Daniel Defense 16" 5.56mm Carbine Barrel: Precision, Durability, and Performance for Your AR-15

When it comes to building or upgrading an AR-15 rifle, few components are as critical to accuracy and longevity as the barrel. For discerning builders, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals seeking the pinnacle of rifle barrel technology, the Daniel Defense 16" 5.56mm Stripped Barrel stands as an unparalleled choice. This precision-engineered component is designed to deliver exceptional performance, shot after shot, ensuring your firearm operates with maximum reliability and precision.

Are you looking to achieve sub-MOA accuracy? Do you need a barrel that can withstand thousands of rounds without losing its integrity? Or perhaps you're seeking a reliable heart for your next custom AR-15 build? The Daniel Defense 16" 5.56mm Carbine Barrel is meticulously crafted to address these very needs, offering a blend of innovative manufacturing, robust materials, and exacting specifications. This barrel isn't just a part; it's an investment in the long-term performance and capability of your rifle.

The Unrivaled Advantage of Cold Hammer Forging (CHF)

At the core of the Daniel Defense barrel's superior performance is their proprietary Cold Hammer Forging (CHF) process. For decades, cold hammer forging has been recognized as the gold standard for producing the most accurate and longest-lasting rifle barrels available. But what exactly is this process, and why is it so beneficial?

Cold hammer forging is an intricate manufacturing technique where a barrel blank is intensely hammered from the outside at opposing angles by powerful carbide steel hammers. During this hammering, a hardened mandrel, which is a precisely shaped steel rod, is inserted into the bore. The hammers relentlessly shape the barrel around this mandrel, forming the rifling (lands and grooves) and the chamber in a single, continuous process.

Key Benefits of Cold Hammer Forging:

• Exceptional Accuracy: The immense pressure of the forging process densifies the steel, creating an incredibly uniform and smooth bore. This consistency minimizes variations in bullet travel, leading to superior accuracy.
• Unmatched Durability and Longevity: By work-hardening the steel, CHF barrels exhibit significantly increased material strength and resistance to wear. This means your barrel will maintain its precision for a far greater number of rounds compared to barrels manufactured using traditional cut or button rifling methods. It’s designed to endure rigorous use, providing a longer service life under demanding conditions.
• Defect-Free Bore: The forging process effectively eliminates microscopic imperfections and stresses within the steel, resulting in a remarkably smooth and defect-free bore. This reduces fouling and makes cleaning easier.
• Consistent Chamber: The mandrel precisely forms the chamber along with the rifling, ensuring a highly consistent and concentric chamber. This perfect alignment is critical for reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent projectile launch.
• Enhanced Heat Dissipation: The densified and uniform molecular structure of the CHF barrel material often allows for more efficient heat dissipation, which can help maintain accuracy during sustained firing.

If you’re wondering, "What makes a rifle barrel truly high-performance?", the answer often starts with Cold Hammer Forging. It’s a testament to engineering excellence, delivering a barrel that performs reliably under pressure, whether you’re on the range, in a competition, or in the field.

Why Choose a 16-Inch Carbine Barrel?

The 16-inch barrel length is widely considered the optimal choice for an AR-15 for several compelling reasons, particularly for a carbine gas system. It strikes an ideal balance between maneuverability, velocity, and compliance with National Firearms Act (NFA) regulations, as it meets the minimum legal barrel length without requiring a special tax stamp.

• Versatility: A 16-inch barrel is incredibly versatile, suitable for a broad spectrum of applications including recreational shooting, home defense, competitive shooting (3-Gun, USPSA), and general utility.
• Maneuverability: It offers a good compromise between a shorter SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) and a longer full-length rifle. This length is highly maneuverable in close quarters, while still providing ample velocity for engagements at moderate distances.
• Ballistics: While shorter barrels sacrifice significant muzzle velocity, the 16-inch length allows the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge to achieve sufficient velocity for reliable fragmentation and ballistic performance out to practical AR-15 ranges, typically 300-500 yards, depending on ammunition type and shooter skill.
• Reliability with Carbine Gas System: When paired with a carbine-length gas system, as this Daniel Defense barrel is, the system is designed to provide reliable cycling across various ammunition types while maintaining a compact form factor.

For those building their first AR-15 or looking for a do-it-all rifle, the 16-inch barrel is frequently recommended. It’s the sweet spot for many AR-15 enthusiasts.

Understanding Key Specifications: What You Need to Know

The Daniel Defense 16” 5.56mm Stripped Barrel comes with a host of specifications that underscore its quality and performance capabilities. Understanding these details will help you appreciate the engineering behind this crucial component.

