AR-15 barrels chambered in .223/5.56 — the standard AR-15 platform. Available in multiple lengths, twists, and profiles, most in 4150 chrome-moly-vanadium steel with a nitride finish (stainless options too), with M4 feed ramps and a 1/2×28 muzzle thread.

AR-15 .223 / 5.56 Barrels

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Choosing a .223/5.56 Barrel

Barrel length and gas system

Match barrel length to gas length — carbine gas for ~10.5–14", mid-length for 16", rifle-length for 18–20". Mid-length on a 16" barrel is a popular, soft-shooting setup.

Twist rate

1:7 stabilizes heavy 62–77gr bullets; 1:9 handles lighter 55gr; 1:8 is the versatile all-rounder for mixed loads.

Chamber: 5.56 vs .223 Wylde

A 5.56 chamber safely fires both 5.56 NATO and .223; a .223 Wylde chamber balances 5.56 pressure tolerance with .223 accuracy. Check the listing for the chamber.

Profile, steel, and thread

Most are 4150 CMV with nitride; stainless options favor accuracy. Muzzle thread is 1/2x28 for standard AR-15 muzzle devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What twist should I choose for 5.56?

1:7 or 1:8 for heavier match/defensive loads; 1:9 is fine for lighter 55gr. 1:8 covers the widest range.

What thread pitch are these?

1/2x28, the standard AR-15 muzzle thread.

Do you need an FFL to buy a barrel?

No — a barrel ships without an FFL.