Buffalo, Minnesota-based Luth-AR has announced the addition of the 1:8.5 Twist Barrel to its lineup of Fractional Barrels. This category breaks from the norm to make barrels with whole-number twist rates versus fractional twist rates. For the AR market, barrels have been primarily offered with 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:12 twist rates.
For nearly 60 years there hasn’t been much change, and as the company explained in a blog post on its website, “The AR market typically expects that the heavier bullets such as 75, 77, 80-grain bullets shoot more accurately in a 1:7 or 1:8 twist barrel. Conversely, the 1:9 twist has been considered the standard for the recreational shooting of the 55, 60, 62, 68, and 69-grain bullets.”
The post went on to explain the versatility of the 1:8.5 Twist, suggesting it strikes a balance between stability and versatility,” and that a 1:8.5 Fractional Twist AR Barrel could offer a more inclusive accuracy bandwidth for 55 to 77-grain bullets.
“The 1:8.5 twist rate strikes a balance between stability and versatility. Unlike barrels with slower twist rates that excel with lighter projectiles or faster twists ideal for heavier bullets, the 1:8.5 twist offers a sweet spot that accommodates a wide range of bullet weights,” the post added. “This versatility makes it a favorite among precision shooters who require adaptability in various shooting scenarios, whether it’s target shooting, hunting, or long-range competitions, or even the lack of ammo availability.”
Luth-AR further noted that other fractional twist barrels have been made from a custom standpoint but not from a production cycle at affordable prices. The new line of 1:8.5 Twist AR Barrels is meant to address that fact with three offerings including a 20-inch Heavy Barrel button broached in 416 SST; a 20-inch Fluted Threaded Bull Barrel, button broached in 416 SST; and a 20-inch Non-Fluted Threaded Bull Barrel, button broached in 416 SST.
Each has a 1/2×28 thread pitch, with a .936 gas block diameter, six lands and grooves, and an M4 feed ramp. The three barrels are available now for $244.95 MSRP for the 20-inch Fluted Bull Barrel, while the 20-inch Bull Barrel and Heavy Barrel Threaded versions each have an MSRP of $229.95.
