When Ballistic Advantage sent me their 14.5 inch mid-length Tactical Government profile barrel in 5.45x39mm, I thought I’d found the perfect AR-15 carbine barrel for cheap ammo usage. I was wrong. Though that barrel was shorter than 16 inch, it was the same weight as a government profile, 28 ounces. Yes, it had better handling. Yes, I fell in love with it almost immediately.
I’m a monogamous guy when it comes to women, but when it comes to firearms… I’m a promiscuous, dirty tramp. When a new gun (or barrel) comes along, I get all flirty, put my regular gear in the closet go out for a fling at the range. I make no excuses, for I have none. When an ultra-slim, lightweight, shorter-than-legal (don’t read too much into that) barrel comes to my doorstep, how can I be expected to control myself?
Shashka Mk II
And the Ballistic Advantage barrel is lightweight, weighing in at only 21 ounces! It’s 14.5 inches in length, which requires a perm attached muzzle brake, but that’s fine. I may be a gearwhore, but I have no problem giving that level of commitment to a sexy new barrel. Unfortunately, my previous Shashka barrel went by the wayside, sold off to another range bum, who is currently using and abusing her with reckless abandon.
From top to bottom: BA lightweight 14.5″ barrel, BA Tactical Gov 14.5″ barrel, Lothar Walther government profile 16″
The new lightweight barrel (along with a low-profile micro gas block) soon graced my Shashka carbine and I headed out to the range. You notice the 7 ounces of weight saved by the lightweight barrel immediately upon picking up the carbine. Almost a half pound of weight, gone. The maneuverability, ease of handling, and balance are improved tremendously.
Like the other Ballistic Advantage barrels I’ve reviewed, this one is chambered for the 7N6 Russian surplus imported into the United States by companies such as US Armory Corps. The barrel is made from 4150 CMV, a heartier steel than the more commonly-used 4140. The melonite finish is standard for Ballistic Advantage and should be the standard for all steel components, in my humble opinion.
I’ve documented the impressive accuracy of heavier-profiled Ballistic Advantage barrels in an article on a different site. The lightweight 14.5 inch middy is not quite as accurate. It holds steady at 4 to 4.5 MOA, which is pretty standard for a service carbine using surplus ammo. It’s not a tack driver, but then again, it’s not designed to be.
No, this barrel is designed for a lightweight carbine. It’s designed for rough and ready use, and in this category, it excels. It’s a general purpose carbine which fills multiple roles well. The balance is superb. With this barrel installed, even a wimpy guy like me can finally follow the Carbine Commandment; “Though shalt be able to shoot thine carbine one-handed.”
Do I foresee ever having to fire the carbine one-handed while either wounded or dragging a wounded comrade to cover? No, but it can’t hurt to have the ability to do so.
Let’s talk about the few disadvantages of a lightweight barrel. Due to basic physics, the lighweight barrel is weaker than a government profile or heavier barrel. Is that really such a big deal? Consider thatn in Vietnam, GIs used rifles with lightweight profile barrels. These barrels were only replaced by the current Government Profile barrel in the 1980s. So how can you avoid bending your lightweight barrel? Well, don’t use it as an improvised crowbar. Since a 14.5 inch middy won’t let you mount a bayonet, there’s little danger you’ll try to use your bayonet as a pry bar anyway.
Disadvantage #2 – Heat. A lightweight barrel will heat up faster than a heavier barrel. It will also cool off faster than a heavier barrel. Period. If you want pinpoint accuracy, a lightweight barrel isn’t for you. Of course, the 5.45x39mm probably isn’t for you either. Remember that the reduced accuracy will only be noticeable after sustained fire.
Practical translation: you’ve got to be rapping off rounds pretty damn fast to heat the barrel up that much. If you’re at the range, shooting groups (as opposed to mag dumps), then you’re not going to notice a difference. If you’re blazing through dozens of rounds, you’re probably not getting stellar accuracy anyway and the minimal point of impact shift isn’t going to be something you need worry about.
Additional Improvements
Paint is another aspect to the improved Shashka. It’s a basic Krylon DIY job that breaks up the lines of the rifle and masks the black.
Of course, the Shashka could be a bit lighter if I used a standard buffer tube instead of the Vltor A5 system. Would I ever do so? Absolutely not. The Vltor A5 system is by far the smoothest, most adaptable buffer system I’ve use to date. The feel is akin to a rifle buffer that happens to have an adjustable-length stock. Whether on a 14.5, 16, or 20 inch barrel, the system runs wonderfully. Different ammo, different gas tube lengths? No problem. I’d like to thank Mike Pannone of CTT Solutions for recommending both the Vltor A5 system and Ballistic Advantage barrels.
Conclusion – Go Slim!
The bottom line is this: Ballistic Advantage is the ONLY manufacturer that makes lightweight AR-15 barrels for the 5.45x39mm cartridge. The advantages of this profile are immediately evident. You have to feel it to believe it. If you want a lightweight AR in this caliber, check out their webpage. Their customer service is top-notch and the quality of their work is incredible.
-By Allen Cosby
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