Premium Anderson Manufacturing 16" AR-15 Barrel - 5.56 NATO, Carbine Gas System, 1:8 Twist, M4 Contour

An Anderson Manufacturing 16" AR-15 barrel built for shooters who want solid performance without the premium price tag. This carbine-length barrel comes chambered in 5.56 NATO, handles both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition, and sports a 1:8 twist rate suited for a broad range of projectile weights. The M4 contour profile balances weight and handling with practical rigidity, while M4 feed ramps ensure reliable chambering across quality ammunition. A parkerized finish protects against corrosion and gives the barrel that working-gun aesthetic.

Whether you're building a home-defense rifle, a budget-conscious range gun, or a truck carbine, this barrel delivers the essentials. The carbine gas system keeps the operating system responsive and reliable, making it a natural fit for mid-length builds. At 16 inches, you get a compact overall length without sacrificing velocity or sight radius—good for tight spaces and fast handling.

Anderson Manufacturing barrels are a staple in the AR community precisely because they perform at a fair price. This one is no exception: machine-cut from quality steel, parkerized for durability, and ready to drop into a properly dimensioned upper receiver.

Key Features

• 16-inch barrel length for compact handling and sight radius
• Carbine gas system for responsive cycling and proven reliability
• 1:8 twist rate handles a wide range of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads
• M4 contour profile balances weight, rigidity, and practical ergonomics
• M4 feed ramps for reliable chambering
• Parkerized finish resists corrosion

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition does this barrel shoot?

This barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO and will safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition. The 1:8 twist rate stabilizes a broad range of projectile weights within those calibers.

Will this barrel work with my AR-15 upper receiver?

Yes, provided your upper receiver is properly dimensioned and compatible with a standard barrel extension and carbine-length gas tube. This barrel is a direct-fit replacement for any AR-15 upper that accepts a 5.56 NATO barrel.

What's the difference between the M4 contour and other barrel profiles?

The M4 profile is a mid-weight design with a slightly thicker profile at the gas block and a gentle taper toward the muzzle. It strikes a balance between rigidity for accuracy, handling weight, and compatibility with standard M4-pattern handguards and accessories.

Is this barrel complete and ready to install?

This is a barrel blank; you'll need a properly dimensioned upper receiver and a compatible bolt carrier group and charging handle. A barrel extension, gas tube, and front sight assembly (or rail mounted optics) may also be required depending on your build.