Criterion Barrels: 12.5" Barreled Upper Receiver
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
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While I've had and shot a lot of different ARs, this 12.5" barreled upper receiver by Criterion Barrels was special. Not only was it probably put together with the most attention to detail of any rifle I've owned, but there is a cool back story.
While it started its life as a old school Mega Arms billet upper receiver and a 10.5" Noveske Stainless Steel Barrel with NSR Handguard, it changed a lot...
If you are looking for a barrel for your next build, whether it is a AR15 or a Remington 700, check out Criterion Barrels, they make some great stuff.
#kitbadger #gunreviews #ar15
I just installed a 12.5 Core barrel in my SBR and replaced my old BCM barrel with a 16” Core barrel. Big fan of Criterion.
There's something about a 12.5" AR that just gets me excited. Thanks for the video Ivan.
No problem buddy, thanks for watching.
@@KitBadger Yeah my wife said kinda the same thing about a 12." JD excites her : ' )
It's the perfect sbr length
That long-winded explanation was one of the most helpful things I've ever heard with regards to proper ar fitment and proper gas system operation. Thanks. Will be very helpful on fixing some issues with my PR AR15.
So much knowledge in one email... :)
Criterion Know the business. I've had the pleasure of speaking with Mike and I learned a great deal from him. I use their method of accurizing with trueing the upper receiver. My only complaint, and it's not really a complaint, is the 18 inch I have is faster than any of my other 18 inch barrels, bad thing, no but allows for an incredibly accurate barrel with handloads. Great Vid
Is your 18 inch a stainless steel ?
@@rebekah-chriss-k4872 I can't remember, have to go back and look
Yep, they are a awesome company to work with.
His accuracy results sucked!
Criterion is amazing. They helped me with my first build and all the noob mistakes in the book and didn't talk down to me, helped me get my gun working and they even sent my gun back with new parts in it without receiving a dime. Of course I paid them when I had the funds available as discussed with them. I bought another barrel from them to thank them. Amazing company.
12.5’s are gonna be the next big trend. They are a really nice happy medium. Thank your for the video!
No problem, thanks for watching.
13.7 called ;)
@Frank Tank This is true, that's why I built a 12.5 rather than 13.7 haha
@Frank The Tank I've been seeing a lot more 13.7 owners coming up on social media lately. I almost never see 14.5 owners online or in person. And for shorter pistols it seems a lot of people go 10.5 or 11.5 rather than 12.5 (even though I think 12.5 is better). The 12.5 actually isn't as popular as it should be.
Mr. Gible that’s what I was thinking too lol
The email was super cool explained so much
So much knowledge in one email... :)
@@KitBadger dat profile name doe
Criterion has a great reputation for accuracy. What I really appreciate is that you gave us what you got on that day.What you see is what you get, warts and all. That takes balls.I understand you have shit to do or may never be inclined to ever find THE round this one likes and record a good day behind this rifle, but, everyone likes a comeback. I also respect ,you may feel that it does what you need it to do and never needs to be revisited.Shout out to Criterion for putting together a cool build for you. Aint nobody sending me emails and building me uppers.Im glad they did and you shared it with us.
Thanks for that man. The gun definitely shoots, but I shoot, occasionally... :)
The 12.5 ar15 set up seems to be getting more and more popular
It’s def my fav all around.
Is it much different than a 13.7? Is it worth the tax stamp?
@@Monz117 so you’re saying it’s worth it. I just built a 13.7, the shorter barrel is nice but at what point do you start worrying about bullet velocity?
@@Monz117 I’d say 50 yards maybe but occasionally out to like 200
@@bigz5262 11.5 is the lowest you should go before seeing major velocity differences, a lot of SOT are going 11.5 because of this reason
Great video. My FIRST rifle I assembled myself was with a 12.5 BCM barrel. Now, 90% of my shooting is done with my 12.5s. Everybody is always on the 10.3 and 11.5 boat. I own those as well, but my 12.5s are my go-to rifles.
Nice! That is a sweet spot for barrels.
They did a great job on the rebuild! Always love a BCM rail!
Agreed on both counts. :)
Holy s$%& a you tuber that shoots like a human being. Dude you rock.
#truth
Best music of all gun channels on YT. Thanks brah.
The reason why I like the 12.5 is I can pass the 2500/2600 fps mark with good ammo. I just don't want to use an AR at under 2500 fps.
