Criterion CORE 11.5″ Barrel
Original price was: $330.99.$313.99Current price is: $313.99.
The Ultimate Foundation for Your High-Performance SBR
Building a top-tier short-barreled rifle (SBR) or AR pistol starts with the barrel. The Criterion CORE 11.5″ Barrel is engineered from the ground up to be the heart of a perfectly balanced, exceptionally accurate, and ruggedly reliable carbine. Forget front-heavy, unwieldy builds; the CORE series delivers unparalleled handling and performance where it matters most.
Criterion reimagined barrel profiles to meet the demands of the modern shooter. Traditional government or M4 profiles have unnecessary weight at the muzzle, which is magnified when adding suppressors, lights, and lasers.
The CORE Series features a unique continuous taper profile that strategically redistributes weight. By adding mass around the chamber and tapering down to a lightweight front end, we shift the center of gravity closer to your body.
- Lightning-Fast Handling: The rifle feels lighter, points more naturally, and transitions between targets with incredible speed.
- Optimized for Accessories: Maintains perfect balance even when fully equipped with suppressors, LVPOs, and other modern attachments.
- Reduced User Fatigue: A better-balanced rifle is a more comfortable rifle, allowing you to stay on target longer.
Performance & Features
Every feature of the Criterion CORE barrel is a deliberate choice to enhance accuracy, reliability, and barrel life.
- Versatile .223 Wylde Chamber: Get the best of both worlds. This hybrid chamber is expertly machined to safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, all while delivering match-grade accuracy potential.
- Legendary Chrome Lining: Our industry-leading chrome lining process provides unmatched durability, corrosion resistance, and extended barrel life without degrading the barrel’s inherent accuracy.
- Flawless Bore & Rifling: Each barrel is honed and hand-lapped, creating a pristine internal finish. This meticulous process ensures bore uniformity, which is paramount for accuracy, and makes cleaning significantly easier.
- Tuned for Reliability: The carbine-length gas port is precisely tuned for reliable cycling with a wide range of ammunition, both with and without a suppressor.
- Precision Machined: From the polished chamber and M4 feed ramps for reliable feeding to the expertly crafted barrel extension, every detail is machined to perfection.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Length | 11.5 Inches |
| Chamber | .223 Wylde |
| Profile | CORE Series (Continuous Taper) |
| Gas System | Carbine-Length |
| Gas Block Journal | 0.625″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:8 RH |
| Material | 4150 CrMoV (Chrome Moly Vanadium) |
| Lining | Chrome Lined |
| Finish | Manganese Phosphate |
| Muzzle Threads | 1/2×28 TPI |
| Feed Ramps | M4 |
| Weight | 1.35 lbs (21.6 oz) |
Note: This is an 11.5″ barrel. All NFA rules and regulations apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Criterion Core 11.5″ a good suppressor host?
Absolutely. The CORE profile’s balance helps offset suppressor weight, and the tuned gas system is designed for reliable function with and without a can, making it an excellent choice for suppressed shooting.
What gas block size do I need for this barrel?
This barrel requires a low-profile gas block with a 0.625″ journal diameter.
What is the advantage of a .223 Wylde chamber?
The .223 Wylde chamber has tighter tolerances than a standard 5.56 NATO chamber, which improves accuracy with .223 Remington ammunition. However, it still maintains the proper length and dimensions to safely handle the higher pressures of 5.56 NATO rounds, providing a safe, reliable, and accurate platform for both.
Is this barrel “dimpled” for a gas block?
A: Criterion barrels usually do not come dimpled from the factory. This design choice allows the end-user or gunsmith to align their specific gas block for optimal performance.
| LENGTH | 11.5 |
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