One of the things I love about you guys is your ability to cover more advanced topics so concisely. Even as someone who’s built a couple lower receivers, it would take me a lot of time to hunt down the info and parts necessary to build a quality upper. For beginner builders, it’s great to have a proven and opinionated source of information. Eliminate decision fatigue, get straight to the point, and cover the more advanced topics clearly and concisely. Great work! I’ll pick up one of these gets next month.
generally anyone with a PSA should be able to run 3-5k rounds maybe even more without any major shifts in accuracy, but once the point of impact does start to shift and when group spacing increases u should get a criterion or rosco to save a lil $.
It's actually a really good deal for that assembly of parts to get a properly head spaced bolt to your Barrel you're going to have to have a headspace gauge and basically a shoebox full of bolts to find one that actually fits within 1,000 of an inch like Criterion does
Hell ya man building is usually the way to go. Even if you don’t actually “build” the entire thing you can buy a lower and build it up with a parts kit or get a complete lower and complete upper ready to go. You can get a complete or semi complete lower then build up the upper although for a first timer the upper can be a little more tricky to build than a lower since your dealing with installing your gas block making sure to use lock tight and staking then getting the barrel nut installed correctly so your hand guard is perfectly straight. All easy stuff but first time builders may have. A learning curve
I run Criterion Core barrels in all of my builds..They are absolutely phenomenal, 1 moa at 150yrds with 5.56, 8.5 300blk 1 moa at 100yrd with sig ammo all day long.
First and only Criterion barrel I ever bought shot 4 moa 😂 My FN barrels are capable of 1/4 moa. I even sent it in to Criterion. Got if back and it shot 3 MOA at best.
@BullseyeBallistics-kf1jw Reach out to them again, I'm sure they'll rectify the problem for you. I've been dealing with them for a few years. Mine shoot as good or better than my original pacnor barrels . I'm still sitting on 3 pacnor barrels that John Noveske actually made.
KAK probably offers the best quality on a budget for any critical part. I'm sure I just got lucky, but my 10.5" barrel shoots reliable 1.5" groups with 69gr ADI SMKs. I have heard of 14.5s shooting 3 MOA, but mine has been awesome. the bolt is really solid, literally no signs of wear at this point (like 2,500 rounds).
Criterion hybrid profile is incredibly balanced, their core profile is nice for a lighter overall rifle but i like the hybrid a bit more due to its thicker profile.
Absolutely crazy to see this video. I was putting together a build list and had this whole kit pieced together after my own research lol. Only think that was different on mine was the bolt lol. Now your saying I can buy it all from one place😂😂😂 this is great
Muzzle devices like surefire have a low torque spec not because you don’t want to stretch the threads but actually it can constrict the barrel and throw the accuracy off. It squeezes the end of the barrel essentially.
This is perfect for what I need. I’ve been shooting my PSA for about 5 years now and have replaced the buffer, safety,trigger,radion raptor charging handle,SOLGW muzzle device and grip. This seems to be the next replacement I’m gonna need since I have about 5k+ rounds through it right now and I’ve heard the PSA barrels only seem to last about that long.
Agreed, you should build as well but not just so you can get exactly what you want but so you understand every single part of your rifle. Applies to PCs and project cars as well.
$650 for is kit. Barrel can be had for around $300, a full kak bcg for $245, badger ordinance gas block $70. That leaves $35 headroom for the grease, threadlock, and rockset. Might actually save money here as youre only paying for shipping once as opposed to shipping on every item. Margins seem thin for trex.
In my experience the Geissele barrels are more accurate(and have a better gas port size) than Criterion or DD. In fact the Geissele barrels are the most accurate chrome lined barrel I have ever owned. Plus they're upfront about the gas port size which for whatever reason is uncommon in the industry. Criterion doesn't state their gas port size and instead simply says "gas port size tuned for proper function with and without suppressor." My 11.5" Criterion was extremely gassy with a suppressor however without a suppressor it was remarkably soft shooting. I was able to tune it with a BRT gas tube and/or bootleg bcg. Upgraded buffers and springs didn't do a whole lot. My 16" Criterion CORE is much more reasonably gassed with a suppressor and can be tuned with buffers and springs. So, since T.Rex is selling this kit--will you tell us how large the gas port is on this particular barrel? Gas port size should be a mandatory piece of information barrel manufacturers provide to the end user. I don't know why so many companies try to hide the size of their port. It's so easy to measure it once you have the barrel in hand. It's also silly because it isn't more or less expensive to drill it larger/smaller. It's just literally a different sized drill. If Criterion or even Trex offered Criterion barrels with reduced sized gas ports they'd make a lot of money off of them. A lot of people would happily pay for a smaller gas port.
It's interesting that your Criterion barrel felt over-gassed. To my knowledge, they use a .069 gas port on their 11.5". Geissele says the 11.5" barrel they sell uses a .070 gas port, but their Super Duty uppers use a .067 gas port. Do you have a Super Duty upper? I bought a complete 11.5" Super Duty back early 2021 when Geissele was using a .068 gas port.
+ they are cold hammer forged + they are only 50 ish bucks more msrp, I just bought 3 on sale for 225 each so you can find them cheaper. Geissele is the way
This is a great point especially for running suppressors. I thought Criterion was the same size as Geissele a few years ago, which is why I got a Geissele 11.5 and was planning to buy a 14.5 criterion barrel since I love how well the 11.5 is gassed.
