Altaris Defense | Contractor Elite Barrels — Precision Rifle Barrels for Defense

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Last updated: 2026-02-24


Home Page

Tagline: Guided by Purpose. Built for Precision.

Hero Statement: Altaris Defense delivers next-generation small arms components for uncompromising precision and performance.

R&D Status: Contract Elite™ and Precision Elite™ barrel programs are currently in R&D, with first production runs targeted for 2026.

Key Value Propositions

Product Lines

Altaris Defense Barrel Program: Premium alloy. Sub-MOA accuracy. Combat competition focus. Built for sustained duty, each Altaris barrel is engineered with tight bore tolerances, thermal stability, and precise concentricity for reliable suppressed or unsuppressed operation.

AR15 Upper Parts — Precision Where It Matters: Documentation-ready — built for operational reliability. Our kits include only verified, mission-capable parts. Every spring, pin, and fastener is selected for longevity, resilience, and contract compliance.

About Section (Home)

Altaris Defense sits at the intersection of the Podium and the Battlefield. We channel the extreme accuracy demands of national-level precision rifle competition into systems rugged enough for Department of Defense deployment. Our mission is to arm the warfighter with match-grade capability and the competitor with battle-proven reliability.

Our Company: Altaris Defense, LLC is a Pennsylvania limited liability company structured for dual-market engagement. We serve both federal contracting and commercial markets, offering advanced, compliant, and innovative defense solutions.

Our Name: The name Altaris is derived from "Altar" (symbolizing purpose, foundation, and integrity) and "Polaris" (the North Star, a timeless guide in navigation and direction). Together, "Altaris" conveys a company guided by purpose and built for precision.

Mission: To deliver innovative, compliant, and effective solutions across multiple domains — from defense contracting to commercial markets.

Vision: To establish Altaris Defense as a trusted partner in firearms, recognized for advanced solutions and readiness to meet both consumer and government demands.

About Altaris Defense

Badge: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Tagline: At the intersection of the podium and the battlefield.

Our Mission

Altaris Defense was founded on a simple principle: precision rifle barrels should be engineered from first principles, not manufactured to tradition. We leverage Carpenter Technology's A-21® stainless carburizing steel to deliver barrels that redefine what shooters expect from their platforms.

Our Contract Elite™ and Precision Elite™ barrel programs represent the culmination of extensive R&D, combining advanced metallurgy with precision manufacturing to serve both competitive shooters and defense professionals.

Pennsylvania Long Rifle Heritage

Our roots trace back to the Pennsylvania Long Rifle tradition — American gunsmithing excellence that prioritized accuracy and craftsmanship above all else. We carry that legacy forward with modern materials science and manufacturing precision.

Core Values

A-21® Elite Barrel Program

Full Title: Altaris Defense A-21® Elite Barrel Program — Contract Elite™ AR-15 & Precision Elite™ Bolt-Action

First Principles Engineering

At Altaris Defense, we don't follow the standard — we innovate. By combining Carpenter Technology's A-21® stainless carburizing steel (UNS S41429) with advanced surface treatments, we deliver barrels that integrate match-grade accuracy with duty-cycle reliability. No compromise. No tradeoffs.

Why A-21® Changes Everything

Most stainless steels force operators to choose between accuracy, barrel life, or durability. A-21® is engineered to address those tradeoffs.

Contract Elite™ AR-15 Competition Barrels

Purpose-built for the AR-15 platform where competition demands and operational reliability converge.

Competition / Match

Match-grade accuracy with the durability to withstand high round counts beyond the flat range.

Tactical / Duty

Built for high round-count duty cycles and harsh operational environments where reliability is non-negotiable.

Precision Elite™ Bolt-Action Barrels

PRS / Competition

Engineered for the precision rifle series competitor who demands consistent performance stage after stage.

Hunting / Long Range

Lightweight precision for the field where every ounce matters and first-round hits count.

