Testing the Bear Creek Arsenal 18" heavy profile 6.5 Grendel barrel: A quick and dirty review

Model: 1169-B6.5MHB18185R(MF)

Length: 18"
Caliber: 6.5 Grendel
Rifling Twist Rate: 1:8 5R
Gas System Length: Mid
Barrel Profile: Heavy, fluted
Feed Ramps: M4
Barrel Material: 4150 CMV
Finish: Melonite (Nitride)

Groups shown were shot from a concrete bench, with front and rear sandbag rests.

Range conditions:
Temperature: 75F
Wind: N/A

Feed ramps were polished before shooting. Barrel was cleaned thoroughly before shooting, and after every 5 round group for the first 20 rounds.

The barrel initially exhibited poor accuracy, but proceeded to tighten up groups as the day progressed. Notably, there was a rough spot about 1" from the muzzle that smoothed out as the rifle was fired.


Build notes:

-Upper receiver was lapped and squared prior to assembly.
-Barrel was free floated.
-Barrel extension was shimmed with .002" stainless steel shim stock to ensure a VERY tight fit into the upper receiver.
-Barrel nut was torqued and loosened 3x before final torque value of 85 ft/lbs was applied.
-Gas block was aligned properly, and taper pinned.
-Muzzle device used a crush washer, but was pre-crushed before installation so that it could be installed only 1/8th of a turn past hand tight.

Lower receiver has a polished, adjusted GI trigger that breaks cleanly at 4 lbs.


Thoughts: This barrel has potential. As it smoothed out, it started actually grouping, and I think it's probably capable of MOA or better accuracy with Hornady Black ELD-Match ammo.

As with all videos I post, I'm not sponsored in any way by anybody or any entity. I'm just a guy who likes to test cheap barrels.

All weapons pictured are legally owned by me.
This review may not be indicative of every barrel bearing the same model. This is just my experience with this barrel.

Remember to like, share and subscribe! Thanks!