I had an issue with my KAK bolt, would not close on several uppers. Sent it back, replacement did the same. Works on one upper, not on several others. Hopefully these are far better spec'd than what I received from them. I would also highly recommend not to use the Rocksett on gas block set screws unless you know how to get it off or aren't torquing to spec/dimpling. You will have issues getting it off, ask Phillip at Bexar arms what he thinks about this method. Only for suppressor muzzle devices and even then, Mike Pappas of Dead Air doesn't even recommend it - use proper torque instead. As for Criterion, they make a good barrel, but a lot of folks wind up running AGBs or BRT gas tubes as they aren't exactly gassed for suppressed use and instead opt for a safer gas port size akin to other lower-quality barrel makers.
BCM makes a stretched out version of the birdcage. That device would make more sense for the 14.5 as it brings it to 16. The 13.9 needs something around 2.2 inches. Just a heads up for legal reasons.
Running a Criterion core 12.5” currently in a SOLGW broadsword upper (heat fit). FCD gas block that also requires heat to fit. Been super impressed with the criterion barrel. 100% worth it! I use the tan BCM bolt.. Criterion literally offers this kit. What makes it special for TREX Arms?
First ar I ever built I didn’t use lock tight on the gas block screws or stake them and went to shoot it realizing I had a single shot rifle that wouldn’t cycle since my gas block wasn’t tight enough
Doesn't matter on a piston system because the gas isn't coming back into the carrier like it does on a DI system, some piston systems don't even use gas rings on their bolts
Super cool to see you guys recommend the Loctite bearing sleeve retaining compound for the barrel to upper receiver fit up. I know criterion recommends it but don’t know of many others who have done the same. Cheers!
@ have you ever used it? It’s bearing sleeve retaining compound. Not only would it keep the barrel from shifting, it expands slightly and hardens to take up any play between the upper and the barrel extension. Common industrial uses are for holding bearings onto machined shafts where the friction is low. Criterion themselves in their YT videos recommend using it for maximum accuracy potential.
@ yeah I’ve used it. I’m not debating its purpose or its intended use here. I get all that. I’m just saying the barrel is a loose slip clearance fit. As you can see in the video. Bearings typical for much tighter and they also don’t receive the recoil impulse and explosion inside a carbine offers. Bearings typically have very little force, if any at all, on races which this loctite is applied to. In other words, there is little stress on a tight fitting, glued in bearing race. There is much more stress being applied here, to a loose fitting barrel slid into an upper receiver that is now going to receive constant recoil impulses laterally. It’s not a huge deal, but unless that fit is of a closer tolerance, the green loctite offers little. Further, if the bbl was indeed a thermal fit, the green loctite would also then offer very little. Thermal fit outperforms the green loctite every time. So kind of pointless IMO but I applaud these guys for all that they’re doing.
@@KnightsTemplar79lol, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Loctite 420 is insane stuff. And you must not know that bearings go out, and when that happens there is an incredible amount of stress on the races. Yes, ideally bearings are installed with a press or thermal fit, but when we rebuilt bearing housings or replaced bearings on pumping units, we always used the 420, and that shit is not joke. Even after the bearing was destroyed, it took an OA torch getting the races red hot to get that shit to soften. I believe it’s rated to 450F. That doesn’t mean it breaks down at 450F, that means it maintains its strength all the way to 450F. It takes a lot more heat to get it to actually release. It essentially turns into glass, and the way it’s being used on a barrel extension is super easy on it. Don’t forget about the big steel nut that is holding the whole assembly in place. All it’s doing is filling the gaps, of which are not under any load that the barrel nut is not holding, it’s not there to be structural. Yes, a thermal fit is just as good, but both are a pain in the ass. But both are the best way to do it.
DW about it lol there's tons of great barrels. Just because one guy didn't think of it off the top of his head doesn't mean much. My 14.5 Super Duty is like 1.5MOA with 193s and even XTAC m855, and 1moa with a handful of more Gucci ammos, absolutely outstanding CHF tapered profile barrels
Criterion is very good but the “CORE” is a .625 journal which is great for the weight savings however for longer strings of fire a .750 has shown to be better with heat and POI shift due to that Do you guys have any personal testing on that there ? I like my COREs and the avg guy will probably never realize that either, but something to think about regardless.
looking to buy my first rifle, would building it be too challenging to a beginner like myself. would i need any specialty tools or should i just buy a "ready to shoot" rifle? i have a general idea of what i want my rifle to be able to do? any tips would greatly be appreciated
Charging extta for the headspaced bolt seems like a silly option to me. Its not as if its a customized bolt to match the barrel, its just making sure it gauges right, which it should anyway if it is properly manufactured. What am I missing
From what I've heard they will test a bunch of different bolts and pick the one with the tightest tolerance for better accuracy. Not just test if its within spec or not.
@@Sptsmn700I don’t believe that at all. The tolerance on the bolts should not be that large. We’re taking .0001”s of an inch. They will not notice any difference within a few tenths with gauges unless they are gauging each one with a gauge for every .0001”…Source: I’m a machinist.
@@BryceKimball7.3I will tell you I had short stroking issues with a criterion that couldn’t be solved until criterion supplied the bolt. I’ve also seen increasing reports of criterions popping primers. After talking to some armorers who have said they can never get Criterions to 100% correctly headspace, I suspect their headspace is tighter and they may have some proprietary gauge that we don’t have on the commercial market
Why not add the BCM blem upper receiver that has the port cover and FA included for under 80 doll hairs? That would have been my preference. Great kit tho, love my hybrid 16" barrel from Criterion.
Explain to me what was happening at the very start of the build when the upper was placed upside down and a hammer and punch were used inside the upper itself? What was that all about?
Not exactly a need to. Everyone knows Geissele barrels are outstanding lol just cuz you didn't think of it off the top of his head doesn't mean much lol There's a handful of manufacturers that make great barrels.