Manufacturing Process

Every Altaris barrel follows a rigorous multi-step process:

  1. Material Selection: Carpenter Technology A-21® steel bar stock, verified via MTR (Mill Test Report)
  2. Precision Machining: CNC-turned blanks with tight OD/ID concentricity specifications
  3. Bore Processing: Deep-hole drilling, reaming, and button rifling (or cut rifling per program)
  4. Heat Treatment: Controlled atmosphere heat treatment optimized for A-21® chemistry
  5. Surface Treatment: Optional QPQ/nitriding or carburizing for enhanced wear and corrosion performance
  6. Final Inspection: 100% bore inspection, air gauging, and concentricity verification

Precision Arms Journal (Blog)

Technical articles and analysis on barrel engineering, metallurgy, and precision shooting from Altaris Defense.

Choosing the Right AR-15 Barrel Length: Industry Insights

A comprehensive guide to AR-15 barrel length selection for civilian shooters. Key considerations include:

  • Drill steel at 100-300 yd with authority
  • Provide useful energy and trajectory to 500 yd and beyond
  • Handle well from prone, standing, and shoulders
  • Work reliably suppressed or unsuppressed
  • Stay on the right side of the NFA

Shorter barrels lose significant muzzle velocity compared to longer barrels (sometimes hundreds of fps) because propellant doesn't have time to fully expand before the bullet exits. Reduced velocity translates to reduced effective range and less predictable trajectories. Suppression often increases back-pressure and makes gas tuning critical.

Key Findings: 16" barrels with mid-length gas systems are the civilian sweet spot. Beyond 16", velocity gains per inch start diminishing while weight and handling penalties continue to grow. The generic rule: 16" for an all-around utility rifle is the best default choice.

Downrange Dominance: Evaluating The .300 Magnum Powerhouses

Comparing the leading .300 magnum cartridges (.300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, .300 Norma Magnum) for long-range performance.

  • .300 Win Mag: Widely available worldwide with numerous hunting and match loads from major manufacturers, often at moderate price points. Barrel life typically 1,500-2,500 rounds of top-tier accuracy.
  • .300 PRC: Grown quickly in market presence since introduction. Hornady's match and hunting offerings commonly stocked. Barrel life similar or slightly lower, around 1,600-2,000 rounds. Uses standard magnum bolt face.
  • .300 Norma Magnum: Most niche and expensive of the three. Factory ammunition premium-priced for ELR or professional users. Shortest barrel life (1,000-1,500 rounds). Requires larger action and bolt face compatible with .338-class cartridges. Rifles tend to be heavier and more expensive.

Belt vs. beltless is one design variable among many. For all three cartridges, real-world accuracy is driven more by implementation than by the presence or absence of a belt alone.

6.5 Creedmoor vs 6mm: Why a 6.5mm "Do-Everything" Cartridge Still Matters

Analysis of the 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6mm Creedmoor debate for precision rifle shooters.

  • Drop: 6mm Creedmoor shows roughly 30 inches less drop at 1,000 yards with comparable match loads — flatter trajectory, more forgiving on range estimation errors.
  • Wind: At 1,000 yards in a 10 mph full-value wind, 6.5 Creedmoor has roughly 6 inches less drift (roughly 12% improvement).
  • Energy: At 1,000 yards, 6.5 Creedmoor carries about 50% more energy than 6mm Creedmoor (467 ft-lb vs 312 ft-lb). For duty and hunting, that extra energy isn't just "nice" — it's often the whole point.
  • Recoil: 6mm has slightly less recoil, important for staying on glass in fast match stages.

The 6.5 Creedmoor doubled hit probability at 1,000 meters compared to 7.62 NATO and increased effective range by nearly half. For steel-only matches, excess energy is cosmetic. For real targets, armor, intermediate barriers, or extended-range lethality, that extra energy matters.

Why the M4 Still Reigns Supreme for Most Shooters

The M4 Carbine remains the most practical rifle for civilians, law enforcement, and many military roles. Based on 15+ years of field experience, the M4/AR-15 platform wins on reliability, cost, modularity, and real-world effectiveness. The 5.56 NATO platform continues to be the most versatile and cost-effective option for the vast majority of use cases.

NGSW Deep Dive: The Army's Next-Gen Weapons Program

In-depth analysis of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program based on 15 years of field experience plus recent test data.

