if you are making your own ammo matched to your barrel (chamber) your headspace is not that important as long as it is on the tight side. If you are making a combat ready- real world rifle where accuracy has to be above average (think DMR) and you will be using all kinds of ammo - then tight and within spec headspace is important.

Hope this helps

 

[PatMcD]

I'm not convinced.