Hope an SME would talk about the alleged strength of cold hammer forged barrels because as time goes on, the more I get the impression the strength of those barrels has more to do with the chrome lining than it being hammer forged.
Do you guys gauge the bolts and cam pins to the carrier to make sure fit is ideal? Similar to how School of The American Rifle does in his class and channel?
lol you think they’re THAT into to perfecting the system. They aren’t. If they were, they wouldn’t be using a KAK carrier. He actually just uploaded a video about the KAK sandcutter and having burs and terrible finishes.
My 11.5 Criterion Hybrid was gassy af with my suppressors(OCL Polonium K and Griffin HRT 5.56, not quite as bad with the Griffin but I still needed to install a BRT gas tube even with the Griffin which is nowhere near as gassy as the Polonium K)
Criterion sells the badger ordnance gas block on their site as an option to include with their barrels. Which likely means that Criterion themselves know their gas journals mate up well with them and that the badger ordnance was the simplest inclusion for this kit. The ripcord gas block is also $80 for literally no reason and also requires fitting which is just straight up annoying.
The criterion guy slops on blue loctite on the barrel knowing it's gonna turn to dust but in so doing it forms a seal in there that's a bitch to get off, kinda like the green stuff you're putting on the extension
yeah, never heard of anyone recommending green loctite there unless you never want to get your barrel out of the receiver extension, especially if thermal fit. most recommend aeroshell on the extension and the threads...
@killacamfoo people "bed" the barrel with that and shims but if you've got a torch and a reaction rod you can get it out of there. The hypothesis is that if you have have loose space in there the sleeve retainer fills it up and increases accuracy. I've done it and noticed no real difference, but using it as a gas key sealant works very well
I wonder what Criterion does with their chrome lining process that they don’t lose accuracy but have that extra barrel life and corrosion resistance. It must be a closely guarded secret ingredient…😮
I built a URGI with all the exact parts except i found i do not like the mk16 dont know why but i have mk8 URGI best gun ive owned and pretty sure stronger too
WARNING!!! I had to send my kak sand cutter back due to constant malfunctions, it would fail to chamber after every shot complete ly clean across multiple uppers
Shouldnt there be proper alignment tools when doing this ? To make sure the bolt carrier lugs are properly matched with the barrel lugs. Maybe I’ve been watching to much of School Of the American Rifle videos. 😊
There is always a diminishing return. Basically, a 3-4 moa barrel is normally half the price of a 1.5-2 moa barrel. A barrel capable of sub moa with the right other parts is about double that price. It just depends on what you want. I put the cheapest thing I can find on a 10.5” trainer with an aimpoint red dot. But before I mounted a schmidt & bender pm2 on my 18” precision build I made sure to choose a quality barrel.
@Richie-v2z Check brownells, its 230-313$ depending on the barrel type, im a sale price junkie, so im always looking on other web sites than the manufacturer
They are indeed, some next level shit. Had my knights 3.2 in a k spec np3 carrier but now it's in a geissele, that nanoweapon stuff is legit alien metal like the knights chrome
That's my opinion, but I'm told that's a "me problem". Glad to see I'm not the only one. My experience is that they're more prone to malfunctions as well.
@@mrfawkes9110 Mind getting some video of this? I'm interested to see what kind of galling you're getting. Did you by chance build the upper using a Geissele reaction rod??? It's possible your upper is clocked. If the upper is aligned properly with the barrel extension a sandcutter shouldn't really cause any galling in the receiver but I mean...who knows? I am basing this on the fact that the bcg shouldn't be making a ton of contact with the upper and based on the fact many people say they run sandcutters without issue. HOWEVER, I also know most people say they shoot their guns a lot but in reality they shoot once or twice a year so its possible they're full of shit lol.
It kinda depends on the QC on those cuts. Unfortunately KAK is known to ship them with burrs. That possibility coupled with the hard chrome coat, I wouldn’t trust the BCG Trex is putting in this kit.
You lost me at "only 3 barrels id recommend".... noticed you have a centurion rail on your rifle u said you've been shooting comps with. Centurion, Sionics, and BRT could easily be swapped for any of the barrels on that short list. All of them make absolutely great barrels that are of super high quality and accuracy. Centurion i still regularly state is one of the firearms industries best kept secrets and underrated AR mfg. Anyhow, good vid otherwise, and the kit looks solid af. I also am.a big fan of KAK and the things thier doing. If you guysbhavent tried thier k spec enhanced buffer systems in a5 length or carbine you def should. Esp with a flat wire it's truely a big upgrade in terms of recoil reduction.
@ I’m aware, was referring to Brandon’s recommendation at the end of the video. Personally, I would take Geissele over DD if the criterion and proof barrels weren’t in the cards for me.
I've had a ton of "high end" AR15 uppers/barrels and Geissele barrels are really outstanding. First of all Geissele is up front about their gas port sizes whether you're buying a barrel a la carte or buying a complete upper. Secondly they're remarkably accurate for chrome lined CHF barrels. My Geissele barrel(soon to be plural, I ordered a complete SD 11.5 upper on Black Friday) out performs my Criterions. I have an 11.5 Criterion(accurate but gassy af with a can) and a 16" Criterion CORE. The 16" is capable of 1.5moa with ammo it likes and it really doesn't seem to like the 77gr stuff all that much. i have gotten much better results with 69gr SMKs. The barrel may be capable of greater accuracy with a better reticle but I've only ever been able to get 1.5" moa firing 10 round groups. I am able to get a true 1 moa with the Geissele barrel. A lot of people do not realize it but a true 1moa 10 round group is not very common with AR15s. Out of all the barrels I've owned from BCM(3), DD(1), Criterion(2), FN(1), Geissele is my favorite. Also, I think the non chf BCM barrels are made by Criterion. DD barrels are fine as far as accuracy is concerned but they're overgassed even without a suppressor. One thing we as the buying public should push for is for barrel manufacturers/retailers to be transparent about the size of their gas port. There is no way they can credibly claim that as proprietary information when I can measure the size of the port using a pin gauge. They give us all sorts of information that frankly means very little as a consumer like the coatings and the type of steel used to make the barrel but the one thing that will undoubtedly have a tangible effect on us is often hidden from us. Just tell me how large you drilled the hole dude. This isn't rocket surgery and your drill isn't proprietary.
