A rifle’s barrel is one of its most vital parts. All the best parts in the world on an AR-15 are really only as good as the metal tube responsible for sending bullets downrange accurately and precisely. When you are talking about a rifle chambered in a precise cartridge such as the 6.5 Grendel, the barrel becomes even more important.
Without a high-quality barrel, reliable accuracy can be hard to come by. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options out there that fit a variety of budgets. Keep reading to learn more and to see the best 6.5 Grendel barrels on the market today!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 65 Grendel Barrels
Comparison of the Best 6.5 Grendel Barrels
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What to Watch For When Buying a 6.5 Grendel Barrel
The 6.5 Grendel is known for being a highly precise and low recoil cartridge that remains supersonic far down range. It is a versatile cartridge that performs well in a variety of roles including hunting up to the medium-sized game and target shooting.
It carries a lot more energy and performs better at longer ranges than the 5.56×45 cartridge. In other words, it is deserving of a high-quality barrel to reliably send rounds downrange. The following tips and information should be a good place to start your shopping process for a 6.5 Grendel barrel!
This Section Written By: Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Do the Twist
The twist rate of a barrel is an important decision to make when deciding on a new barrel. The ideal twist rate depends on the type of ammo you plan to use and on the task, you are planning to use your 6.5 Grendel rifle for. A twist rate of 1:8 is a solid choice to accommodate a variety of bullet weights and makes for a good all-around workhorse.
If you have a more specific bullet weight in mind, a different twist rate might be a better option. Bullet weights up to 160 grains perform well with a 1:9 twist barrel while lighter rounds in the 80-grain range do well with a 1:12 twist rate.
Inching Along
Another important decision to make when it comes to deciding on a 6.5 Grendel barrel is the length of the barrel. Once again, this will largely depend on what you are planning to use your 6.5 Grendel rifle for. Are you planning to hunt in thick brush or areas with shorter sight distances? Then a barrel in the 16 to 18-inch range would likely be best. Do you want to reach out to longer distances for thin-skinned, medium-sized game animals or targets? Then take a closer look at barrels measuring in at 20 inches and above.
The Finish
With so many different 6.5 Grendel barrels on the market, finding one that fits your other needs and still has the aesthetics you prefer is completely possible. There are a variety of excellent finishes available so you’ll be able to find one that looks good for the rifle you are building. Other options such as a fluted design, carbon fiber wrap, or target-crowned muzzle can add to the aesthetics while also offering some performance bonuses as well.
Review of the Best 6.5 Grendel Barrels
Based on the benefits of upgrading your 6.5 Grendel barrel, and the considerations for doing it, we have handpicked and compiled the best 6.5 Grendel barrels on the market.
Best Overall
Faxon Firearms – AR-15 Barrels 6.5 Grendel Heavy Profile
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Review
Somehow Faxon is on the top of the list every time and everywhere AR barrels are concerned. Maybe it is their background in aerospace design that gives them the knowledge to manufacture with such precision. This heavy profile barrel has been made using high-grade 416R stainless steel, featuring a nitride finish on the outside, as well as inside.
It is available in a couple of different lengths. The 18” barrel has a mid-length gas port, whereas the 20” barrel has a rifle-length gas tube. The barrel features a 1:8 twist rate, which is enough to stabilize the heaviest bullet you’re ever going to fire from your 6.5 Grendel rifle.
The muzzle is threaded to accept muzzle brakes/compensator/flash-hiders on the go. Plus, the barrel has been fluted to reduce the weight and promote quick cooling as you burn through your ammunition without a halt. The black finish and contour make it look aesthetically pleasing as well.
Bottom Line
The Faxon Firearms barrel is the best choice to upgrade your 6.5 Grendel rifle. It is lightweight, has a fluted contour, and a stable twist rate. Plus, the nitride coating will make sure it lasts a long time.
