The SOCOM barrel is an approved SOPMOD barrel, mostly seen in the US Military SOPMOD M4A1 carbine. This barrel features dimples for the low profile front sight post, and was made to fill a military requirement in 2023. The non-sight post variety earlier in time became the M4A1 Block 2 rifles using the Daniel Defense RIS-II rail. Other Block 2 rifles with the flat top Daniel Defense RIS-II M4A1 rail used either a SOCOM barrel or an M4 Government profile barrel, both with the front sight posts removed and a Mk12 gas block from NAVSEA installed.
A SOCOM barrel - integrated into the design of the M4A1 rifle - is a remarkable piece of firearm technology with roots deep in US military history. A standard issue for the M4A1 Block 2 rifle in the US military, particularly among infantry and combat arms personnel, the SOCOM barrel has proven its merits in fields of operation across the globe.
The design of the SOCOM barrel is shaped by purposeful intention towards functionality and utility. It typically measures 14.5" in length and sports a medium contour, distinguishing it from an HBAR or Heavy Barrel. The barrel harbors a 5.56mm NATO chamber and rotates with a 1:7" twist - specifications that contribute to its unique ballistic characteristics.
Colt and FN provided the bulk of the 14-1/2" SOCOM M4A1 barrels. This rifle was made by KAK Industries and bears their CAGE Code. While a little unusual for a 2023 military requirement, this barrel is made to very specific design criteria, and marks the first time in DOD history that a barrel was requested with dimples for a low-profile gas block.
Bottom line: You will not notice a difference in appearance or performance between this barrel and a Colt barrel. At 14.5" and chrome lined, neither barrel is sniper accurate, but does a darn good job at accuracy under 300 yards, and the chrome lining and thick barrel helps resist corrosion, barrel harmonics and overheating with rapid fire.
One of the pivotal aspects of the SOCOM barrel's design is its robust thickness. This feature stems from the observation that the highest heat build-up in firearms occurs just behind the gas block journal. Thus, the enhanced thickness of the SOCOM barrel not only effectively absorbs this heat but significantly improves the weapon's durability and reliability during continuous firing.
In the realm of military replica or clone rifles, choosing a SOCOM 14.5" barrel is akin to choosing a piece of functional history. Enthusiasts and collectors alike may gravitate towards the SOCOM barrel due to its military pedigree, knowing that it is a design born of practical experience and combat-proven reliability.
The SOCOM barrel is basic to the building of many military rifles and clone builds. It has a tested military history. Its balance between robust build, heat resilience, and firing precision make it an attractive choice for enthusiasts invested in military replica or clone rifles.
Manufacturer's Part Number: MO-121-0212-002
Note: Charlie's also provides pin and weld services for barrels. If you are going to use the provided mil-spec barrel nut, you can add the pin and weld service here, and then purchase the muzzle device you want pin and welded and put the barrel, the pin and weld service, and the muzzle device in your cart. The pin and weld is done to your specification, and the order is considered a special order, subject to a 25% cancellation and/or restocking fee, as we are making this for you. In the event that you will be assembling this barrel with a rail which requires a non-spec barrel nut, contact our sales team for instructions on how to handle that, as the barrel nut must be installed prior to the affixing of the muzzle device.
Mil-Spec