No torque wrench used on the muzzle device is a BIG NO-NO. Anything more than 12-15 ft-lbs of torque will negatively affect the bore of the barrel. The torque applied to that muzzle device appears to be at least 30 ft-lbs. 😮😮😮 At this present time the best barrels for a combat inspired build are the CHF chrome lined barrels from Geissele Automatics with Centurion being a respectable 2nd place. Criterion is good for what it is, but they are perhaps 40-50 dollars above their true value.
They should not put sand cuts on the ejection port side of the carrier..Doing this will allow more ingress than a standard carrier.. Over torquing a muzzle device will not only stretch threads, but will compress the bore causing erratic wear near the muzzle.. Rocksett will only last a little over a year, so it will not last a life time..
The Criterion Core barrel is 🤌. I have three of them now. They are gassed so well and the balance of them is perfection. 🇺🇸
The best part of this whole kit is the fact that y'all did not scamp out on lubrication.
And the amount you provide
I agree. No one wants a tiny little miniscule drop in those disposeable packs. I’d rather have a bottle for future use. No one builds just one.
They learned the diddy way
One of the things I love about you guys is your ability to cover more advanced topics so concisely. Even as someone who’s built a couple lower receivers, it would take me a lot of time to hunt down the info and parts necessary to build a quality upper. For beginner builders, it’s great to have a proven and opinionated source of information. Eliminate decision fatigue, get straight to the point, and cover the more advanced topics clearly and concisely. Great work! I’ll pick up one of these gets next month.
Nice to see KAK get recognition... I've been using their products for a few years with no failures.
Killer video per usual. Brandon has been a treasure
This is an excellent package for a first build. Very cool idea.
For the majority of people, shoot what you have. If you are starting a build, or replacing an old worn out barrel consider this kit.
generally anyone with a PSA should be able to run 3-5k rounds maybe even more without any major shifts in accuracy, but once the point of impact does start to shift and when group spacing increases u should get a criterion or rosco to save a lil $.
@@kyzmnwho paid you to say PSA?
It's actually a really good deal for that assembly of parts to get a properly head spaced bolt to your Barrel you're going to have to have a headspace gauge and basically a shoebox full of bolts to find one that actually fits within 1,000 of an inch like Criterion does
Hell ya man building is usually the way to go. Even if you don’t actually “build” the entire thing you can buy a lower and build it up with a parts kit or get a complete lower and complete upper ready to go. You can get a complete or semi complete lower then build up the upper although for a first timer the upper can be a little more tricky to build than a lower since your dealing with installing your gas block making sure to use lock tight and staking then getting the barrel nut installed correctly so your hand guard is perfectly straight. All easy stuff but first time builders may have. A learning curve
I run Criterion Core barrels in all of my builds..They are absolutely phenomenal, 1 moa at 150yrds with 5.56, 8.5 300blk 1 moa at 100yrd with sig ammo all day long.
woooooooooooweeeeeeeeeeee
1 moa at any distance is still 1 moa…
First and only Criterion barrel I ever bought shot 4 moa 😂 My FN barrels are capable of 1/4 moa. I even sent it in to Criterion. Got if back and it shot 3 MOA at best.
@BullseyeBallistics-kf1jw Reach out to them again, I'm sure they'll rectify the problem for you. I've been dealing with them for a few years. Mine shoot as good or better than my original pacnor barrels . I'm still sitting on 3 pacnor barrels that John Noveske actually made.
5 or 10 round groups?
Crazy that I was looking into this exact type of build and y’all release it as a kit
KAK probably offers the best quality on a budget for any critical part. I'm sure I just got lucky, but my 10.5" barrel shoots reliable 1.5" groups with 69gr ADI SMKs. I have heard of 14.5s shooting 3 MOA, but mine has been awesome. the bolt is really solid, literally no signs of wear at this point (like 2,500 rounds).
Criterion hybrid profile is incredibly balanced, their core profile is nice for a lighter overall rifle but i like the hybrid a bit more due to its thicker profile.
Absolutely crazy to see this video. I was putting together a build list and had this whole kit pieced together after my own research lol. Only think that was different on mine was the bolt lol. Now your saying I can buy it all from one place😂😂😂 this is great
Muzzle devices like surefire have a low torque spec not because you don’t want to stretch the threads but actually it can constrict the barrel and throw the accuracy off. It squeezes the end of the barrel essentially.
That means the same thing.
This is just smart. Will get one in the future for sure.
Great kit, you thought of everything!!! I have this set up, but will get my next one from you!!!
This is perfect for what I need. I’ve been shooting my PSA for about 5 years now and have replaced the buffer, safety,trigger,radion raptor charging handle,SOLGW muzzle device and grip. This seems to be the next replacement I’m gonna need since I have about 5k+ rounds through it right now and I’ve heard the PSA barrels only seem to last about that long.