Pros
Fluted barrel
Accessory ready
High-quality construction
Properly coated on both sides
Cons
None
Runner-up
Criterion Barrels Inc – AR-15 Barrels 6.5 Grendel Hybrid
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users say that this barrel was quick and easy to install. But what really took the cake was the ability to boost their rifle’s accuracy after a short break-in period with this barrel. Overall, the new users had no complaints about the quality and cleaning was easy and quick most of the time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a hybrid barrel that can handle the long-range and super accurate 6.5 Grendel rounds. So it can be useful in any application where long-range shooting is the norm. That could range from hunting or casual target shooting. You’d be quite impressed with the overall performance of your rifle even if it means just upgrading the barrel and nothing else.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are using an AR-15 rifle that will be perfect for multiple purposes, this barrel will be a great option. Especially if you are looking for something that will last you a long period of time. You won’t have to worry about switching out barrels every so often because of poor quality.
Bottom Line
This 6.5 Grendel AR-15 barrel from Criterion Barrels features a sturdy stainless steel construction, that is rustproof. The barrel has a hybrid contour and is available in a stainless steel and black finish. The 5/8-24 TPI threaded muzzle is compatible with most aftermarket brakes and suppressors designed for 6.5 Grendel and similar calibers.
The manufacturer also offers you an option to choose between a mid-length or rifle-length gas system according to your choice. The barrel has a 1:8 twist, so you can shoot heavy grain projectiles over a long distance with sheer accuracy.
This hybrid barrel is a good mix of strength and durability, along with an optimum twist rate. Hence, making it useful for hunting and mid-range precision shooting. The barrel is comparatively heavy compared to its counterparts, but it will still help you with countering muzzle jump.
Pros
Hybrid contour
Threaded muzzle
Gas system choice
Optimum twist rate
Cons
Comparatively heavy
3. Brownells – AR-15 6.5 Grendel Barrels Stainless Steel 24″
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What Recent Buyers Report
This is perfect for new users who were looking for a barrel that would give their shots a bit more of a boost in velocity but also looking for a bump up in accuracy as well. After installation and a short break-in period, the barrel worked like a charm for most users. One user said that he was long-suffering in looking for a barrel that delivered the perfect kill shot. And he got just that with this barrel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Made from high-quality stainless steel, this barrel is a lightweight but very tough customer. Just because it’s super sturdy it doesn’t mean that it will be heavy. Plus, it can be easy to clean and maintain once you have fired off so many shots. And the better you take care of it, the longer it will last. If you want a barrel that won’t give you grief in the cleaning and maintenance end of things (and still deliver accurate shots from various distances), this could be the barrel that fits you best.
This 6.5 Grendel Barrel from Brownells is 24 inches long and is intended to be used for very long range shooting (800+ yards). The barrel is constructed from 416-R stainless-steel and tapered to a medium profile with a threaded muzzle and an 11-degree target crown.
The barrel is a bit on the heavy side, but that’s how you’ll get consistent groups over long range. The 1:8 twist rate of the barrel is optimum to propel projectiles of any weights over long distances accurately.
The package also includes a matched Type II bolt so you don’t have to find one separately. Each of these barrels is magnetic particle inspected before leaving the facility, so you can rest assured of the quality.
Who Will Use This Most
For a barrel at this length, it’s more apt to become the favorite for varmint and big game hunters. If you want something that will deliver fast and accurate kill shots, this barrel might not be something to underestimate. You’ll be surprised by how far and fast your shots will go the moment you pull the trigger. And let’s not forget, this will happen with every shot you fire.
Bottom Line
The Brownells AR-15 6.5 Grendel 24 inch Stainless Steel barrel could be the odds-on favorite for you or any hunter that is looking for the best barrel for their hunting rifles. The 6.5 Grendel is accurate, but if you want to add a little speed to it then this could be the barrel that’s right up your alley. The longer the barrel, the better the velocity.