Its right on the line. I am obsessed with the 14.5. no issues at range and if you build right you can get them very durable and light as well.
I know this is a late comment but I've seen 10.5 chronograph on hand loads pushing over 2500 fps, using 5 shot averages,
Glad to see the channel back ❤️🔥🇺🇸🔥
Can’t wait for my criterion 18inch barrel to finish my MocK 12 SPR! Heard great things about the velocity + accuracy of these barrels! Thanks for the vid!
Nice, that should be a awesome set up.
I've been really happy with my Criterion barrels. Both of my ADM 6.5 CM rifles have them.
Nice!
I have two ADMs... 16” and in fact a 12.5” and they’re amazing . Most underrated company it’s crazy
I’ve got a Criterion barrel chambered in .243 on an AR-10 I built. It’ll shoot under an inch all day long with my average handloads, and it’ll print 4 leaf clovers with the ones it likes most.
Very pleased with the quality of that barrel
Nice!
The wealth of information he provided and you’ve shared is amazing. Definitely looking into criterion on my next build!
I'm glad to share it! :)
I can vouch for Michael personally, as he’s the one that often answers the phone on their Contact Us number on their website.
Super knowledgeable and always willing to talk. You can feel his passion by his conversational nature and wealth of knowledge.
Amazing detail in that email, and I think explains perfectly what ideal operation of the AR15 looks like.
Love criterion! Ordered my first barrel from them the other day but won’t be my last. If $ was no object I’d rebarrel all of my AR pattern rifles with Criterion.
Yes, he’s an amazing guy. :)
What I find interesting is that every single AR-15 I have which consist of 11.5 and several 16 inch all have the cam pin slot has some wear. On my 16 inch, I do not run suppressors and all of them have an ejection pattern of 4 O'clock with running an H2 buffer with sprinco blue spring and some with the Super 42 with H buffer. The 11.5 has VLTOR A5H@ with sprinco green spring with 3 O'Clock ejection pattern so it might be a little over gassed ( I also ran a sprinco red spring with H3 buffer and same ejection).
That much information fills me with terror about my own mistakes in my builds...
I felt the same way reading that email. The waters are deep. :)
This is still awesome a year and a half later! The crazy thing, a lot of points he mentioned are things that would have slipped pass QC at a lot of larger scale companies. It just shows the attention to detail that Mike has.
wow, slick piece of machinery. I really appreciate hearing the content of that email by the way. As an engineer, but a hobbyist plinker, there were explanations that i had not considered as potential performance flaws in the design. The entire "Gas system" discussion was pretty great. Thanks for sharing man. I am now questioning my 22 and its setup as i have been getting a lot of "Stove-piping".
Keep your badger throttle full open for us.
Right on buddy, glad to share it. :)
The Criterion Hybrid barrel on my ADM was shooting sub MOA at 100 yards with LC green tip. I didn't even think that was possible
Quality inspires confidence.
Agreed.
That moment you get so much information overload.
Meaning - Have another cup of coffee and watch this awesome video again ! 👊🏼
So. Much. Knowledge.
That email was awesome. Nerd fest. Love it
So much knowledge...
😁 just orderd my 12.5 barrel.
Nice!
It's always a good day when you start off with a KB video!
:)
My 20" Criterion runs sub-minute with Fiocchi 40gr. and Geco 55gr. - it also does 2.5MOA with AmEagle 55gr. ammo. I haven't tried any others yet but I'm sure yours will do better than what you got in the video. The concrete is likely causing the spread as others have noted. I've also got a 16" carbine-gas hybrid contour Criterion barrel I have yet to print and hope it does as well as the 20" one. Great video!
Looks sick, man! Wanting to start on a 12.5” soon.
12.5" is a pretty handy size...
Wow. That's a detailed response. Impressive
I'm looking for a good 9mm barrel for my next build. As soon as I figure out what length I'm going with I'll check these guys out.
They have some great stuff.
So you cut that rail and it was originally 10 in? What is the length of the rail now? 9 in?
I’ve been eyeing criterion barrels and thinking of upgrading the barrel to my 11.5 in Geissele super duty upper to a 12.5 or 11.5 in criterion.
Might be the first honest evaluation I've seen. No bullshit "sub MOA with wolf gold but the barrel can do better than me"
#thetruth
Great Vid, I needed to see this. I just built a 12.5" AR pistol Sunday and took it to zero yesterday at 50yds. (for TTG's) I started my zero quest with cheap ammo and ended up dialing it in with Minuteman Munitions (.223 55gr), but I really like the performance of their 68gr BTHP. Will be making that purchase ASAP Cheers!!!.