Was looking at KAK, still running my centurion arms sandcutter.
Centurion also does sandcutter hard chrome BCG's
Agreed, you should build as well but not just so you can get exactly what you want but so you understand every single part of your rifle. Applies to PCs and project cars as well.
$650 for is kit. Barrel can be had for around $300, a full kak bcg for $245, badger ordinance gas block $70. That leaves $35 headroom for the grease, threadlock, and rockset. Might actually save money here as youre only paying for shipping once as opposed to shipping on every item. Margins seem thin for trex.
Brother I can promise you they're not paying those prices lol
@joshuabruce9920 that doesn't matter to the consumer. What matters to the consumer is if we can get it cheaper ourselves.
In my experience the Geissele barrels are more accurate(and have a better gas port size) than Criterion or DD. In fact the Geissele barrels are the most accurate chrome lined barrel I have ever owned. Plus they're upfront about the gas port size which for whatever reason is uncommon in the industry. Criterion doesn't state their gas port size and instead simply says "gas port size tuned for proper function with and without suppressor."
My 11.5" Criterion was extremely gassy with a suppressor however without a suppressor it was remarkably soft shooting. I was able to tune it with a BRT gas tube and/or bootleg bcg. Upgraded buffers and springs didn't do a whole lot. My 16" Criterion CORE is much more reasonably gassed with a suppressor and can be tuned with buffers and springs.
So, since T.Rex is selling this kit--will you tell us how large the gas port is on this particular barrel? Gas port size should be a mandatory piece of information barrel manufacturers provide to the end user. I don't know why so many companies try to hide the size of their port. It's so easy to measure it once you have the barrel in hand. It's also silly because it isn't more or less expensive to drill it larger/smaller. It's just literally a different sized drill.
If Criterion or even Trex offered Criterion barrels with reduced sized gas ports they'd make a lot of money off of them. A lot of people would happily pay for a smaller gas port.
It's interesting that your Criterion barrel felt over-gassed. To my knowledge, they use a .069 gas port on their 11.5". Geissele says the 11.5" barrel they sell uses a .070 gas port, but their Super Duty uppers use a .067 gas port. Do you have a Super Duty upper? I bought a complete 11.5" Super Duty back early 2021 when Geissele was using a .068 gas port.
+ they are cold hammer forged + they are only 50 ish bucks more msrp, I just bought 3 on sale for 225 each so you can find them cheaper. Geissele is the way
@@AncientGloomexactly, it’s a myth. Probably wasn’t an identical setup and he’s mistating
Buy a couple pin bore gauges. .068 I think but check that. Then you can know for certain.
This is a great point especially for running suppressors. I thought Criterion was the same size as Geissele a few years ago, which is why I got a Geissele 11.5 and was planning to buy a 14.5 criterion barrel since I love how well the 11.5 is gassed.
I'm excited to get my hands on this kit. Hope ya'll offer 10.3, 11.5, and 13.9" Well done gents
Would love to see an 11.5 or 12.5 option in the future
We will have 11.5 and 13.9 options in the future.
@ awesome, gonna be doing my build in January/February will be keeping an eye out. Awesome kit, love to see it
I had an issue with my KAK bolt, would not close on several uppers. Sent it back, replacement did the same. Works on one upper, not on several others. Hopefully these are far better spec'd than what I received from them. I would also highly recommend not to use the Rocksett on gas block set screws unless you know how to get it off or aren't torquing to spec/dimpling. You will have issues getting it off, ask Phillip at Bexar arms what he thinks about this method. Only for suppressor muzzle devices and even then, Mike Pappas of Dead Air doesn't even recommend it - use proper torque instead. As for Criterion, they make a good barrel, but a lot of folks wind up running AGBs or BRT gas tubes as they aren't exactly gassed for suppressed use and instead opt for a safer gas port size akin to other lower-quality barrel makers.
BCM makes a stretched out version of the birdcage. That device would make more sense for the 14.5 as it brings it to 16. The 13.9 needs something around 2.2 inches. Just a heads up for legal reasons.
Running a Criterion core 12.5” currently in a SOLGW broadsword upper (heat fit). FCD gas block that also requires heat to fit.
Been super impressed with the criterion barrel.
100% worth it!
I use the tan BCM bolt..
Criterion literally offers this kit. What makes it special for TREX Arms?
Man those Geissele rails have to be the cleanest around I think
Any thoughts on saling the bolt carrier stand alone?
First ar I ever built I didn’t use lock tight on the gas block screws or stake them and went to shoot it realizing I had a single shot rifle that wouldn’t cycle since my gas block wasn’t tight enough
Might wanna check those gas keys. Farro's Lead Farm just posted a video about having a prob. Sample size of 50.
What more likely, 50 out of spec gas keys or 1 out of spec gas tube that he was using as a measuring tool? Dude doesnt know what he's doing.
@@Ctrees1776 Other bcgs worked fine. Watch the video.
@@Ctrees1776 Others bcgs worked fine. Watch the video.
Been running the kak chrome bolt and it's great 👍👍
10:20 A little more context on this? Gas rings should have tension? What if they don’t and does that still matter on a piston system?
Doesn't matter on a piston system because the gas isn't coming back into the carrier like it does on a DI system, some piston systems don't even use gas rings on their bolts
Super cool to see you guys recommend the Loctite bearing sleeve retaining compound for the barrel to upper receiver fit up. I know criterion recommends it but don’t know of many others who have done the same. Cheers!
Explain to me what possibly could green loctite do to a slip/clearance fit like that? Absolutely nothing.