The barrel has an optimal twist rate to handle different grains, plus the package includes a matched type II bolt so there are no compatibility issues. Good for competitions and long range hunting.
Pros
Optimal twist rate
Includes matched bolt
Good for long range shooting
Magnetic particle inspected for quality
Cons
Heavy
Fitting required
4. Brownells – AR-15 6.5 Grendel Barrels Stainless Steel 20″
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What Recent Buyers Report
According to new users, this barrel was quick to install and was accurate and precise right out of the box. About two-thirds of the new users were hunters that were looking for a simple to install, super durable barrel that would deliver on the promise. One user said he was not disappointed in this barrel in the slightest and it delivered precise, tight shooting groups when he was varmint hunting the first couple of times he used it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This barrel from Brownells is just a shortened version of the one mentioned above. It is a 20-inch long barrel good for competitions, target practice, and hunting. The barrel is constructed from 416-R stainless-steel bar stock and tapered to a medium profile with a .750-inch gas journal that fits a wide variety of shooting needs.
The barrel has a 1:8 twist rate to let you shoot bullets of different weights (grains) with accuracy. The barrel comes with a matched Type II bolt, which saves you some money, and also protects you from the hassle of searching for one (if needed).
The barrel features a rifle-length gas system, which means that the projectile is ejected at a maximum velocity from the muzzle, hence reaching the maximum range.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a barrel that will give you more of a boost in accuracy and a slight bump up in velocity, this might be your cup of coffee. All you need to do is install this and you’ll be in business. You might see an instant change in results compared to your old barrel. If that isn’t impressive enough, we don’t know what will be.
Bottom Line
The Brownells AR-15 20-inch 6.5 Grendel Stainless Steel barrel is a solid, well-built barrel that will give your AR-15 rifle the best performance possible. You can turn your rifle into a sharp-shooting machine with just a few changes in accessories. The barrel is aptly priced, and the included bolt also justifies it.
Pros
1:8 twist rate
Solid construction
Inspected for quality
Includes matched bolt
Rifle-length gas system
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Heavy (but helps in getting consistent groups)
5. BSF Barrels – AR-15 Barrel Carbon Fiber 6.5 Grendel Rifle Gas System 1-8 Twist
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What Recent Buyers Report
This barrel won over so many recent buyers because of its accuracy. And the shooting groups at 100 yards or more can prove it. They were more impressed when they were able to keep the barrel nice and cool despite the extended shooting sessions at the range. One user found out “the hard way” when he accidentally touched the barrel only to not burn himself. He also added that the barrel was lightweight and pretty darn sturdy for a heavy-hitting rifle like this.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This masterpiece from BSF features an 18-inch, match-grade inner barrel of double stress-relieved 416R stainless steel with a carbon fiber wrap on the outside, creating an air pocket in between. This allows quick cooling of the barrel as you shoot.
Additionally, the vents on the carbon fiber sleeve expedite the cooling process. Considering its cooling capabilities, the barrel is exceptional for competition shooting.
The barrel is easy to install and looks splendid due to the combination of chrome and black colors. Additionally, the barrel is also lightweight, but sturdy enough to compensate for muzzle jump and recoil while you shoot.
Who Will Use This Most
This could be the barrel for you if you are looking for something that is lightweight, high in quality, and designed for multiple purposes. In other words, you are looking for a barrel that might be the closest you can get to a do-it-all barrel that can handle shot after shot. If durability and reliability are two things you need in a barrel then this could be something worth considering.
Bottom Line
The BSF Barrels AR-15 Carbon Fiber 6.5 Grendel Rifle Gas System Barrel might be the go-to option for any AR-15 shooter. The price of this barrel might concern you a bit, but is still the best choice for your 6.5 Grendel rifle. The combination of steel and carbon fiber make the cooling and harmonics of the barrel exceptionally good. The barrel is excellent for competitions and precision shooting.
