Category Archives: Technical Articles

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” This statement holds true more today than ever before. Feel free to review the below technical articles designed to help dial in your Criterion rifle build.

How to setup your AR-15 with and without a suppressor

This video explores one way to set up an AR-15 for accurate and reliable function when using your rifle with and without a suppressor.  The addition of a suppressor increases gas flow and back pressure which changes the timing in the AR-15’s 8-step cycle of operation.  Here are a few tips we have learned to help maximize […]

What Kind of Practical Accuracy Can You Expect From A Criterion Pre-Fit Barrel? Handloading Makes a Difference!

When it comes to precision rifle accuracy, ammunition quality can make a significant difference. While modern factory ammunition can offer remarkable performance when paired with Criterion barrels, most precision rifles will not perform to their true potential without developing a handload recipe tailored to the individual barrel. While one barrel may prefer one particular load, a barrel […]

Chrome Lining vs. Salt Bath Nitriding: Which Barrel Finish Is Better?

One of the most frequently asked questions by shooters pertains to the difference between our barrels with chrome lining and salt bath nitriding. Customers looking for a durable, reliable, and accurate barrel configuration are presented with both of these options and want to make an educated decision that will suit their individual build requirements. While […]

What is Headspace and Why Should it be Checked?

Few tolerances found on a firearm are of more importance than headspace. Not only is headspace essential to rifle accuracy, but it is a major safety factor to consider when assembling a firearm. Improper headspace can cause case head separation, unsafe chamber pressure levels, or failure to function. What is headspace? Headspace is the distance […]

What Sort of Barrel Life Can I Expect From A Criterion Barrel?

Discerning rifle builders frequently want to know what kind of barrel life they can expect when purchasing a new Criterion barrel. We try to provide them with a detailed answer so that they can make the most educated selection to serve their intended needs and requirements. When exploring barrel life, it is important to ask […]

The Dirty Barrel Trend or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Cleaning Rod

Is barrel cleaning good or bad for accuracy? “I don’t clean my barrel until group sizes start opening up.” This line is becoming more and more prevalent in the precision rifle community. Theories fly about the internet on why shooters don’t clean their barrels. Common arguments include the importance of eliminating the need for fouling […]

What Kind of Accuracy Can You Expect From Your Criterion AR-15 Barrel? Ammunition Quality Makes a Difference!

“What kind of accuracy can I expect from my Criterion AR-15 barrel?” It’s a fairly easy question to ask, but formulating an educated response can prove to be a very arduous task. While many barrel manufacturers will offer a 1 MOA guarantee with their products, very few explain what this 1 MOA group entails. Is […]

Criterion Barrels Releases “Accurizing AR-15” Video Series

Building a box stock AR-15 is a fairly simple process. Building a high performance AR-15 can prove to be a bit trickier. If your AR-15 isn’t producing groups that meet your expectations, there are a number of assembly methods that can aid in fine tuning the accuracy potential of your AR build. Josh and Mike […]

Building Your Perfect 3-Gun Rifle: Part 4

(Madalyn Stewart’s 3-Gun Rifle) Part 4: Lower Receiver Component Selection While upper receiver components are essential to rifle performance and accuracy, lower parts also play a vital role in ensuring consistent function and precise manipulation of the AR-15 platform. Trigger interface, control configuration, furniture design, and buffer construction can all vary significantly based on individual […]