Our CORE Series barrels are designed with tactical shooters in mind. These barrels are built to address issues with weight distribution, balance, and handling of traditional profiles, while increasing performance through consistent harmonics and uniform heat dissipation.
The CORE Series feature a modern, continuous taper profile that eliminates steps and harsh variations in diameter. The steel is redistributed where it is needed most: surrounding the chamber. Added weight over the chamber absorbs heat evenly during hard use and moves the balance of the rifle closer to the body for increased control. This is optimal for maintaining balance when used with modern accessories like Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO’s), weapon-mounted lights, suppressors, clip-on night vision devices, and IR lasers; these components boost the capabilities of the rifle, but can hinder the shooter’s performance by increasing front-end weight. The front end of the CORE Series remains light and fast for better handling, balance, and speed.
The CORE Series helps you handle real-world applications by maintaining exceptional performance and rugged reliability during hard use. These barrels work for you wherever mobility is a priority and performance is essential.
FEATURES:
- Chrome-lined for superior barrel life and corrosion resistance. Our chrome-lining process is the most refined in the industry and will not degrade accuracy.
- .223 Wylde chamber that is designed to safely and reliably fire both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition while increasing accuracy due to more consistent chamber pressures.
- Honed and hand-lapped rifling produce perfect bore uniformity and a pristine internal finish – aids in barrel cleaning and is paramount for accuracy
- Finely polished chambers for reliable extraction and feeding
- Rifle gas system compatible with AR15 rifle length gas tubes
- Gas port tuned for proper function with and without suppressor
- 0.625” Gas Block journal, dimpled for ease of installation and solid lock-up
- 1/2×28 TPI muzzle threads compatible with a wide range of muzzle devices and suppressors
- Precision-machined barrel extension with M4 feed ramps
ilikedirtx22 (verified owner) –
Of course I am giving a 5 star rating. I heard about Criterion on Reddit. Everyone recommended Criterion on every barrel recommendation post so I gave them a try. First one was a 20” HYBRID for an SPR build. Good lord, the accuracy is ridiculous. I thought I was a terrible marksman prior to owning the hybrid. I could only get like 2 MOA on my best day with BCM ELW barrels and FN double chrome lined barrels. Installed the 20” HYBRID into a BCM Blem thermal fit upper receiver. Put on the BCM blem gas block along with a BCM Blem QRF FDE 12.65” rail, SOLGW BCG and a Viper PST 3-15×44 Gen 2 optic and my upper was complete. Took it out to the desert and I was so damn surprised at the accuracy. Didn’t even shoot match ammo, it was around 1 MOA with WINCHESTER LAKE CITY M193 !! That ammo isn’t exactly known for its accuracy. In fact it’s very inaccurate ammo but it is very reliable and one of the only full power M193 loadings on the market. From then on, I was hooked on Criterion. Ordered two 20” COREs. Waited like 8 months for them to come back in stock so you can imagine how ecstatic I was when they arrived. Same setup for each, BCM Blem thermal fit upper receivers, BCM blem gas blocks, BCM MCMR rails and SOLGW BCGs. One of the uppers has an Aimpoint T2, the other has a Viper PST 1-6 Gen 2. The COREs also have ridiculous accuracy. These two uppers are some of my favorites. Everyone recommends this brand for a reason. If you are on the fence about spending $330 on a barrel or whether the upgrade is worth it, just do it. You’ll have the most accurate chrome lined combat grade barrel on the market. Cheers,
-A life long criterion fanatic
jeepman73 (verified owner) –
I purchase a 18” Core barrel, I have to say the accuracy I’m getting is exceptional. I’m getting sub 1/2” MOA out of IMI Razor core 77gr ammo. I’m also running a A5 H2 buffer with a Springco Green spring and ejects at 4:00 unsuppressed and about 3:00 suppressed with no gas issues using an non adjustable G/B. I’ve already swapped out my 12.3” for a Core 12.5 and waiting on my 16” Core for my RECCE Build. Top notch products with exceptional quality control and customer service. Can’t go wrong with the Criterion Core barrels.