New Product Highlight: Proof Research PXT Barrels

If you didn’t think you’d get excited about rifling techniques today, I have a plot twist for you.

The new line of Proof Research PXT barrels take lessons learned from building barrels for medium-caliber helicopter cannons and puts them into small arms applications for you and I  – AR-15s, precision rifles, and hunting rifles.

Get ready for some very cool inside baseball.

Proof Research PXT Specs & Features

Specs

• Configurations: AR, pre-fit, bolt-action blanks
• Cartridge Options: .223 Wylde, 6 ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor (AR), .223 Rem, 22 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, 7 PRC, 7 Backcountry, .300 Win Mag (pre-fit), .224, .264, .284, .308 (blanks)
• Materials: Stainless steel, carbon fiber
• Country of Origin: USA
• MSRP: $1,349 (AR, pre-fit), $1,199 (blanks)

Features

• Proof Exponential Twist rifling
• Up to 50% improvement in accuracy
• Up to 100% improvement in barrel life
• Reduced felt recoil

Proof Research PXT Barrels

$749

at MidwayUSA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$749 at MidwayUSA

Every time you fire a shot, the bullet leaps from the case and jumps a short distance before meeting rifling grooves that cut into the bullet’s outer surface. The instant it meets those grooves, it’s off to the races at whatever twist rate is stamped on the outside of your barrel. 

It’s a bit like dumping the clutch on a car. In both cases, the more power you add, the more violent the process is.

Proof Exponential Twist rifling is like easing out the clutch. It starts out very mild – as much as 98% slower than than the terminal twist rate. The rifling twists tighter and tighter along the length of the bore, ultimately sending the bullet on its way with the optimal twist rate.

This means dramatically lower chamber pressure, lower bullet engraving force, and decreased wear. According to Proof Research, these barrels last 30 to 100% longer than conventional barrels.

It also comes with consistency and accuracy improvements of up to 50% across ammunition types.

“PXT is a complete redesign of how the bullet engages the rifling during initial rotation,” Brandon Hulzebosch, director of sales and marketing for Proof Research, said in a company statement. 

“As the industry advances and ammunition continue to evolve toward higher pressures and performance, we set out to address the technological gap between current barrel systems and where ammunition is headed. PXT gives shooters smoother, more controlled engagement that translates into greater consistency and improved performance.”

Proof Research lists an MSRP of $1,349 for PXT pre-fit barrels, or $1,199 for barrel blanks.

The new tech is also available in two complete Elevation FDX rifles. One stock has a conventional hunting profile, while the other takes cues from precision rifles. Both come with a TriggerTech trigger, Falkor Defense LW7 action, and lots of carbon fiber.

Cartridge offerings for the Elevation FDX ($3,499) and Elevation MTR FDX ($3,799) include 22 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 7 Backcountry and 300 PRC.

What do you think of the new Proof Research PXT barrels? Let us know below. Looking for something more conventional? Check out our guide to the Best AR-15 Barrels & Manufacturers!