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 […]

Shawn Risdon Wins South Carolina F-T/R Midrange Championship & Sets Club Record With Criterion Pre-Fit Barrel

Just because a shooter is new to a rifle discipline doesn’t mean they can’t outperform some of the more experienced competitors on the firing line. Shawn Risdon demonstrated this in his recent F-T/R performance using a Criterion Pre-Fit Barrel at the Palmetto Gun Club in Ridgeville, SC. With a mere 13 months of F-Class competition […]

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 […]

Mark Stout Sr. Joins Son as National Record Holder Using Criterion M1 Carbine Barrel

We’ve all heard the phrase “Like father, like son”. This commentary certainly rings true when it comes to national M1 Carbine records. In 2015 Mark Stout II set a junior national record for the M1 Carbine at the Camp Perry National Matches using a Fulton Armory-built carbine featuring a chrome lined Criterion barrel. Victor Betzold […]

Criterion Barrels Inc. & Generation III Gun Launch “Barrels For Juniors” Fundraiser

Criterion Barrels Inc. has partnered with Generation III Gun to help support the expansion of youth participation in the sport of 3-Gun. The vehicle for this sponsorship is the “Barrels for Juniors” program, a donation effort dedicated to maximizing exposure of the Generation III Gun organization at 3-Gun venues across the country. Generation III Gun […]

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 […]

Criterion Barrels Inc. Releases Two New Hybrid Contour AR Barrel Models

When it comes to AR pattern rifles, the Hybrid contour design strikes an ideal balance between barrel stiffness and comfortable carry weight. Criterion Barrels has expanded this product line to include models popular with shooters in various rifle disciplines, including personal defense, 3-Gun, and the PRS Gas Gun Series. The most recent additions incorporate two […]