Pros
Easy to install
Expedited cooling
Quality construction
Aesthetically pleasing
Performs exceptionally well at all ranges
Cons
Pricey (if price is a consideration)
Are All 6.5 Grendel Barrels the Same?
Absolutely, not. Just like every AR-15 looks identical from the outside, but each has different modifications, so do the 6.5 Grendel barrels. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll talk about the differences among the barrels mentioned in this very article.
The very first difference among barrels is the gas length system. Some barrels use the full-length gas system while some use carbine length. However, the choice of a gas system also depends directly upon the length of the barrel, which for this matter is also a differentiating factor. The length of the barrel directly determines the range you’ll be shooting at. Longer barrels for long range and vice versa.
Another difference in different barrels is the weight. It is affected by the material used to manufacture the barrel, its contour, and fluting (also affecting the heat dissipation capability).
The material used in manufacturing a barrel also plays an important role over a long period of time. Plus, having some sort of corrosion-resistant coating on the inside and outside also helps.
Perks of Investing in a Quality Barrel for Your 6.5 Grendel
If you’ve bought an entirely new custom 6.5 Grendel AR-15, just the grendel upper, or simply in the market for a new barrel, try to go for the best barrel available, without considering the price. There are several astounding perks of choosing a top-of-the-line barrel for your 6.5 Grendel. Here are a few:
Accuracy
6.5 Grendel is a low-recoil and brutally accurate caliber, especially over long ranges. It’s what it was designed for. Upgrading to an excellent barrel will improve the overall accuracy of your rifle by compensating for factors like stiffness, heat, and barrel whip.
Recurring Costs
A barrel is most likely to chip-off to the extent of replacement after 10-20 thousand rounds, depending upon the rate of fire and level of maintenance. Top-of-the-line barrels tend to have a longer life with consistent performance. So they can actually double the time of replacement.
Weight/ Profile
A good barrel is more than just a bored steel rod. A good barrel features an appropriate weight (due to material and fluting) depending upon its length and intended use, which inevitably affects the overall shooting performance.
Performance
Using a good barrel allows you space to make relevant upgrades with your changing needs, such as a pre-threaded muzzle for compatibility with compensators and brakes.
Aesthetics
This really might not sound like a perk, but some top-of-the-class barrels are extremely beautiful. It helps whether you like to show off at the range, or just like owning sassy items.
Aspects to Consider When Purchasing a New 6.5 Grendel Barrel
Once you have learned the benefits of upgrading your 6.5 Grendel Barrel, you must also learn about the important aspects to consider when purchasing one. Let’s evaluate these one by one.
Length
The very first aspect to be taken into consideration is the length. The length of not just the barrel, but also of the gas tube. If you buy a 16-inch barrel, you have to get a gas tube that’s the right length. If your intention is to use your rifle for long range shooting, you should go for a longer barrel, such as 20+ inches, as the longer barrel gives gasses more room to expand. Which will then propel the bullet to longer distances.
Twist Rate/Rifling
The twist rate refers to the number of inches the bullet travels to take one full rotation. Twist rate is the measure of the stability of the barrel. Heavier bullets tend to have a lower ratio as compared to lighter ones. For example, a 1:9 barrel twist is optimum for a bullet weighing up to 160 grains, whereas a 1:12 twist rate is good for an 80-grain bullet.
Contour/Fluting
You might notice some barrels featuring textures and contours over their surface. This removal of extra material is known as fluting. A fluted barrel is lighter in weight and offers better cooling for a prolonged period of shooting. If it’s not for heavy and long-range barrels over 20 inches in length, you must consider buying a fluted barrel.
Conclusion
A barrel affects the accuracy of your rifle over long and short distances. Choosing the right barrel could mean the difference between failure and success. Investing in a good barrel for your 6.5 Grendel rifle will complement the range and accuracy of the cartridge, and will prove to be a worthy and long-lasting investment for you. However, you must take factors like contour, weight, twist rate, and length into consideration before buying a barrel for your rifle.
