Experimental Fiber Covered M16 Type Barrel.

[Tom in N.J.]

RCS's posting of his heavy barreled upper reminded me that I have an experimental barrel in my stash. This barrel is 17" overall, including the barrel extension, but without flash hider. It looks like a chromed chamber. It is covered in a weave of what I think is carbon fiber. It has no front sight base, but had at one time a gas block held in place by two set screws on the bottom. The only marking I can find is the number '4' painted on the right side at the muzzle.
The party I got it from said it was a left over from a government test.

[RCS]

Tom, Do you think that fiber coating would have something to do with barrel heat ? also special purpose without the issue pinned front sight base.

[Tom in N.J.]

RCS,.. I have no first hand info on what sort of test barrel this was, but there was a project for a firing port weapon that ended with the adoption of the full auto only, open bolt, M231. The M231 had no stock, the M3 Grease Gun type stock was dropped, as were sights on the upper. It was for 'spraying' tracer fire from the gun ports in the Bradley fighting vehicle.

[Bill Hollinger]

You guys know Christiansen Arms does their barrels like this. I think they do it for weight.

[Tom in N.J.]

Bill,.. I was not aware of Christiansen Arms, but after seeing your reply, looked them up. other than the special length (17") and different gas block area, they are quite similar. I note they will wrap your barrel for $650.00. Thanks for the info lead...

[Bill Hollinger]

Tom, you are very welcome.

[jmoore]

Lothar Walther apparently also does a carbon fiber wrapped bbl. I don't know much more yet.

It's supposed to increase heat transfer rates whilst allowing a lighter overall weight.