Over the last few years Criterion Barrels has been laboring to constantly develop and improve upon new barrel models. The expansion of our inventory selection has allowed us to better accommodate manufacturers, retailers, and individual rifle builders. 2015 has proved to be no exception. We have a number of new barrel options that have been added to our existing product line, and a few that will be completing production within the next couple of months. We have broken down some of our product development projects into three primary subcategories based upon their overall level of completion.

Finished Products

.308 AR

The production of a wide array of .308 AR stock models is currently underway, with a limited selection of barrels already in inventory. Chambered in .308 M118 LR, these barrels have provided consistent sub-MOA performance on a number of DPMS pattern rifles. Criterion industry partners Citizen Arms and American Defense Mfg. have already added CBI .308 AR barrels to their production rifles. We selected the M118 LR chamber option due to its slightly longer throat, allowing our barrels to feature enhanced performance with both standard and heavier loads. Select models have already been added to inventory, while others are expected for release later this spring. Pre-orders for the barrels listed below can now be accepted:

Model Number Length Gas System Chamber Twist Finish STAINLESS STEEL 1016S-HYM 16″ Mid-Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Stainless 1016S-HYM-N 16″ Mid-Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Nitride 1016S-HYR 16″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Stainless 1018S-HYM 18″ Mid-Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Stainless 1018S-HYM-N 18″ Mid-Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Nitride 10185-HYR 18″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Stainless 10185-HYR-N 18″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Nitride 1020S-HYR 20″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-11 Stainless 1020S-HYR-N 20″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-11 Nitride 1022S-HYR 22″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-11 Stainless 1022S-HYR-N 22″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-11 Nitride CHROME MOLY/CHROME LINED 10160-HYM 16″ Mid-Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Parkerized 10180-HYR 18″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Parkerized 10180-HYM 18″ Mid-Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Parkerized 10200-HYR 20″ Rifle Length .308 M118 LR 1-10 Parkerized

AR-15

Criterion has developed a stellar reputation as one of the industry’s premier chrome lined barrel manufacturers with our stock model AR-15 barrels. CBI is proud to announce the addition of four new stainless steel barrel models to our stock model inventory. Plans are in the works to add stainless barrels with a nitride finish in 2016. A full list of our new stainless steel AR-15 barrel models can be found in the below chart:

Model Number Length Gas System Chamber Twist Finish 1516S-HB8 16″ Mid-Length .223 Wylde 1-8 Stainless 1518S-HY12 18″ Rifle Length .223 Wylde 1-8 Stainless 1250S-HB12 20″ Rifle Length .223 Wylde 1-8 Stainless 1524S-BL12 24″ Rifle Length .223 Wylde 1-8 Stainless

Expanded Finish Options

In an effort to offer a more comprehensive service to our OEM clients, Criterion has taken steps to add a number of innovative features to our production processes. CBI has opened new relationships with multiple custom finish providers to better accommodate clients seeking to expand beyond our pre-existing finish selection. Test results with barrel nitriding have proved promising, and plans are in the works to further expand our product selection to incorporate this new finish option.

In Production

Lee Enfield

Many of you have been patiently waiting for the release of our Lee Enfield No.4 replacement barrel. We have worked to overcome a number of complications that arose from tooling requirements and receiver tolerance variation to assemble a barrel that will function with the vast majority of all pre-existing rifles. Our installation and accuracy testing has almost reached completion, and we expect to begin work on the existing blanks shortly.

The finished No.4 barrels will be available in two different configurations. The first will be a standard barrel with material added to the shoulder. A gunsmith will need to use a lathe to adjust the timing to accommodate variance between receivers.

A second model will be available through select distributors for gunsmiths who prefer to install the barrels without requiring a lathe. The shoulder will be set back on these models, and will include a set of breeching washers to compensate for variation found between rifles.

For those seeking a barrel for the SMLE No.1, we are currently in the process of developing a print for that barrel configuration. The No.1 will be able to utilize the same blanks as the No.4, allowing us to begin production shortly after the release of the initial No.4 barrel batch.

6.5 Creedmoor AR Barrels

While we have produced make-to-order 6.5 Creedmoor barrels in the past, CBI is currently in the process of adding a few stock model options to complement our updated .308 AR product selection. Two variants are currently in production, including 18” and 22” Hybrid contour models.

Custom Fluting Options

While CBI has been able to offer fluting services in the past, new tooling has been purchased to offer custom designs and patterns based on OEM client requirements. These various design configurations provide CBI clients with the ability to produce barrels featuring a unique visual appearance that serves to set their rifles apart from those of other competitors.