14.5 vs 16

[Gstout61]

I currently have 2 ARs. 9.5" 300blk SBR and an 18" 5.56. In looking to sell my 18" to fund a "duty grade" upper/ rifle from SOLGW. I'm torn between 14.5 and 16. My plan is to buy a complete upper, vortex viper pst 1-4x24 with ADM QD mount, geissele SD-C trigger and build it on my bushmaster stripped lower (the SBR) and for now pick up a SOLGW stripped lower to start building on over time (I would then have a 300blk SBR and a complete 5.56) since I'm not sure the sale of my 18" will completely fund this build. I might possibly build another upper after the lower is finished so that I would basically have two 5.56 rifles plus a supressed 300blk upper, but I don't want to count on the possibility of building a second 5.56 upper. As I said I already have a lower registered as an SBR so easy enough for the 14.5 . I'm looking to hear some preferences and why from those who know, so that I may make an educated decision on which will work better for me. I'm not mil, le or a competition shooter, Im just a civilian with a "what if" state of mind, and wanna have a rifle or 2 that I can rely on to drag thru hell and protect my family if it should become necessary.

[ColtSeavers]

Buy a 10.3" ~ 11.5" 5.56 barrel to replace the .300 BO barrel with.

[Pappabear]

There is not really that big of difference. You will get a little more velocity but if your running a 1-4 optic. I would get the more handy 14.5. You may end up with a can and that little less might be nice. It's not a big deal either way but I would go 14.5.

[Firefly]

Buy a 10.3" ~ 11.5" 5.56 barrel to replace the .300 BO barrel with.

This. A friend tried to get me on the .300 blk boat. Naw...

[sbrown3]

Get a BCM 12.5

[vicious_cb]

The biggest con of a 14.5" bbl is having to pin and weld, since you have an SBR'd lower there really isnt any huge downside to getting a 14.5" upper.

[kukworld]

Get a 14.5...it's jack of all trade size..you can run 1-4 or 1-6 and put a laser on it and offset red dot if you have the budget


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[Iraqgunz]

If NFA isn't a consideration then go with 14.5". If not, I would stick with a good 16" midlength so as to not have to worry about the pin and weld nonsense.

[PatrioticDisorder]

If NFA isn't a consideration then go with 14.5". If not, I would stick with a good 16" midlength so as to not have to worry about the pin and weld nonsense.

This, 14.5 with stamp >>> 16, 16>>> pinned and welded 14.5.

[Gstout61]

Ok I'm starting to lean toward the 16" and work on completing the lower so I have a complete non-NFA rifle, then work on a shorter 556 upper for the SBR later. Would it be wise to spend the extra $100 for CFH and why or why not?