What’s the difference between .223 Wylde and 5.56 NATO?

.223 Wylde is a hybrid chamber that allows you to shoot both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO with greater accuracy than a standard 5.56 chamber.

Which twist rate should I choose?

1:7 is best for heavier 62+ grain bullets. 1:8 is a good all-around option, and 1:9 works well for 55 grain or lighter projectiles.

Do AR-15 barrels come with a gas block or gas tube?

Most barrels are sold separately and do not include a gas block or tube unless specified in the product listing.

AR-15 Barrels – 5.56, 300 BLK, Precision & Lightweight

Q: What is the best barrel length for an AR-15?

For general-purpose builds, 16 inches is the most versatile. Shorter barrels (10.5"–14.5") are ideal for CQB or suppressed setups, while longer barrels (18"–20") offer better velocity for long-range shooting.

AR-15 Barrels – 5.56, 300 BLK, Precision & Lightweight | MSP

300 Blackout Barrel

5.56 Barrel

.223 Barrel

6.5 Grendel Barrels

**Spike's Barrel 5.56 16 Fn Chf W/m4 Ext** $314.96

**Spike's Barrel 5.56 11.5 Fn Chf M4 Ext** $318.41

**Spike's Barrel 5.56 14.5 Fn Mid Chf** $314.96

**Sons Of Liberty Gun Works V2 Barrel 5.56nato 12.5 Car Blk** $284.05

**Noveske Barrel 5.56 14.5" Light Afgh"** $562.68

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 13.9" Hnsn W/lpgb** $223.25

**Noveske Barrel 5.56 11.5" Sts"** $384.11

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 13.9" Mid Gov 1/7** $161.50

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 13.7" Mid Gov 1/7** $161.50

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 12.3" Hanson Lpgb** $209.00

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 11.3" Hanson Lpgb** $209.00

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 18" Spr Ops12 Pro** $175.75

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 16" Hanson W/lpgb** $232.75

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 12.5" Car Gov 1/7** $152.00

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 16" Classic Srs** $175.75

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 16" Mid Gov 1/7** $166.25

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 14.5" Mid Gov 1/7** $161.50

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 10.5" Car Gov 1/7** $142.50

**Ballistic Barrel 5.56 10.3" Hanson Lpgb** $204.25

**Seekins Barrel 18 .223 Wylde Blk** $395.00

**Seekins Barrel 10.5 300blk Blk** $395.00

**Seekins Barrel 16 .223 Wylde Blk** $395.00

**Seekins Barrel 10.5 .223 Wylde Blk** $395.00

AR-15 Barrels – 5.56, .223 Wylde, 300 Blackout & More

Choosing the right AR-15 barrel is key to building a rifle that performs exactly how you want it to. Whether you're building for accuracy, weight savings, or suppressed shooting, the barrel you pick directly affects velocity, recoil, and reliability.

Why Upgrade Your AR-15 Barrel?

Not all barrels are created equal. A quality AR-15 barrel helps you:

Improve accuracy and shot consistency
Match your barrel length to your rifle’s purpose
Optimize weight with lightweight or pencil profiles
Upgrade durability with chrome-lined or nitride finishes

AR-15 Barrel Types Available

At Mounts Plus, we carry barrels in all popular lengths, profiles, and finishes. Options include:

5.56 NATO & .223 Wylde Barrels: Ideal for general-purpose builds
300 Blackout Barrels: Perfect for suppressed rifles or short-barrel setups
Stainless Steel Barrels: Enhanced accuracy and corrosion resistance
Chrome-Lined Barrels: Long-lasting durability under hard use

We stock barrel sizes from 7.5 inches up to 20 inches, plus carbine, mid-length, and rifle gas systems.

How to Choose the Right AR-15 Barrel

Length: Short barrels (7.5–10.5 inches) are best for CQB or suppressed builds. Longer barrels (16–20 inches) offer better velocity and accuracy at distance.
Caliber: Pick from 5.56 NATO, .223 Wylde, or 300 Blackout depending on your build.
Profile: Lightweight, pencil, government, or heavy profiles affect balance and recoil.
Finish: Choose between stainless, nitride, or chrome-lined based on durability needs.

Featured AR-15 Barrel Brands

Complete Your AR-15 Build

After choosing your barrel, make sure to check out our full selection of AR-15 gas blocks, AR-15 muzzle devices, and AR-15 upper parts. You can also browse all AR-15 parts and accessories to finish your rifle setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best barrel length for an AR-15?
It depends on your intended use. 16 inches is the standard for general-purpose rifles. Short barrels are better for close-quarters and suppressed builds, while 18–20 inches improve long-range accuracy.

What is the difference between .223 Wylde and 5.56 NATO barrels?
.223 Wylde chambers safely shoot both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammo while offering better accuracy than a standard 5.56 barrel.

How do I pick the right barrel profile?
Choose lightweight or pencil profiles for weight savings and maneuverability. Heavy profiles offer reduced barrel whip and improved sustained accuracy.

Can I install an AR-15 barrel myself?
With the right tools like a barrel nut wrench and torque driver, many builders install AR-15 barrels themselves. Basic gunsmithing experience is recommended.

Is stainless steel better than chrome-lined for AR-15 barrels?
Stainless steel offers enhanced accuracy and corrosion resistance, while chrome-lined barrels provide greater durability under rapid fire or heavy use.

AR-15 Barrels – 5.56, 300 BLK, Precision & Lightweight | MSP