@ have you ever used it? It’s bearing sleeve retaining compound. Not only would it keep the barrel from shifting, it expands slightly and hardens to take up any play between the upper and the barrel extension. Common industrial uses are for holding bearings onto machined shafts where the friction is low. Criterion themselves in their YT videos recommend using it for maximum accuracy potential.
@ yeah I’ve used it. I’m not debating its purpose or its intended use here. I get all that.
I’m just saying the barrel is a loose slip clearance fit. As you can see in the video. Bearings typical for much tighter and they also don’t receive the recoil impulse and explosion inside a carbine offers. Bearings typically have very little force, if any at all, on races which this loctite is applied to.
In other words, there is little stress on a tight fitting, glued in bearing race. There is much more stress being applied here, to a loose fitting barrel slid into an upper receiver that is now going to receive constant recoil impulses laterally.
It’s not a huge deal, but unless that fit is of a closer tolerance, the green loctite offers little. Further, if the bbl was indeed a thermal fit, the green loctite would also then offer very little. Thermal fit outperforms the green loctite every time.
So kind of pointless IMO but I applaud these guys for all that they’re doing.
@@KnightsTemplar79lol, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Loctite 420 is insane stuff. And you must not know that bearings go out, and when that happens there is an incredible amount of stress on the races. Yes, ideally bearings are installed with a press or thermal fit, but when we rebuilt bearing housings or replaced bearings on pumping units, we always used the 420, and that shit is not joke. Even after the bearing was destroyed, it took an OA torch getting the races red hot to get that shit to soften. I believe it’s rated to 450F. That doesn’t mean it breaks down at 450F, that means it maintains its strength all the way to 450F. It takes a lot more heat to get it to actually release. It essentially turns into glass, and the way it’s being used on a barrel extension is super easy on it. Don’t forget about the big steel nut that is holding the whole assembly in place. All it’s doing is filling the gaps, of which are not under any load that the barrel nut is not holding, it’s not there to be structural. Yes, a thermal fit is just as good, but both are a pain in the ass. But both are the best way to do it.
Can you make a package with piston kits in mind? Like with the Black Rifle Arms piston system
Please consider doing a special run of 1/7 twist CORE barrels for TRex customers.
Surprised Geissele wasn't brought up with those other three barrels mentioned.
DW about it lol there's tons of great barrels. Just because one guy didn't think of it off the top of his head doesn't mean much.
My 14.5 Super Duty is like 1.5MOA with 193s and even XTAC m855, and 1moa with a handful of more Gucci ammos, absolutely outstanding CHF tapered profile barrels
Did he say Sub 4 moa at 11:03 ?
After 6k rounds...
Yes
That’s not even impressive at all for a chrome lined 5.56…lol
They’re just using 55gr and not match ammo. Plus, the Core series is more of an accurized lightweight barrel.
@@hawaiianpunch6783even that’s not that impressive
Criterion is very good but the “CORE” is a .625 journal which is great for the weight savings however for longer strings of fire a .750 has shown to be better with heat and POI shift due to that
Do you guys have any personal testing on that there ? I like my COREs and the avg guy will probably never realize that either, but something to think about regardless.
Any idea about when other lengths that will be available in the future?
Are these trex branded bcgs going to be available individually?
You can get them from KAK without a trex logo
@ I want the trex logo lol. Only reason I would get one.
Learn something new almost everyday.🙂
looking to buy my first rifle, would building it be too challenging to a beginner like myself. would i need any specialty tools or should i just buy a "ready to shoot" rifle? i have a general idea of what i want my rifle to be able to do? any tips would greatly be appreciated
Charging extta for the headspaced bolt seems like a silly option to me. Its not as if its a customized bolt to match the barrel, its just making sure it gauges right, which it should anyway if it is properly manufactured. What am I missing
From what I've heard they will test a bunch of different bolts and pick the one with the tightest tolerance for better accuracy. Not just test if its within spec or not.
@@Sptsmn700I don’t believe that at all. The tolerance on the bolts should not be that large. We’re taking .0001”s of an inch. They will not notice any difference within a few tenths with gauges unless they are gauging each one with a gauge for every .0001”…Source: I’m a machinist.
QC adds time and with that, cost. Simple economics.
@@BryceKimball7.3I will tell you I had short stroking issues with a criterion that couldn’t be solved until criterion supplied the bolt. I’ve also seen increasing reports of criterions popping primers. After talking to some armorers who have said they can never get Criterions to 100% correctly headspace, I suspect their headspace is tighter and they may have some proprietary gauge that we don’t have on the commercial market
Why not add the BCM blem upper receiver that has the port cover and FA included for under 80 doll hairs? That would have been my preference. Great kit tho, love my hybrid 16" barrel from Criterion.
Is the Rocksett removable if u you need to change out the gas block etc ?
Can the kit be ordered with the gas block pinned instead of set screw?
Explain to me what was happening at the very start of the build when the upper was placed upside down and a hammer and punch were used inside the upper itself? What was that all about?
What was that lubricant you were using after assembly, has the long applicator cap on it?
When will you sell the Bcg separately? Or will you?
Great breakdown of all the parts! Did you test Geissele barrels?
Not exactly a need to. Everyone knows Geissele barrels are outstanding lol just cuz you didn't think of it off the top of his head doesn't mean much lol
There's a handful of manufacturers that make great barrels.
Are yall going to offer the BCG as a standalone eventually
I’m ready for it to be offer in something other than 16 inches
Yeah, not interested in the only size that doesn't instantly go out of stock everywhere on the internet.
Yeah I need 11.5 with an adjustable gas block.
I have 2 Criterons and they are the only barrels I have had issues with. Sub 4MOA? Not impressive at all
What kind of issues?
