16" Barrel vs 14.5"+Pinned Flash Hider

**SigFanM4** · 03-21-12, 16:42

I've been reading a lot on the forum in preparation for building an AR. One thing I'm not sure of is the choice between a 16" barrel and a 14.5" barrel with a pinned FH. Is one preferable to the other. Is it a matter of rifle purpose? I'm just curious what factors drive this decision.

**товарищ** · 03-21-12, 17:11

One isn't better than the other. 16" is recommended because it's easier for the shooter to change their muzzle device.

**PrivateCitizen** · 03-21-12, 17:20

There are no appreciable/detrimental functional/technical differences.

Some prefer the ability to swap muzzle devices, some perceive a value to the shorter barrel.

But any differences are purely personal/cosmetic. On a practical level they are the same.

**bookin** · 03-21-12, 17:31

Originally Posted by PrivateCitizen

There are no appreciable/detrimental functional/technical differences.

Some prefer the ability to swap muzzle devices, some perceive a value to the shorter barrel.

But any differences are purely personal/cosmetic. On a practical level they are the same.

That pretty much covers it. I personally went with the pinned 14.5", but I have no intention of changing the muzzle device. So I went with the shortest/lightest setup I could get.

**SigFanM4** · 03-21-12, 17:37

Thank you for the replies.

**badness** · 03-21-12, 17:38

If this is your first ar, i would not recommend going with 14.5. You WILL end up changing your mind about something. Whether it being the muzzle device, going with a pinned fsb or low pro gas block, or changing out your rails. Having a permmed FH will make changing any of that a lot more difficult.

**bookin** · 03-21-12, 17:55

Originally Posted by badness

If this is your first ar, i would not recommend going with 14.5. You WILL end up changing your mind about something. Whether it being the muzzle device, going with a pinned fsb or low pro gas block, or changing out your rails. Having a permmed FH will make changing any of that a lot more difficult.

That's good advice. You probably won't realize exactly what you want until after you get your first one.

**Casull** · 03-21-12, 18:10

I for sure agree with going 16" first. Get a 14" when you know what's up and can appreciate it. I don't own a 14" yet but I know what I'd want on one now after learning how I personally like things. We're all different.