Nice!
It's 2024, and there's a 12.5" barrel with a "Patrol" length gas system, from another manufacturer. It apparently tunes the timing a bit better, even when suppressed.
I'm always wary of men in suits, Oakley's & camo shooter gloves. Another video, extremely well done.
Hahaha, as you should be... :)
Criterion’s customer service is top notch. I got a 16” rifle length hybrid chrome lined barrel from them and Had a case head separation that about blew my upper reviver apart, ( totally my fault I lost my headspace gauges and went ahead and “called it good” because i haven’t had any issues in the past with lots of other builds) I sent the barrel and what was left of the bolt to them and they said it was out of headspace and they sent me a new barrel and BCM bolt free of charge.
They are awesome people to work with. :)
Thank You for the info
Love all this info! Shows me how little i know and love to learn@
The waters are deep... :)
12.5 is my go to length . I just built a BA 12.5 with a cloud defense COR2 rail & BA upper/lower & barrel & love it . That 12.5 is just so nice , being short , but still giving you enough dwell time to be effective at a little distance.
dwell time is a phrase associated with the bolt and gas port; just say velocity
ComeOnPelican91 no I prefer dwell time thx . Ya know the extra length added from a 10.5 to 12.5 allows the projectile longer dwell time to travel along the bore which In turn leads to added velocity. But added dwell time allows for velocity. Thx , I'll take I was EOD for 1000 Alex .
@@johnneill5960 hm you put it that way, i'll just have to say i learned something
Otium Borealis wronggggggg , guns that are not DI still have dwell time . Artillery shells have have dwell time . Every gun period has dwell time . You are thinking little & you have to think to widen your book a bit . Please look at the part that says bullet dwell time thx .
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accurizing#Bullet_dwell_time
Purchased a 12.5 criterion barrel they are nice
In need to send Criterion my charging handle so he can detail all the wear and fitment problems and then sit back as he corrects the problem by building a new gun around it. 🤙🏼
Haha, right?!
Thanks for an extremely informative video. This is great content. Keep up the great work, buddy.
No problem buddy, glad to share it.
Thanks for the review
Def need to get a bench rest set up and better trigger to see what that can do. My buddy literally puts them right on top of each other with anything but the cheap stuff. Even the cheap stuff hovers at around 1 MOA. Can’t wait til mine arrives!
12.5 mid length is perfect for just about everything 300m and in
Radical Firearms Upper !!
This was a VERY insightful watch!
Lots of knowledge at Criterion...
Great review of this product and service. Thank you sir.
I just got my 18" criterion and so far I have determined it absolutely hates 55gr. Best group I got was 1.1" but that was after shooting 2.5-4" groups all day with 55gr ball from various brands. I hope this is just a bit of a break in period. Going to try some match ammo next time.
I noticed much better grouping after 200 rounds, closer to 250ish...
Ill have to try a Criterion barrel...I bought a 280 dollar FN barrel and Im not going to lie if i had to buy it again id pay 500$. i was getting sub moa at 100 yards with almost every ammo type without even trying. FN makes incredible barrels. Will get a criterion soon!
Great video. Always easy to watch and follow all the info and keep it applicable even for us Jarheads. If I may ask (because I’m considering sending a barrel to ADCO to cut to 12.5”), any consideration or discussion of mid length gas system on the 12.5”. Idk, but from what I have read/UA-cam learned, it’s reported to be softer shooting then the carbine gas system. May be splitting hairs and inviting needless gas system and buffer weight tweaking just for slightly softer/flatter shooting at the cost of the utter reliability that carbine length gas provides. However, the email went into a great deal of explanation about mods made to lessen the abuse of an “overgassed” and suppressed carbine gas length AR. So I’m trying to learn (not question) why Criterion went with the carbine vs mid gas length.
Semper Fi
I never would have thought the M16A1 I qual'd with would turn into what I'm seeing as the most versatile, famous, man-toy ever. Good video and thanks for your service. I make you to be an 03...?
I just bought a 18" HBAR Chrome-lined Criterion barrel with head-spaced bolt (package deal). I can't wait to shoot it as I've watched a bunch of videos from Criterion and made some changes based on their info. I'm thinking we will have to take back our country and I want to do it from about 500 meters.