Will you guys be selling the bolt carrier separately?
Allow us to opt out the extra lubricants and reduce the price! If I buy multiple kits, I don’t need that amount of lubricants.
Hope an SME would talk about the alleged strength of cold hammer forged barrels because as time goes on, the more I get the impression the strength of those barrels has more to do with the chrome lining than it being hammer forged.
I don’t wanna say it’s a myth, but there’s really zero consistent data to back the CHF claims
Do you guys gauge the bolts and cam pins to the carrier to make sure fit is ideal? Similar to how School of The American Rifle does in his class and channel?
lol you think they’re THAT into to perfecting the system. They aren’t. If they were, they wouldn’t be using a KAK carrier. He actually just uploaded a video about the KAK sandcutter and having burs and terrible finishes.
if you have to remove the gas block for whatever reason how do you get the rocksett off
Soak it in water
Is Trex or KAK going to sell that bolt carrier individually at any point?
Is the kit going to be offered with 11.5 inch barrels? Thanks!
My 11.5 Criterion Hybrid was gassy af with my suppressors(OCL Polonium K and Griffin HRT 5.56, not quite as bad with the Griffin but I still needed to install a BRT gas tube even with the Griffin which is nowhere near as gassy as the Polonium K)
Hey, I have a fun with a criterion barrel. This is relevant to my interests.
This is the most AI sounding comment I have ever read lmao
Why not the ripcord gashole?
Criterion sells the badger ordnance gas block on their site as an option to include with their barrels. Which likely means that Criterion themselves know their gas journals mate up well with them and that the badger ordnance was the simplest inclusion for this kit. The ripcord gas block is also $80 for literally no reason and also requires fitting which is just straight up annoying.
Requires fitting and Trex and Ripcord don’t exactly have a great relationship lol
yall going to release this with 300 blk barrels?
Y'all selling these kits. So that's why my two Criterion 13.9 barrels have been on backorder for 5 months.......
I would have been interested more if the gas block came drilled and was able to be pinned...
Went to go buy kit and the bolt carrier is not listed as included...?
Make sure it's the T.REX Criterion Kit. Not just the Criterion Barrel Kit. We offer both.
Great video.
When would a 18” be available?
What gun oil are you using?
Your moms mouth juice
Break free clp is a good starting point
Pig lard mostly
Wish they still sent Go Juice with the SSA triggers. I put that sh1t on everything
@@joeditz48clp is a poor lubricant. Use synthetic engine oil or slip2000
The criterion guy slops on blue loctite on the barrel knowing it's gonna turn to dust but in so doing it forms a seal in there that's a bitch to get off, kinda like the green stuff you're putting on the extension
yeah, never heard of anyone recommending green loctite there unless you never want to get your barrel out of the receiver extension, especially if thermal fit. most recommend aeroshell on the extension and the threads...
@killacamfoo people "bed" the barrel with that and shims but if you've got a torch and a reaction rod you can get it out of there. The hypothesis is that if you have have loose space in there the sleeve retainer fills it up and increases accuracy. I've done it and noticed no real difference, but using it as a gas key sealant works very well
Geissele barrels are also great. I actually prefer them over DD
Question: will we be able to buy the BCG separately?
Yes KAK sells them for less, so does everyone who sells AR parts.
@@mrfawkes9110but these plebs want the trex logo lol
The mount of rockset on that gas block RIP😂
Should I replace my DD mk12 barrel with a criterion?
Hell no.
Once you shoot out the barrel it came with
I wonder what Criterion does with their chrome lining process that they don’t lose accuracy but have that extra barrel life and corrosion resistance. It must be a closely guarded secret ingredient…😮
I built a URGI with all the exact parts except i found i do not like the mk16 dont know why but i have mk8 URGI best gun ive owned and pretty sure stronger too
Why not just sell a bcm bcg and barrel kit?😮
I hope you guys QC that KAK bolt carrier yourselves. They are known to ship BCGs with burrs on the sand cuts.
Hell yeah they do. They fucked up upper up hard. And it’s a 13629 cage code upper so it’s 300 bucks to replace
@@justaguypassingthrough4188 ouch brother. Lesson learned, I'm sure
This video is so green I thought I saw the Hulk.
😂
Damn, I am just getting out of the dog house for spending money at T-Rex, and it looks like I am about to get in trouble again...🤑😜
WARNING!!! I had to send my kak sand cutter back due to constant malfunctions, it would fail to chamber after every shot complete ly clean across multiple uppers
Same here.
Shouldnt there be proper alignment tools when doing this ? To make sure the bolt carrier lugs are properly matched with the barrel lugs. Maybe I’ve been watching to much of School
Of the American Rifle videos. 😊
what’s the return on these vs a BA Hanson or BCM 300$ barrel. Seems like diminishing returns unless you’re building a sub moa precision gun.
There is always a diminishing return. Basically, a 3-4 moa barrel is normally half the price of a 1.5-2 moa barrel. A barrel capable of sub moa with the right other parts is about double that price. It just depends on what you want. I put the cheapest thing I can find on a 10.5” trainer with an aimpoint red dot. But before I mounted a schmidt & bender pm2 on my 18” precision build I made sure to choose a quality barrel.
Just the barrel, is roughly 250-300, this comes with a bolt carrier, has block, gas tube, etc. Great value/accuracy package
Criterion is only $50 more or less for a much better barrel..
@@NGcCharlieWhere did you find that price ? Criterion barrel alone is $345 on their site..Gas block $65 , bolt $65..