SIG Sauer won the competition with its MCX SPEAR designs. The winner weapons are designated M7 rifle (formerly XM5/XM7) to replace the M4, and M250 automatic rifle. Both have received Type Classification — Standard (TC-STD), meaning they are officially considered to meet performance, safety, and reliability standards.

Key Comparisons: NGSW vs Legacy (5.56 NATO/AR-15)

  • Lethality: 5.56x45mm NATO is effective but struggles penetrating newer armor; range limitations beyond 300-500m. The 6.8mm Common Cartridge delivers higher energy, better armor penetration, more lethality at longer ranges.
  • Reliability: M4 performs well, but hot environments, suppressors, and barrel wear degrade performance. Field tests in desert, vehicle mounting, and force-on-force have shown M7/M250 hold up; earlier fume issues have been addressed.
  • Weight/Logistics: Soldiers often carry more 5.56 ammo due to lower lethality per round. NGSW weapons are heavier, but soldiers carry fewer rounds because each is more capable.
  • Optics: Legacy uses mostly traditional optics. NGSW integrates the XM157 NGSW-FC system (1-8x variable optic with advanced sensors), improving detection, aiming, and accuracy.

Gas Port Erosion Profiling: The Silent Killer of SD/ES

How gas port erosion degrades shot-to-shot consistency in AR-pattern rifles. Gas port erosion is a progressive, often invisible degradation that directly impacts Standard Deviation (SD) and Extreme Spread (ES) of muzzle velocity, undermining precision at distance. This article examines the mechanisms and mitigation strategies.

A-21® Stainless Barrel Steel and QPQ Nitriding: The Evolution Beyond Chrome-Lined Barrels

The case for A-21® steel and modern surface treatments vs. traditional chrome lining.

Legacy Chrome Lining

  • Chrome's chemical inertness protected against fouling and environmental degradation
  • Easier cleaning and extended service intervals in harsh conditions
  • Significant improvement in round-count capability over unlined steel
  • Decades of military service validation across multiple platforms

A-21® Steel Advantages

A-21® is a martensitic stainless steel engineered by Carpenter Technology specifically for carburizing, nitriding, and quenched-and-tempered service. Rather than relying on legacy stainless chemistries that lose corrosion resistance when aggressively hardened, A-21® is designed from the ground up to operate in this environment.

  • True stainless steel, retaining excellent corrosion resistance even after carburizing, nitriding, and high-strength heat treatment
  • Alloy chemistry tuned to accept QPQ nitriding without compromising base properties
  • Maintains or exceeds duty-grade durability with improved corrosion performance
  • High strength and impact toughness under rapid thermal cycling

Engineering Insights

Deep-dive technical analyses on barrel engineering, materials science, and precision shooting fundamentals.

A-21® vs 416R: The Barrel Steel Showdown

An in-depth comparison of Carpenter Technology's A-21® stainless carburizing steel (UNS S41429) versus industry-standard 416R stainless steel from a precision shooting and barrel engineering perspective.

A-21® is built for strength, toughness, and surface hardness — critical when you've got thousands of rounds, multiple matches, or years of duty use on the tube.

Key ways steel affects real-world accuracy: throat erosion rate (how fast the leade and first few inches erode under heat and pressure), heat-check cracking (tiny cracks from repeated hot/cold cycles that disturb bore surface), corrosion behavior (rust in bore or chamber that never cleans out 100%), and overall resilience (how forgiving the barrel is under hot, fast, or tough conditions).

A-21® is designed to be hard on the surface, tough in the core, and genuinely stainless even after hardening.

Materials & Coatings Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of barrel steel types and surface coatings used in precision rifle manufacturing.

Stainless Steel

  • Excellent accuracy potential due to consistent metallurgy
  • Easier to machine with precise tolerances
  • Better surface finish leading to reduced fouling
  • Higher cost than carbon steel alternatives

Carbon Steel (Chrome-Moly)

  • Requires protective coatings to prevent corrosion
  • May be slightly less accurate than premium stainless
  • More susceptible to environmental degradation

Hard Chrome Plating

Hard chrome plating applied to the bore and chamber surfaces for enhanced wear and corrosion protection.

