Argentine or Imbel barrel which is better ?

[spssw]

Are threads on muzzle on both, left hand ? Got a S.A. parts kit with pretty bad barrel.

[Shootability]

I have both and my Imbel is more accurate, but that is likely luck of the draw.

[spssw]

Thanks gent for your responces. Could you explain a bit more--Just make sure the Argy has the short closed-ear gas block for your SA kit.

thanks

[spssw]

Thanks gents. this has helped.

[shootist87122]

I have one new Imbel Para barrel and a couple of used (from when FWRA had the 21" Argy Paras) in service, plus I installed an Argy on a friends StG. I give a slight accuracy edge to the Argy based on this limited experience. (All are closed ear.)

Either should do you very well, but barrels are always a crap shoot.

[mojo_matic]

I believe that S.A. produced barrels did not have bi-pod cut barrels.

If your after authenticity, you might keep an eye out for an Imble or SA barrel without bi-pod cut, or even post a want add in Marketplace. If you don't mind the bi-pod cut, just pick yourself up a Steyer barrel from DSA...best bang for the buck without the hunt.

The new Imbel barrel as well as the newer Argy (chrome, closed ear) are bi-pod cut. I feel that the Steyer barrels in VG are superior to a new Imbel. Chrome lining isn't a selling factor for me...I clean my rifles everytime I return from the range.

Don't believe that make is going to make an overly noticable difference if bolt and carrier are worn as well. Just try and seek a solid barrel with sharp grooves and lands...and a tight muzzle.

[Reverend1911]

I bought a kit from a board member with a pitted barrel. Trying to keep costs down, I wanted a new barrel that did not cost $200 or more. The cheapest I found were at Gunthings. They had IMBEL 21" barrels, and I think they were listed at $139. Unfortunately they were/are outof stock. Brad (who is a great guy to deal with) suggested the Argie. It was only $110. It is open eared, but I have the fornt sight/sight block from my SA kit. It has the standard left hand threads. It is beautifully machined and finished, and hand timed to the perfect spot on my DC receiver. The bore is VERY nice looking. I will headspace and test fire next weekend, hopefully, and give you a report on accuracy. Anyway, here's a link: http://www.gunthings.com/ . It's the cheapest quality barrel I've found yet.

[fixit]

When it comes to artillery, the Argentine howitzers are the world standard. That came to light in the first Iraq war. Better range and accuracy than anything we had. Undoubtably, much of this has to do with the barrel manufacturing process; materials, design, and QC. This is probably reflected in other ordinance products too. I had two Argentine FN FALs, the quality in fit and finish appeared to me to be slightly less than Imbel's. However, the other quality issues not readily visable to eye, like barrel quality, has a reputation for being as good or better than Imbel's based on what I've heard. If your looking for accuracy, I'd opt for a very good STG. They're out there.

[moses]

From my experiences I have found the argie barrels to be the least accurate of all FAL barrels and the Steyer stg, FN/belgian, Imbel, SA in that order to best to less.

The argies look great but I have never been able to get better than 4 moa out of them and usually 6 to 8 moa
Where the STG's and FN made barrels can shoot moa a lot of times.

[J. Armstrong]

I have built and/or owned 4 Argies and 2 Imbels. All were either new or exc. I'm not an accuracy fanatic, so I didn't go for the ultimate in group size, but all the barrels performed up to my own abilities, about 2 to 3 moa. The Argies seemed a mite better for me, but that's not a scientific study either. Besides, there are a lot of other factors besides the barrel. If you do as Mojo suggests, you should easily expect very good service level accuract after all thgese are battle rifles , not sniper or bench rest guns ! You will be satisfied with either provided they start out in good shape.