What barrel length do you feel is the best all-around?

[Jsp10477]

I voted 16” but 18” rifle gassed barrels are my favorite.

[556BlackRifle]

I voted 16 because they are hassle free. If there was no NFA BS to deal with, I'd go shorter.

[Todd.K]

12" to 13" makes a handy carbine for inside/urban/SD range. Without the NFA I think that's where we would settle with modern ammo performance. It has enough range for realistic self defense, with less blast and more handguard than 10.5".

With the NFA it's kind of a "why bother" length, and I've never found a 14.5" or 16" all that cumbersome if kept on the lighter side.

[drtywk]

I voted 14.5", but 12.5" is the ideal length in my opinion. It offers improved terminal ballistics and velocity over the 10.3/10.5/11.5" barrels and is extremely versatile when it comes to CQB and intermediate ranges. Your velocity drop from 14.5" to 12.5", depending on ammo, is approximately 200FPS, which is extremely manageable. Pair it with a standard or Mini/K style can and you have a very solid package. I run mine with a SiCo Saker K. I have guns in pretty much all of the standard carbine barrel lengths and my go to/daily use/HD gun is my Hodge 12.5". Yes, the NFA part is an issue for some, but it is well worth it when it comes to the advantages of this particular barrel length.

[Jwknutson17]

I would have voted Other.. 12.5 with Mini suppressor and LPV does about everything I need in a 5.56 rifle.

[Biggy]

For those who know what they want, in the way of their muzzle device and handguard, 14.5 inch
Also, with some of the new AR pistol braces that have came out recently, AR pistol lower builds are looking better every day without the possible future ATF NFA hassles from being on their radar.
Anything under 14.5 really should be suppressed, but that adds the weight and length back and it also reduces the effective range of the cartridge some . It is all a compromise.
For instance, take a 12.5" barrel, add a surefire SOCOM Mini 2 can to it, and your barrel is now *17.5"* inches long and you just added *14.5* ounces of weight to the end of your rifle and it is still not hearing safe.
If I were going short I would prefer to go with a 7-9 inch 300 Blackout suppressed barrel.

[panzerr]

12.5 inches...just like the late great John Noveske would say

[308sako]

12 inch. Not listed on poll.

Yup, with a suppressor :-)

[SteveS]

I voted 16"

My favorite rifles to shoot are all 20", I love the smoothness and the velocity boost. But when it comes down to it, a 16" can do anything a 20" can do at most practical ranges. It is lighter to carry (ideally), and still compact enough to ease life where size might be a hindrance (in and out of vehicles, for instance).

+1 !!!

[odugrad]

14.5. I find the difference between 16 and 14.5 noticeable. I am quite happy with the BCM comp mod 1 or A2X so no worries about swapping out muzzle devices.