Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Barrel, Stripped Review

Getting My Hands on the Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped

The Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped promises a blend of durability and performance, catering to shooters who demand reliability from their AR-15 builds. Spikes Tactical has a reputation for producing solid, no-nonsense components, and this barrel appeared to be no exception. Its .300 Blackout chambering opens up a world of possibilities, from subsonic suppressed shooting to supersonic hunting rounds.

I’ve been itching to build a dedicated .300 Blackout AR for some time, primarily for hog hunting in thick brush where shorter distances and suppressed shots are paramount. I was searching for a barrel that balanced maneuverability with ballistic capability, and the 16-inch length seemed ideal. After reading about the Spikes Tactical barrel’s construction and positive reviews regarding its accuracy, I decided to give it a try.

Upon unboxing, the barrel exuded quality. The Mil-Spec phosphate coating gave it a rugged, matte finish, and the medium profile felt substantial without being overly heavy. The chrome-lined bore was clean and smooth, promising longevity and ease of cleaning.

I considered barrels from Ballistic Advantage and Faxon Firearms, both reputable brands in the AR parts market. However, Spikes Tactical won me over with their reputation for rigorous testing and the specific mention of DIN 21CrM0V511 steel, a material known for its strength and resistance to heat. My initial impression was one of excitement; this seemed like a barrel built to last and perform.

Real-World Testing: Putting Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped was focused on zeroing and function testing. I mounted a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot and started at 50 yards, using both supersonic and subsonic ammunition. The weather was mild and clear, perfect for dialing in the new build.

The barrel cycled both supersonic and subsonic rounds flawlessly. I experienced no failures to feed or extract, a testament to the correct gas port size and proper chamber dimensions. It took a few adjustments to get the red dot zeroed for both ammo types due to their differing trajectories, but once dialed in, the groupings were promising.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Spikes Tactical barrel has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, from plinking at the range to hunting hogs in the Texas brush. It continues to function flawlessly, even after getting dirty and being subjected to less-than-ideal conditions.

The finish has held up remarkably well, with no significant signs of wear despite being bumped and scratched in the field. Cleaning is straightforward; the chrome-lined bore wipes down easily, minimizing the time spent on maintenance. Compared to my experience with other barrels that require meticulous cleaning to maintain accuracy, this Spikes Tactical barrel is a breeze.

Breaking Down the Features of Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped

Specifications

The Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped offers key specifications that directly impact its performance and suitability for various applications:

• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout – This caliber provides versatility, allowing for both supersonic and subsonic ammunition for different applications, from hunting to suppressed shooting.
• Barrel Length: 16 inches – This length strikes a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance, making it suitable for both close-quarters engagements and longer-range shots.
• Barrel Profile: Medium – The medium profile adds rigidity for improved accuracy without excessive weight.
• Gas System Length: Carbine Length – Carbine length gas systems are common and reliable for AR-15 platforms, ensuring proper cycling.
• Threads per Inch: 5/8×24 – This thread pitch is standard for .30 caliber barrels, providing compatibility with a wide range of muzzle devices and suppressors.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-7 – A 1-7 twist rate stabilizes heavier bullets, making it ideal for both supersonic and subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition.
• Additional Features: Stripped – Being a stripped barrel allows for complete customization of the gas block and muzzle device, offering flexibility in building a personalized rifle.
• Material: DIN 21CrM0V511 Steel – This European steel alloy is known for its high strength, toughness, and resistance to heat, making it ideal for firearm barrels.
• Bore: Chrome Lined – A chrome-lined bore increases barrel life, enhances corrosion resistance, and simplifies cleaning.
• Gas Block Seat: .750 – This is the standard size for AR-15 gas blocks, offering ample choices for aftermarket upgrades and configurations.
• Barrel Extension: M4 – This M4 barrel extension design ensures reliable feeding and compatibility with standard AR-15 uppers.
• Coating: Mil-Spec Phosphate – Provides a durable, non-reflective finish for corrosion resistance and wear protection.
• Weight: 2lb – The weight is well-balanced for a 16-inch barrel, contributing to overall rifle handling.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the barrel’s performance characteristics, durability, and compatibility with other components. The choice of DIN 21CrM0V511 steel and chrome-lined bore, for example, demonstrate a focus on longevity and reliability, while the 1-7 twist rate maximizes the versatility of the .300 Blackout cartridge.

Performance & Functionality

The Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped performs admirably in its intended role. Its accuracy is more than adequate for hunting and tactical applications, with consistent groupings around 1.5 MOA with quality ammunition. Reliability has been exceptional, with no malfunctions experienced across various ammunition types and shooting conditions.

Its strength lies in its consistent performance and build quality. The chrome-lined bore ensures easy cleaning and prevents corrosion. The medium profile strikes an excellent balance between weight and stiffness, contributing to accuracy and manageable recoil. If anything needs improvement, it would be offering a dimpled gas block seat to make installation easier.

Design & Ergonomics

The barrel’s design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The Mil-Spec phosphate coating provides a non-reflective finish that’s both durable and practical. While stripped barrels lack some of the aesthetic appeal of fluted or polished options, the focus here is clearly on reliability and performance.

There’s no real learning curve associated with the barrel itself; it’s a straightforward component that integrates seamlessly into any AR-15 build. Installing the gas block and muzzle device requires basic gunsmithing skills, but the barrel itself is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from high-quality materials and its chrome-lined bore, the Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide thousands of rounds of reliable service. Regular cleaning of the bore and chamber is essential, but the chrome lining makes this process quick and easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a stripped barrel, the Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped offers a high degree of customization. You’re free to choose your preferred gas block, muzzle device, and handguard to create a rifle tailored to your specific needs. It is compatible with any standard AR-15 upper receiver and accepts all .750″ gas blocks.

Popular accessories include adjustable gas blocks for fine-tuning cycling with different ammunition, muzzle brakes for recoil reduction, and suppressors for quiet operation. The 5/8×24 thread pitch makes it compatible with a wide range of suppressors from brands like SilencerCo, Surefire, and Dead Air.

Pros and Cons of Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped

Who Should Buy Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped?

The Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped is perfect for:

• Hunters seeking a versatile and reliable barrel for hog or deer hunting in close-quarters environments.
• Tactical shooters looking for a durable and accurate barrel for their AR-15 builds.
• Suppressor owners who want to take advantage of the .300 Blackout‘s subsonic capabilities.
• AR-15 enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their rifles.

Those who should skip this product include:

• Beginners who are not comfortable with basic gunsmithing tasks.
• Shooters who prefer pre-assembled barrels with all components already installed.

A must-have accessory for this barrel is a quality adjustable gas block, which allows for fine-tuning the gas system for optimal performance with different ammunition types and suppressor configurations.

Conclusion on Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped

The Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a reliable and versatile .300 Blackout AR-15. Its combination of durable construction, accurate performance, and customizable design makes it a standout option in a crowded market. At $337.50, the price is justified by the quality of materials and the reliability it offers.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this barrel to anyone seeking a solid foundation for their .300 Blackout build. If you value reliability, durability, and customization, the Spikes Tactical 300 Blackout 16in Medium Profile Rifle Barrel, Stripped is an investment you won’t regret. Build your dream .300 Blackout rifle today and experience the versatility and performance this barrel has to offer!