0351. Nice barrel by the way!
@@KitBadger thanks and my last piece is a handguard. I was having trouble getting one I liked, but today I found a place called SD Tactical and picked up this WWII Warhawk themed guard which made me glad I had not been able to get one til now...getting it in Friday. I really like the Atlas One slimline too, but backordered for many weeks so far.
What a solid dude, Michael! That is how you represent your company. Criterion is already known for good barrels, but service & care like this is amazing.
Sooo.. Ivan, do you have a sub MOA gun?
On a 12.5” do you have to run a brace or can you run a stock? I know it’s over the 26-28” overall length but it’s still not a 16” barrel so do you have to go through the entire process to sbr it ?
Brace or it becomes a SBR.
Excellent! Learned much!
Me too, that letter was an education unto itself. :)
"Backing up a step..."
**Camera backs up a step**
GET THIS MAN THE FUCKING ACADEMY AWARD HE DESERVES.
Haha, thanks for watching Rob. :)
Great explanation.
I'm just curious, have you tired the tailhook mod 2? If so, do you prefer that over the sba3? Which would you recommend for a 9mm pistol?
I've handled them, but never used them much. Between the two, I'm a much bigger fan of the SBA3 or 4 though (from my limited experience with them).
Since prices are the same for their 12.5" barrels what would be the recommended profile? Their advertised Ultralight weight actually weighs the same as all the Government Profile barrels by other manufacturers.
Probably their new tapered barrels.
Gear question. What jeans are you wearing at the 4min mark? I like the forward facing mag pocket. I searched online but came up empty handed. Cheers!
Those are from Viktos.
@@KitBadger thank you
So 12.5 uppers should run heavier buffers? Am I understanding right? Just built a 12.5 currently have a h2 in it...
Yes, if it is getting too much gas. Most gas ports are too big, so you could probably use a heavier buffer, or adjustable gas block.
I appreciate the vid and info. However, those groupa leave something to be desired. Where the groups better using the Criterion BCG. 2.5 moa is not acceptable to me.
My Giessele 10.5 is around 1.5. I am looking to improve upon that.
Interesting...that's the first time I've heard the advice to torque a barrel not to the upper end of the milspec. I usually just split the difference at around 50 ft lb to play it safe.
I'm about to do a 12.5 inch pistol. I tried the 10.5 a little too much gasface for me. So I'm trying one more time with 12.5.
A 12.5 should do good for you. A adjustable gas block can help smooth things out a lot also.
Awesome vid
Thanks Shane.
From experience would you go with a Noveske or Criterion barrel for a fighting rifle?
4:49 is that a 3 round burst followed by an ND?
Nah there two shooters. Def "looks" like it tho!
12.5 inch barrel and a fixed brace makes you good to go for adding a vertical foregrip if you wish as well.
I'm a big fan of the True North Concepts Grip Stop personally.
@william terry it's like 6 inches too short when folded
@william terry that's what I'm saying as in the brace is fixed in its position, can't fold it as the ATF says. Keyboard warriors I swear lmao. I don't mean a pinned brace.
@william terry that's exactly what I'm saying to the T. Idk what you keep getting at..... I was simply stating so long as he doesn't get add folding stock like from Law tactical he can get a vertical foregrip. Are you having glitch or something? Lol
@william terry thank you, you too.
Sorry that’s not really accurate. Are you able to hold groups better than that with other rifles you have shot for groups? I just ordered a Criterion because of their accuracy….but I have Colt 6920 barrels that are 2 MOA or less with most practice ammo
My at is solid gold manual piece.
So the damage at the cam pin slot is ok? I have similar damage on a billet upper and I’m not sure what to do with it. It runs fine.. but..
Ideally no, but it will keep on running. :)
It doesn’t hurt anything, almost all uppers will show wear there
Gotta find you a mega arms lower for that upper man, good luck though, took me months and months to find one. Almost 11 months.
Any chance of a follow up to this barrel how long it lasted and is it worth the cost
My school of thought is to throw out the fliers. Although fliers can be caused by a barrel, but there's plenty of reasons to suspect the bullet too. Perfect concentricity of a bullet is needed, and this gets worse in open tips, and inserted metal penetrators.
Bullets seem destined to have numerous fliers no.matter how well the barrel and shooter.
Criterion barrels are the bees knees
They make rad stuff.
