By Jeff Johnston, FE Hunting & Shooting Editor
The Aero Precision people called us a while back, asking if we’d try their drop-in handgun barrels. Made under Aero’s Ballistic Advantage brand, they’re made from 416R steel that’s lapped and honed. I’m familiar with Aero’s products, and so far everything I’ve tried from the Tacoma, Washington-based machining firm has been top-quality. The conversation about testing the barrels went something like this:
Me: “They look sweet with the fluting and colors and all, but what’s the point? What my no-so-perfect Glock needs is a better trigger.”
Savvy PR Person: “The point is, our barrels are more accurate than factory barrels, they’re more resistant to corrosion, and they’re threaded.”
Me: “Why would I want to put a suppressor on a carry gun? (This was, of course, a trick question.)
Savvy PR Person: “I thought I was talking to the Field Ethos guys. Nevermind then.”
Me: “Ha! You are savvy! Send them on. We’lll try them out.”
A few days later I received one barrel each for my P365 and my Glock 19. I installed them in seconds, and shot them with and without a SilencerCo Omega K suppressor installed. Here’s what I can tell you:
I can’t really tell if they are more accurate: Certainly they are not any less accurate. Sig and Glock factory barrels are awfully damn good, and all three contain more accuracy potential than I do as a handgun shooter.
My guns’ iron sights were standard height, so I was just spraying and praying on the practice range with the suppressor installed. XS Sights makes a variety of suppressor-height night sights for both the 365 and Glock—a five minute upgrade that will perform better than factory with or without a suppressor. Regardless, the mere act of threading a silencer onto my Glock instantly made me feel taller and more Italian, much like Leon in The Professional.
Accuracy and suppression aside, the barrels give any gun a facelift with the fluting options and custom colors such as gunmetal grey, silver, gold, and blue. Is blue a little gaudy? That’s for you to decide.
I paid $10 more for the Skull Crusher thread protector with its crown-shaped edges that make it look like it would be good for coring an apple or taking a DNA sample from some asshole’s forehead, and there is no scenario where such a wicked add-on would be worth a 10-dollar bill.
In conclusion, I’ve not gotten used to the blue barrel highlights on my carry gun, and though I haven’t used the suppressor much at all on the streets of Oklahoma City, I like having the option for the range. For these reasons I will not be returning to the boring black factory barrels.
Cost: $160 -$210 depending on model
Pros: accurate, reliable, lend a guns custom look, threaded for a suppressor
Cons: will in fact not turn you into Leon from The Professional