@Richie-v2z Check brownells, its 230-313$ depending on the barrel type, im a sale price junkie, so im always looking on other web sites than the manufacturer
Geissele REBCG is another amazing bolt.
They are indeed, some next level shit. Had my knights 3.2 in a k spec np3 carrier but now it's in a geissele, that nanoweapon stuff is legit alien metal like the knights chrome
whats the price
Green loctite is 680. Trex confirmed to not know what they’re talking about /s
Sandcutters maul up your upper receiver and that's a fact.
Sandcutter was cool 10 years ago and that's being generous.
That's my opinion, but I'm told that's a "me problem". Glad to see I'm not the only one. My experience is that they're more prone to malfunctions as well.
@@mrfawkes9110 Mind getting some video of this? I'm interested to see what kind of galling you're getting. Did you by chance build the upper using a Geissele reaction rod??? It's possible your upper is clocked. If the upper is aligned properly with the barrel extension a sandcutter shouldn't really cause any galling in the receiver but I mean...who knows? I am basing this on the fact that the bcg shouldn't be making a ton of contact with the upper and based on the fact many people say they run sandcutters without issue. HOWEVER, I also know most people say they shoot their guns a lot but in reality they shoot once or twice a year so its possible they're full of shit lol.
From what I've seen you need to be careful about the coating and burrs on the rails. As always inspect before you install and test before you trust.
It kinda depends on the QC on those cuts. Unfortunately KAK is known to ship them with burrs. That possibility coupled with the hard chrome coat, I wouldn’t trust the BCG Trex is putting in this kit.
Sounds like a you problem
I wouldn't show putting a gas block roll pin in either, its annoying with the proper tools.
Why 223
It’s chambered in .223 Wylde which is a higher pressure 5.56 so you can shoot .223rem .223 Wylde and 5.55 NATO
The .223 Wylde was made to get the absolute most performance out of the .223 and 5.56
You lost me at "only 3 barrels id recommend".... noticed you have a centurion rail on your rifle u said you've been shooting comps with. Centurion, Sionics, and BRT could easily be swapped for any of the barrels on that short list. All of them make absolutely great barrels that are of super high quality and accuracy. Centurion i still regularly state is one of the firearms industries best kept secrets and underrated AR mfg. Anyhow, good vid otherwise, and the kit looks solid af. I also am.a big fan of KAK and the things thier doing. If you guysbhavent tried thier k spec enhanced buffer systems in a5 length or carbine you def should. Esp with a flat wire it's truely a big upgrade in terms of recoil reduction.
I ordered a 13.9" barrel from an "unnamed" company once and it wasn't even threaded
From what I’ve seen, Geissele barrels are just as if not more impressive than Daniel defense.
This isn't a Daniel defense barrel. It's a criterion core.
Same. Very happy i went with a black friday URGI rather than the m4v7 upper
@ I’m aware, was referring to Brandon’s recommendation at the end of the video. Personally, I would take Geissele over DD if the criterion and proof barrels weren’t in the cards for me.
@ URGI is solid, however I personally think super duty has the slight edge
I've had a ton of "high end" AR15 uppers/barrels and Geissele barrels are really outstanding. First of all Geissele is up front about their gas port sizes whether you're buying a barrel a la carte or buying a complete upper. Secondly they're remarkably accurate for chrome lined CHF barrels. My Geissele barrel(soon to be plural, I ordered a complete SD 11.5 upper on Black Friday) out performs my Criterions. I have an 11.5 Criterion(accurate but gassy af with a can) and a 16" Criterion CORE. The 16" is capable of 1.5moa with ammo it likes and it really doesn't seem to like the 77gr stuff all that much. i have gotten much better results with 69gr SMKs. The barrel may be capable of greater accuracy with a better reticle but I've only ever been able to get 1.5" moa firing 10 round groups. I am able to get a true 1 moa with the Geissele barrel. A lot of people do not realize it but a true 1moa 10 round group is not very common with AR15s.
Out of all the barrels I've owned from BCM(3), DD(1), Criterion(2), FN(1), Geissele is my favorite. Also, I think the non chf BCM barrels are made by Criterion. DD barrels are fine as far as accuracy is concerned but they're overgassed even without a suppressor.
One thing we as the buying public should push for is for barrel manufacturers/retailers to be transparent about the size of their gas port. There is no way they can credibly claim that as proprietary information when I can measure the size of the port using a pin gauge. They give us all sorts of information that frankly means very little as a consumer like the coatings and the type of steel used to make the barrel but the one thing that will undoubtedly have a tangible effect on us is often hidden from us. Just tell me how large you drilled the hole dude. This isn't rocket surgery and your drill isn't proprietary.
Make damn sure you guys are checking specs on every single KAK carrier you send out... or else your going to have a bad day....
Anyone else running a Cryptic BCG?
4 moa is good ? 11:03 WHAT?
Criterion barrel no joke no joke at all accurate and I’m talking of 11.5 barrel accurate.
No torque wrench used on the muzzle device is a BIG NO-NO. Anything more than 12-15 ft-lbs of torque will negatively affect the bore of the barrel. The torque applied to that muzzle device appears to be at least 30 ft-lbs. 😮😮😮
At this present time the best barrels for a combat inspired build are the CHF chrome lined barrels from Geissele Automatics with Centurion being a respectable 2nd place. Criterion is good for what it is, but they are perhaps 40-50 dollars above their true value.
They should not put sand cuts on the ejection port side of the carrier..Doing this will allow more ingress than a standard carrier..
Over torquing a muzzle device will not only stretch threads, but will compress the bore causing erratic wear near the muzzle..
Rocksett will only last a little over a year, so it will not last a life time..