Amazing review! New sub! One question....where did you get those jeans? Reverse front pockets, genius. I need those like yesterday..lol
Prometheus Design Werx.
Kit Badger Thanks!
Kit Badger are they available for sale??? I don’t see them on their website
@@johnwerglum9146 yes, the new Raider Pants have the same set up, NYCO+ material.
Hey Ivan, I bet those groups would tighten up if you put the bipod on a towel or shooting mat or the dirt. In slow-mo you can see the bipod kind of skid on the concrete. Something with more give would prevent that. Just my experience shooting off concrete. Love your videos dude.
I agree, or a better trigger. Ultimately it wasn't my best showing that day. :)
Timing the Noveske sws two piece mid length switch block cut out quad rail while test fitting shimming and assemble then reassemble in five ft lbs increments made for a miserable afternoon or two between breaks to avoid office spacing it. Looks great on a twelve five middy but definitely heavy as fuck and biggest pain in the ass out of any rail ive used to date.
Ya, I can't stand anything that needs to be timed...
Dude did you a solid with that sweet upper and you paid some of it forward by sharing his comprehensive email. Your wife is probably pretty disgusted with you playing in the mud like that. Hope you got a nice mud room in your house? 😁
Yes, that email was like a dissertation. :)
How can they measure/adjust headspace?
Isn't it either Go or No Go?
was the groups shot with the surefire bcg? why not test the groups with the supplied headspaced bcg?
Funny thumb over the barrel stance but if it works for you thats great.
I can't make it work for me and forces me to push the fore end down.
What is the highest end Criterion barrel you can get in a 14.5” and 12.5”?
Do you think they would be willing to do a 12.5 (or any of their barrels) with a pinned gas block like the geissele super gas block ? It would be interesting to find out why they don't offer pinned gas blocks for their barrels on their website. Great video btw. Thanks.
I’m not sure. It would be worth reaching out though.
Try trajectory arms
Criterion Core or Hybrid 12.5 or 13.9 Chrome Lined 1in8 223W barrels are starting to become my favorite .
If I could only have 2 setups . It would fire sure be Hodge 12.5 HF Mini Recce and Criterion 13.9 Chrome Lined.
I'm pissed off at myself for not trying them out sooner . That's what happens when your Colt fan boy. Your blind to everything else because of that TDP.
Haha, it happens man. :)
Maybe I missed it but is that a 10” handguard on that 12.5” crit?
I am actually a little disappointed in most of those groupings. I've seen some of Criterion's videos where they are getting sub moa with their AR barrels at 100 yds. Got my 12.5" coming in this week and really hoping for tighter groups using match grade ammo.
It is me, not the gun. :) I'm sure you'll be pleased with it.
How’d it shoot? I’m betting better than 2.5 MOA
Mine shoots better with garbage ammo
Something is way off with those groups man. A setup like that shooting match ammo should be waaaay tighter than that. that's strange. I'd be looking to see if something is loose somewhere, like the scope mount or something. Super large groups for such a high quality parts list.
Probably just my shooting...
I agree.... Why didnt he use a better trigger.... Too bad Krieger doest make a short barrel
The on paper portion kinda surprised me, I have seen Faxon and BA barrels print .75 on paper in builds that have been assembled correctly. I know that Criterion supposedly knows how to assemble an upper, so I am assuming that this could probably tighten up given the chance but at least we know Criterion isn't magic.
Ok I'm looking to upgrade my Grendel AR-15 with a new barrel. If KB gives it 2xthumbs up, I going to buy it. Ok what my discount code Kit? Looking forward to less then 1MOA groups. Great job, keep'em coming dude. BUZZ
I should see about a code for you guys... :)
great vid!
Thanks buddy!
Thos is awsome!
I built out an aero M5E1 with their 18" nitrided barrel and it shoots holes in holes.
@@Garrick1983 if you think I mean that literally your a moron...
Their stuff is super accurate, it definitely outshot me that day though.
12.5 mid is the shiz... and so is that jacket, kinda looks like you got ranger scrolls on both shoulders 😁
Custom patches. :)
Most AR uppers are already true from the factory if you get a decent upper. Aero Anderson BCM Spikes all have true uppers.
OWL Anderson..... lol
i dont know if i missed it, but is this setup w carbine or midlength system ?
12.5 is a carbine
It runs well and is a soft shooter
Seems like it should have smaller groups.