Proof Research's Carbon Fiber Barrel manufacturing process begins with full-profile, match-grade 416R stainless steel barrel blanks that are then turned down to a significantly reduced profile greatly reducing weight. This reduced contour barrel is then wrapped with high-strength, aerospace-grade carbon fiber impregnated with a proprietary matrix resin developed by Proof’s advanced composites division, PROOF Research ACD.

The aerospace-grade carbon fiber used has a specific strength up to 30 times that of stainless steel and a specific stiffness up to 7 times greater than steel. But strength and stiffness are only part of the equation. Heat conductivity and thermal expansion are also of paramount importance when developing a match-grade carbon fiber barrel. Proof’s helical wrapping pattern favors the longitudinal thermal diffusivity of the carbon fibers (along the length of the barrel) allowing them to more efficiently dissipate heat emanating from the barrel rather than insulating it.

Because Proof’s rifle barrels are engineered for thermal performance, they also move heat very effectively through the wall (thickness) of the barrel, greatly increasing heat transport and resulting in barrels that cool faster and maintain accuracy over longer sessions of fire.

The end result is an aerospace-grade, high-fiber content composite barrel that is stronger, lighter, as accurate as the finest precision steel barrel, and maintains its accuracy in the most demanding environments.

Proof’s Caliber Matched Gas System (CAMGAS) barrels eliminate the issues traditionally associated with building 6.5mm and .260 rifles on 308AR/AR-10 platforms. Until now, AR-variant shooters looking for ballistic advantages from either of these calibers were faced with excessive bore pressures that necessitated makeshift solutions such as clipping buffer springs, adjusting buffer weights, and/or relying on adjustable gas blocks, to keep their rifles functioning properly.

Proof’s R&D team solved the overpressure issue with gas systems tuned specifically to the cartridge/barrel-length combination. By moving the gas port, the pressure in the bore is given time to reduce to that comparable of a .308 Winchester with a rifle-length gas system, which is what the 308AR/AR-10 system was designed around. The recoil impulse is noticeably smoother, which helps keep you on target while taking advantage of a more efficient projectile. Case extraction is also easier, with less case-head smearing, so the brass is in much better condition for reloading.

Features

• Up to 64% lighter than traditional steel barrels of similar contour
• Match-grade accuracy
• Improved heat dissipation for cooler and longer lasting barrels
• No point-of-impact shift during high-volume fire
• Reduced harmonic barrel vibration
• Unprecedented durability
• CAMGAS system improves reliability while smoothing operation and recoil impulse