Does AAC make their own pistol barrels?

[Syntax360]

I recently picked up an AAC threaded barrel for my M&P9 and I'm just wondering if anyone knows whether or not AAC machines the whole thing at their facilities, or if they buy blanks or whatever from S&W, cut them to appropriate length, and then throw on the threading?

[Bendersquint]

I recently picked up an AAC threaded barrel for my M&P9 and I'm just wondering if anyone knows whether or not AAC machines the whole thing at their facilities, or if they buy blanks or whatever from S&W, cut them to appropriate length, and then throw on the threading?

That would be proprietary information.

Does it really matter?

[silencertalk]

S&W may not even make their own blanks. Or maybe they do. There are companies who specialize in that. I never heard of someone buying blanks from S&W, but I could be wrong.

[Syntax360]

It doesn't really matter - I was just curious. I've seen some folks complain about the quality of M&P barrels - aftermarkets seem to be pretty popular. My M&P is more accurate than I am with the factory barrel, but I was just wondering whether or not the AAC barrel I just bought was made in the same shop.

[Bendersquint]

It doesn't really matter - I was just curious. I've seen some folks complain about the quality of M&P barrels - aftermarkets seem to be pretty popular. My M&P is more accurate than I am with the factory barrel, but I was just wondering whether or not the AAC barrel I just bought was made in the same shop.

No they didn't start life as S&W blanks, S&W doesn't sell blanks even to other manufacturers.

[66427vette]

Is it a secret? Employees at shot show were telling people.

[NickAAC]

It's on the packaging. Storm lake makes them for us, to our spec, then we finish them.

[Syntax360]

Cool, thanks! I really like the AAC logo - that was a nice touch!

[NickAAC]

That's a good looking setup.