• Chambering: 5.56x45mm NATO: This barrel is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO, which means it can safely and reliably fire both 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition. This dual compatibility offers excellent versatility in ammunition choice. For optimum performance and safety, always verify your ammunition type.
• Material: Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) Steel: Daniel Defense barrels are crafted from high-quality Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) steel. This alloy is specifically chosen for its exceptional strength, heat resistance, and ability to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures of firing. It's a robust material that contributes significantly to the barrel's longevity and consistency.
• Finish: Matte Phosphate: The exterior of the barrel features a durable matte phosphate finish. This finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, reduces glare, and offers a non-reflective surface, ideal for tactical and hunting applications.
• Length: 16 Inches: As discussed, the 16-inch length is a highly versatile and popular choice, offering a balanced blend of ballistic performance and maneuverability.
• Weight: Approximately 1.75 Pounds: This weight is typical for a 16-inch carbine profile barrel, contributing to a balanced rifle that is neither overly front-heavy nor too light to manage recoil effectively.
• Twist Rate: 1:7: The 1:7 (one turn in seven inches) twist rate is a critical specification. This faster twist rate is optimized to stabilize a wide range of projectile weights, particularly the heavier 62-grain (M855) and 77-grain (Mk262) 5.56mm NATO rounds, which are common for military and precision applications. It also performs excellently with the widely available 55-grain rounds. If you're asking "What twist rate do I need for my AR-15?", a 1:7 twist is an outstanding all-around choice.
• Muzzle Threading: 1/2"-28: The muzzle is threaded with the standard 1/2"-28 pitch, making it compatible with the vast majority of AR-15 muzzle devices, including flash hiders, compensators, and suppressors.
• Chrome Lined Bore and Chamber: This is a crucial feature for any serious AR-15 barrel. The chrome lining provides an exceptionally hard, corrosion-resistant surface inside the bore and chamber.
  • Enhanced Durability: Chrome is much harder than steel, significantly increasing the barrel's resistance to wear from hot gases and bullet friction. This extends the barrel's lifespan, especially under sustained or rapid firing.
  • Corrosion Resistance: It protects against rust and pitting from moisture, powder residue, and environmental factors, which is vital for long-term reliability and accuracy.
  • Easier Cleaning: The smooth, hard chrome surface reduces fouling buildup, making the barrel significantly easier to clean after shooting.
  • Reliability: In military and law enforcement applications, chrome lining is considered essential for ensuring reliable function in adverse conditions.
• Gas Block Journal: 0.75 Inches: This is the standard diameter for the gas block journal, ensuring compatibility with most common AR-15 gas blocks.
• Gas System Length: Carbine: The carbine gas system length, paired with the 16-inch barrel, is a proven and reliable configuration for the AR-15 platform. It ensures proper gas pressure for cycling the action while maintaining a relatively compact profile.

Building Your Dream AR-15: Where This Barrel Fits In

For individuals embarking on an AR-15 build or seeking a significant upgrade, the barrel is often the first component to consider. The Daniel Defense 16” 5.56mm Stripped Barrel offers a solid foundation for a high-performance rifle.

Ideal for:

• Custom AR-15 Builders: If you’re assembling a rifle from scratch and demand top-tier components, this barrel should be at the top of your list. It's a "stripped" barrel, meaning it does not include a front sight base, barrel nut, or gas tube, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred components.
• Performance Upgrades: Replace an existing, less accurate, or worn-out barrel with this Daniel Defense masterpiece to instantly elevate your rifle’s capabilities in terms of accuracy and longevity.
• Reliable Home Defense Builds: The durability and consistent performance of a Daniel Defense CHF barrel make it an excellent choice for a rifle intended for critical defensive applications.
• Competitive Shooting: For disciplines where consistent accuracy and reliability are paramount, such as 3-Gun or tactical rifle matches, this barrel provides the edge needed to perform under pressure.

When considering "What are the best components for an AR-15 build?", a high-quality barrel from a reputable manufacturer like Daniel Defense is consistently cited as foundational. This barrel is ready to be integrated into your next project, promising a significant return on investment in terms of performance.

Maintenance and Care for Your Daniel Defense Barrel

To ensure the longevity and sustained accuracy of your Daniel Defense 16" 5.56mm Carbine Barrel, proper maintenance is key. The chrome lining already makes cleaning easier, but a consistent routine will keep it in peak condition.

• Regular Cleaning: After each range session, especially after firing corrosive ammunition (though rare with modern 5.56mm), clean the bore and chamber. Use a quality bore cleaner, brushes, and patches.
• Copper Fouling Removal: Periodically use a dedicated copper solvent to remove copper buildup from the rifling. Excessive copper can negatively impact accuracy over time.
• Lubrication: While the bore itself doesn't need lubrication, ensure other parts of your rifle's gas system and bolt carrier group are properly oiled.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the bore for any signs of wear, pitting, or damage. Though rare with CHF and chrome-lined barrels, early detection of issues is always beneficial.
• Proper Break-In: While opinions vary, a gentle break-in procedure (e.g., cleaning after every few shots for the first 20-50 rounds) can help season the bore and potentially enhance long-term accuracy, though many modern CHF barrels require minimal break-in.

By adhering to these simple care guidelines, you can expect your Daniel Defense barrel to provide years of reliable, accurate service.

Where to Acquire Your Daniel Defense Barrel

For those seeking to purchase the Daniel Defense 16” 5.56mm Stripped Barrel (UPC: 815604011693), it is available through reputable firearms retailers. You can find this exceptional barrel and other Daniel Defense products at DEGuns.com. DEGuns is committed to providing high-quality firearms components, ensuring you receive genuine Daniel Defense products backed by reliable service. Choosing a trusted retailer ensures you are getting an authentic barrel that meets Daniel Defense’s stringent quality control standards.

Invest in the heart of your next high-performance AR-15 build with a barrel designed for excellence.

Technical Specifications: Daniel Defense 16” 5.56mm Stripped Barrel

Feature	Specification
Manufacturer	Daniel Defense
Model	16” 5.56mm Stripped
Chambering	5.56x45mm NATO
Barrel Material	Chrome Moly Steel
Barrel Finish	Matte Phosphate
Length	16 Inches
Weight	1.75 Pounds
Twist Rate	1:7
Muzzle Threading	1/2"-28
Bore & Chamber	Chrome Lined
Gas Block Journal	0.75 Inches
Gas System Length	Carbine
UPC	815604011693
SKU	07-075-21074