What Barrel Length for Next SBR?

[themonk]

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?

I have read some but nothing good.

[officerX]

I searched and didn't find one anywhere so I figured there was probably an issue that made it impossible/not worth it.

[Furbyballer]

I too am a firm believer in the 12.5 in barrel. I own 2 of the centurion arms 12.5s and they are my favorite guns to shoot suppressed. Great balance between rail space, hand placement, velocity, compactness ect...

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[officerX]

Looking at 12.5" barrels - I can get a BA for $135 shipped or a BCM for $252 shipped. I've used the BA barrels before and have no issues with them or with buying another. My SBR lower is a BCM and I love BCM products. I'll probably buy a blem BCM upper and build with it (if/when in stock), and will probably get a KMR. Should I pay almost double and get the BCM barrel?

[docsherm]

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?

Rainier Arms made a SS 12.5 Middy. I have one and it is so smooth. It is a great barrel but I do still like my 12.5" Noveske. I have three 12.5 ARs. It is my favorite barrel lenght. It is also just the right lenght to use MK 262 ammo.

[sva01]

No shorter that 11.5 and no longer than 12.5

I struggle to see the point of going the SBR route for anything longer than 12.5" and haven't heard much good about anything shorter than 11.5" in .223/5.56.

[adh]

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?

yes
http://faxonfirearms.com/11-5-gunner...ngth-4150-qpq/

take note:
Barrel Gas System: Mid**
**Due to the short dwell of the barrel, the gas port will be larger than most barrels. Customers are encouraged to use an adjustable gas block for optimum functionality.

ETA....no direct experience with one of these myself
personally I am selling my 10.3 upper and going to build an 11.5 may sell the other 10.5 upper and build a 12.5 but not 100% on that yet

Should I pay almost double and get the BCM barrel?

No....BA barrels are pretty darn good IMO and if you shoot one out you can change it out later and be out no more in the long run......the vast majority (myself included) are not going to shoot out a barrel anyway

[Clint]

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?

Like life, happiness is all about balance.

These super short power time (dwell time) barrels can work, but are much more sensitive to variables.

As dedicated suppressed barrels, they should be a really good setup.

[Clint]

No shorter that 11.5 and no longer than 12.5

I struggle to see the point of going the SBR route for anything longer than 12.5" and haven't heard much good about anything shorter than 11.5" in .223/5.56.

11.5" is pretty much optimal with a CAR gas system.

10.5" barrels are getting a little short and the common oversized gas port just adds to the issues.

We have a prototype 9" 5.56 barrel using our shorter PDW gas system that runs like a top.

The point being, the key to a reliable setup is all about matching the gas system to the barrel length and then sizing the gas port correctly.

[squid8286]

I just built a pistol (well I built a lower and bought a Colt 6933 upper.) I figured that by buying the Colt upper, I would be able to avoid a few problems with another manufacturer's over/under-sized gas port. I put a carbine-length pistol buffer tube on it. Haven't had the chance to try it out yet. I am hoping to find it works well with either a Spikes ST-T2 or an H2 buffer, since I have both of those on hand. If not, I will make an H3 buffer for it and see what that does. I hope the 11.5" upper is going to be as reliable as a 14.5 or 16, since this is my first venture with a barrel shorter than either of those.