What Barrel Length for Next SBR?

[officerX]

I've decided to build another SBR but can't decide what barrel length to choose. I currently have a 7.5" 5.56 and a 9" .300BLK, from there it goes up to 16". I've seen a lot of people have 10.5" and 11.5" and either may be fine. I don't have a specific role set for the rifle so I'm just really wanting to hear everyone's opinions.

[drtywk]

I am a firm believer in 12.5" barreled SBR's with a K can, but also have a 9" .300 BO and two 11.5" 5.56 guns. I am also building a 10.3 upper to play with. Regardless of barrel length, they are all suppressed full time.

[themonk]

11.5 is the sweet spot in my book. Although I have heard good things about 12.5.

[Zane1844]

I love my 11.5”. It’s my first SBR so I can’t compare the other lengths. I’m interested in 12.5” with a mini suppressor though.

[drtywk]

The performance drop from 14.5" to 12.5" is approximately 200 FPS, which is negligible at intermediate ranges out to 300/400. Plus the 12.5" gives you some flexibility with optics, due to the balance of the rifle. I have run a LPVO and a red dot on mine and prefer the red dot, but that is just my preference. The barrel length also give you some flexibility with use, mine is my go to rifle for home defense, general purpose use, and training.

[Stickman]

I've decided to build another SBR but can't decide what barrel length to choose. I currently have a 7.5" 5.56 and a 9" .300BLK, from there it goes up to 16". I've seen a lot of people have 10.5" and 11.5" and either may be fine. I don't have a specific role set for the rifle so I'm just really wanting to hear everyone's opinions.

Johnny and myself were hanging out one day and somehow or other a rather similar question popped up. He commented that if he could only have one AR, it would be a 12.5" barreled version. Short enough to reap benefits of being short, while retaining enough velocity and the reliability to be a solid weapon.

[officerX]

Johnny and myself were hanging out one day and somehow or other a rather similar question popped up. He commented that if he could only have one AR, it would be a 12.5" barreled version. Short enough to reap benefits of being short, while retaining enough velocity and the reliability to be a solid weapon.

Johnny Noveske?

[Stickman]

Johnny Noveske?

Affirm

[officerX]

Is there any chance of getting a mid-length gas system on an 11.5" or 12.5" barrel? Is it even possible? Is there enough room?

[Stickman]

Is there any chance of getting a mid-length gas system on an 11.5" or 12.5" barrel? Is it even possible? Is there enough room?

When you figure how much the gas port would have to be hogged out to make up for the minimal barrel length after the gas block... I'm not sure you would really want one.