Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit Review

First Impressions of Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit

The Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit promises to deliver big-bore power in a familiar AR-15 platform. Wilson Combat is known for quality, and the idea of pushing a .375 caliber bullet at nearly 2400 fps from an AR is incredibly appealing for ethical hunting of larger game. This built kit caught my eye because I’ve been looking to expand my AR’s capabilities for hunting purposes.

I live in an area where whitetail deer and wild hogs are abundant, and I wanted a cartridge that offered more knockdown power than my standard 5.56. I considered other big-bore AR options like the .450 Bushmaster and .458 SOCOM. However, the .375 SOCOM’s flatter trajectory and potential for both supersonic and subsonic loads swayed my decision.

The kit arrived well-packaged. Upon unboxing, the stainless steel barrel immediately impressed me with its clean, glass-bead finish and substantial feel. The included extra power action spring felt robust. Compared to some budget barrel kits I’ve used in the past, the Wilson Combat kit exuded quality craftsmanship.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and a touch of apprehension. Building an AR is one thing, but dealing with the tight tolerances mentioned in the product description requires more care. The potential for impressive performance outweighs the initial concern.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at my local shooting range, focusing on function and basic accuracy. I mounted the Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit onto a mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. The first few rounds experienced some resistance when chambering, just as Wilson Combat warned. A liberal application of oil to the bolt carrier group helped.

I tested a variety of .375 SOCOM ammunition. Including both supersonic 200-grain and subsonic 300-grain loads. The mid-length gas system seemed well-tuned. Recoil was stout but manageable, significantly more than a 5.56 but less than a .458 SOCOM.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds, the Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit has proven itself to be reliable. The initial chambering issues disappeared after the first 50 rounds. Cleaning is relatively straightforward. Standard AR-15 cleaning procedures apply, though I pay special attention to the chamber and gas system.

The stainless steel barrel still looks nearly new after repeated firing. There are no signs of excessive wear or corrosion. In comparison to a cheaper barrel I previously used in a 7.62×39 AR build, the Wilson Combat barrel maintains tighter tolerances and seems significantly more robust.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Wilson Combat. This gives immediate confidence in the overall quality.
• Caliber: .375 SOCOM. This allows for excellent energy transfer on larger game at moderate ranges.
• Barrel Length: 18 inches. This provides a good balance between maneuverability and velocity.
• Barrel Profile: Hunter. The hunter profile reduces weight without sacrificing accuracy.
• Barrel Material: 416R Stainless Steel. This offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
• Gas System Length: Mid Length. Mid-length systems offer smoother recoil impulse than carbine-length systems in longer barrels.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-12. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of .375 SOCOM bullet weights.
• Gun Make: AR Platform. This means easy integration with existing AR-15 lowers.
• Threads per Inch: Non Threaded. This barrel is designed for areas where suppressors or muzzle devices are restricted.
• Gas System: Mid Length. This is crucial for proper cycling and reliability.
• Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel. This enhances resistance to rust, scratching, and general wear and tear.

Performance & Functionality

The Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit performs admirably. Accuracy is excellent, easily achieving sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with quality ammunition. The mid-length gas system cycles reliably with both supersonic and subsonic loads.

The primary strength is its ability to deliver significant energy on target. This makes it well-suited for hunting larger game at moderate ranges. One area for potential improvement is the break-in period. Clearer instructions regarding initial chambering resistance would be helpful.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is outstanding. The stainless steel barrel is precisely machined and finished. The Hunter profile strikes a good balance between weight and rigidity. The kit integrated seamlessly with my existing AR-15 lower receiver.

The kit is user-friendly for anyone familiar with AR-15 platform assembly. The barrel nut torqued properly. The gas block aligned easily. No specialized tools are required beyond standard AR-15 building tools.

Durability & Maintenance

The 416R stainless steel construction suggests excellent long-term durability. After several range sessions and proper cleaning, the barrel shows no signs of wear. Maintenance is straightforward. Standard AR-15 cleaning procedures suffice.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes the barrel and an extra power action spring. The lack of barrel threading limits muzzle device options. The barrel is compatible with any AR-15 upper receiver. Numerous options are available for optics, triggers, and other AR-15 components.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit

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Who Should Buy Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit?

This kit is perfect for hunters seeking a powerful and accurate AR-15 platform for larger game. It is also great for those wanting an AR-15 chambered in .375 SOCOM without the hassle of piecing together individual components. Anyone residing in states with muzzle device restrictions will also benefit from the non-threaded barrel.

Those who prioritize readily available muzzle device compatibility or prefer a simpler, less-involved AR-15 build should skip this product. A quality optic appropriate for the intended hunting range is a must-have accessory. A reliable magazine designed for .375 SOCOM is crucial for smooth feeding.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit

The Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit delivers on its promise of big-bore performance in a familiar AR-15 platform. The price is justified by the exceptional accuracy, high-quality materials, and reliable function. While the break-in period and lack of barrel threading might be drawbacks for some, the overall value proposition is excellent.

I would definitely recommend this kit to any hunter or shooting enthusiast looking to expand their AR-15’s capabilities. If you’re ready to step up to a serious hunting caliber in your AR, give the Wilson Combat .375 SOCOM Hunter Non Threaded Barrel Built Kit a try.