Barrel Steel Battleground

Interactive comparison tool for barrel steels. Material selection is mission-dependent. Users can select their operational profile to receive a tactical recommendation based on thermal load, accuracy requirements, and environmental exposure. Analysis covers yield strength (the pressure limit before permanent deformation) and other key metallurgical properties.

AR-15 Performance Pyramid

Understanding barrel and gas system lengths and their impact on rifle performance.

A barrel's length directly dictates a bullet's acceleration time, which determines muzzle velocity and terminal performance. It also sets the stage for gas system timing and overall rifle balance.

Key Concepts

  • Velocity vs. Length: Longer barrels allow more complete powder burn, resulting in higher muzzle velocity and kinetic energy.
  • Dwell Time: The critical period a bullet spends in the barrel after passing the gas port. It determines how long gas pressure has to cycle the action. Too little dwell time causes short-stroking; too much results in excessive recoil and wear.
  • Suppressor Effects: Suppressors trap expanding gases, significantly increasing back pressure. This can lead to excessive gas blowback and violent cycling. Mismatched barrel and gas system lengths compound this issue.

Adjustable gas blocks, heavier buffers, and different springs are needed to achieve reliable function without excess force when running suppressed.

Barrel Profiles Battleground

Choosing the right barrel weight and profile for your mission. Beyond length, a barrel's weight and profile define a rifle's handling, heat resistance, and accuracy under sustained fire.

Common Profiles

  • Pencil: Lightest profile, designed for maximum maneuverability. Heats up and loses accuracy quickly with sustained fire.
  • Government: Standard military profile. Balance between weight and durability, though not optimized for sustained precision.
  • SOCOM: Variant of Government profile, heavier near the muzzle for grenade launcher attachment and increased heat resistance.
  • Bull/Heavy: Designed for maximum heat capacity and rigidity. Excellent for precision and high-volume fire, but significant weight penalty.

Lighter profiles improve handling but sacrifice stability. Heavier barrels absorb more heat, delaying point-of-impact shift.

Chamber, Twist Rates & Bullet Selection

A briefing on barrel performance characteristics in relation to various ammunition types. Outlines how chamber design and bullet composition impact accuracy, reliability, and performance across different operational environments.

Key Topics

  • Chamber compatibility across 5.56 NATO and .223 Wylde specifications
  • Ammunition type as a primary driver of accuracy — comparing average group sizes (MOA) across chamber types
  • Environmental effects: in cold weather (<20°F), copper bullets can increase chamber pressure by 3-5% due to higher engraving resistance. Expect 0.2-0.4 MOA accuracy shift in freezing conditions.
  • 1:7 twist rate is mandatory to ensure consistent stability for all solid copper and heavy match projectiles across all temperature ranges
  • Commercial and government supplier analysis of key ammunition manufacturers

Precision Fundamentals

Covering the fundamentals of precision rifle assembly and performance, including barrel nut torque specifications (proper range ensures secure connection without deforming receiver threads), gas tube alignment, barrel profile impact on accuracy potential, load development techniques, and case studies on the impact of meticulous testing on downrange performance.

Interactive Tools

Free engineering calculators for barrel selection and load development. These are interactive JavaScript-based tools available on the live site.

Velocity Calculator

Estimate muzzle velocity based on barrel length and cartridge data. Helps shooters understand how barrel length affects velocity for different calibers and loads. Provides estimated fps at various barrel lengths based on known load data.

Twist Rate Calculator

Calculate optimal twist rate using the Greenhill formula for bullet stabilization. Input bullet length, caliber, and other parameters to determine the twist rate needed for optimal stability. Critical for selecting the right barrel for your preferred bullet weights and types.

Gas Port Calculator

Determine optimal gas port sizing for AR-pattern rifles. Factors in barrel length, gas system length, caliber, and intended use (suppressed vs. unsuppressed) to recommend gas port diameter. Helps builders and armorers tune gas systems for reliable cycling without excess force.

Guides & Resources

Step-by-step guides for barrel selection, maintenance, and precision shooting.

Barrel Selection Guide

How to choose the right barrel for your platform and use case. Covers barrel length selection by role (pistol/SBR for close quarters, 16" for all-around, 18"+ for precision, 20"+ for extreme long range), twist rate selection by bullet weight, and the tradeoffs between maneuverability and velocity.

Barrel Break-In Checklist

Recommended break-in procedure for new precision barrels. Step-by-step process including initial inspection, cleaning supply preparation, phased firing and cleaning protocol (5 rounds then clean, then 10-round groups with cleaning between), and bore solvent/copper remover procedures.

Interactive Maintenance Guide

Barrel care and maintenance best practices. Covers bolt carrier group disassembly (firing pin removal, extractor inspection), carbon scraping from bolt tail, gas ring inspection (rings should hold bolt in carrier when inverted), firing pin inspection for chips/cracks, and extractor spring tension testing.

Gas System Tuning Guide

How to properly tune your AR gas system for reliability and accuracy. Covers the engineering analysis of direct impingement systems, the physics of gas pressure dynamics, dwell time optimization, and the balance between reliable cycling and reduced recoil/wear. An imbalanced system can lead to failures to eject/feed, excessive recoil, and premature component wear.

Load Development Worksheet

Systematic approach to developing precision handloads. Safety protocols: always start below published minimum loads and work up gradually, stop immediately if pressure signs are observed, verify powder charges with a scale for every cartridge, keep detailed records of all load data, and consult multiple reliable reloading manuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Altaris Defense?

A U.S.-based defense contractor and precision barrel engineering firm focused on advanced metallurgy, match-grade manufacturing, and programs that bridge competitive shooting and professional duty use.

What does Altaris Defense specialize in?

Precision AR-15 and bolt-action barrels, with emphasis on next-generation stainless alloys, advanced rifling, and surface treatments meeting military, law-enforcement, and precision-rifle standards.

Who are the customers?

Strictly B2B and B2G: qualified commercial manufacturers, defense industry partners, firearms OEMs, and government or law-enforcement agencies. Not a consumer retail gun store.

Does Altaris sell complete firearms?

No. Altaris Defense does not sell complete firearms to individual consumers. We focus on barrel programs, components, and engineering support delivered through B2B and B2G relationships.

What are Contract Elite™ and Precision Elite™?

Contract Elite™ focuses on hard-use AR-pattern barrel solutions for professional/duty applications. Precision Elite™ centers on PRS-style and bolt-action barrels optimized for accuracy, consistency, and match performance. Both programs are built around data-driven metallurgy and manufacturing practices.

Where is Altaris Defense based?

Pennsylvania, USA. Structured as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

International sales?

Any potential international activity is handled in strict accordance with U.S. export-control laws including ITAR and EAR. We do not provide export-controlled technical data or products to unauthorized persons or destinations.

How to work with Altaris?

Qualified commercial, law-enforcement, and government partners can contact us to discuss barrel programs, prototype development, and long-term supply relationships. We typically start with a technical discovery conversation and a structured RFQ or statement of work.

Contact

Altaris Defense welcomes inquiries from qualified commercial, law-enforcement, and government partners.

Use the contact form at /contact or the early access signup at /subscribe to get in touch.

Early access signup collects: first name, email, primary category (Precision/PRS competitor, Industry Professional/Technical Observer, Retailer/FFL, LE/government buyer, OEM/Partner), and optional secondary interests.

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Single pane of glass for vendor onboarding, procurement identifiers, and RFQ intake.

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Quality Assurance Posture

Altaris Defense maintains documented quality processes aligned to defense manufacturing requirements:

RFQ Intake

Submit a Request for Quote through the contact form at /contact. Include organization, program requirements, and estimated quantities. Response to all qualified RFQs within 2 business days.

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For discussions involving controlled technical data, proprietary specifications, or NDA-protected information, contact us to establish a secure communication channel. Do not transmit ITAR/EAR controlled data through this website.

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This website publishes only general marketing and educational information. No ITAR-controlled technical data, EAR-controlled dual-use technical data, engineering specifications, or controlled technical information is published on this site. All content is intended for public release.