View Full Version : If you had only two 5.56 AR's? If you had only three? (what Barrel length)
Just trying to finalize what I've got before the next panic. (and maybe yourself, too)
Looking for versatility here. Optics can easily be changed of course.
If you had only two AR's (5.56) what barrel lengths would you want?
How about three AR's?
For example would it be an 11.5 and a 20 in? And if you chose three would it be two 14.5's and a 20?
Would any of them be a 20 in or 11.5?
I'm having a hard time narrowing this down myself.
Well I only have two right now, one is a 16in Mid length, and the other a 16in Carbine length. If I was gonna get a third I would go with a 20" classic rifle build. But right now im looking at getting a .308 AR, preferably with 18" barrel.
also, do you think there is another panic on the horizon? I dont think there will be one for a while, in fact if there is I will be happy cause i can sell some things for outrageous prices haha. :D
MorphCross
06-11-14, 20:25
also, do you think there is another panic on the horizon? I dont think there will be one for a while, in fact if there is I will be happy cause i can sell some things for outrageous prices haha. :D
Possibility is always there.
Knowing what I know now, 12.5" barrel for a great general purpose rifle. Equip it with a high quality stainless steel barrel that has been lead lapped, with concentric threads, and quench-purge-quench treated, as well as a spare upper in the exact same size and configuration. Throw a Noveske Switchblock on both as well as a Saker 7.62 can with the 5.56 cap.
But that is going a little too detailed so yeah, 12.5" in Pairs.
My 12.5 with a can is the same overall length as my 14.5.
Those two are my favorites.
I have all length barrels except 13.5 and 15.5 because they don't make those sizes. :p
BCM 14.5 middys. Then an LMT 10.5" MRP.
:o
I would have a LMT 10.5 and two Bcm 20".
Two = a 14.5" with pinned MD and an 18" SPRish precision rifle
Three = add a 10.5 or 11.5" SBR (or pistol with SB 15 if unable to SBR).
BCM 14.5 middys. Then an LMT 10.5" MRP.
:o
I meant to say a 16" middy too.
10.5 and 14.5 are my main choices.
Suppressed 11.5" SBR
Midlength 14.5" General Purpose
Intermediate 18" SPR or 16" .308 Battle Rifle
Failure2Stop
06-11-14, 22:19
11.5 and another 11.5.
Or...
11.5, 11.5, and 16.
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10.5 and 14.5 are my main choices.
I've gotta go with this.
I have two- 16 & 20
I will be adding a third- 10.5 and hope to get a suppressor for it
The three barrel lengths I see as useful without redundancy are 10.5-11.5, 14.5-16 and 20
An SBR to double stamp (probably 11.5") and a reasonably accurate mid-length gas carbine (14.5" or 16").
10.5 suppressed cqb and 16 precision
I have several. My 11.5" is my primary daily driver. I also have a couple of 16"'s, 20" and a few spare complete uppers. Even if you don't get complete carbines just having completed uppers is smart since you can only shoot one at a time (unless you are arming others). The 16" is almost a necessity due to the ability to move it almost anywhere.
Ammo prices are coming down and I suggest getting what you can.
If I could only choose 2 it would be a 11.5 and a 16" mid a close second would be a 14.5 mid.
The 16" is about as effective as an 18" and the 20" is just to long for my tastes though the 20" shoot the best IMO.
jukeboxx13
06-12-14, 02:52
If I could only have 2 it would be a 20" rifle "SPR" and a 11.5" carbine "SBR".
For a 3rd I would have a 14.5" midlength, and that would be my choice if I could only have one as well.
ETA: All would be setup to be lightweight rifles, and especially the "SPR" cause that's what I would carry in the mountains here in CA.
I would have a LMT 10.5 and two Bcm 20".
Similar. Two 20 inchers, and a SOPMOD Block II clone 14.5 just because.
LMT Shooter
06-12-14, 04:02
16" first, and if I didn't live in this piece of shit gun hating state of Illinois, an 11.5" would be my second choice. A third rifle in the mix, I'd add another 16" probably.
I am surprised at the number of folks going 14.5". I don't personally see any reason to go with 14.5" as opposed to 16", either ballistically or handling wise, what am I missing here?
A 12.5" 5.56 and a 10.2" 300 BO.
11.5" 14.5" Pinned 18" SPR
Never worried about the first panic and was more than ready along with most of the people I know.
If you aren't already ready for the next one (IF there is one coming ???),you are already screwed.
14.5, and 20" High powered optic for 500-1000 yard precision, lightweight 14.5 for close quarters, or anything under 200 yards.
I have thought about this at some length. I have several ARs. I would narrow it down to my 18" Noveske with rifle gas system and my Noveske 12.5 SBR.
With those setups I could do whatever I need.
crusader377
06-12-14, 11:55
Non SBR Route: 1: Colt 6920/6720 or 16" BCM of your flavor 2: Daniel Defense MK 12 (18" SPR type rifle) Optional 3rd: repeat number 1 or 14.5" LW KMR style carbine
SBR Route: 1: Colt 6933 or BCM equivalent, 2: Daniel Defense MK 12 or BCM 16" Recce style carbine, 3rd rifle: second SBR
If you are a cheap skate like me: 2 Colt 6920 or equivalent and call it a day
................... If you aren't already ready for the next one (IF there is one coming ???),you are already screwed.
With parts and complete rifle availability being very high, and costs being the lowest seen in a long time, I do not believe that part of the statement to be true.
CleverNickname
06-12-14, 12:33
16" first, and if I didn't live in this piece of shit gun hating state of Illinois, an 11.5" would be my second choice.
You do realize that you can get SBRs in Illinois now, right? The law changed recently.
As for me, 16", then 11.5", then 18" for a third.
midSCarolina
06-12-14, 12:58
12.5, 14.5, 18
I personally like the 14.5... i think it is a pretty versatile length. There are a few applications that i would like something really small like the LWRC UCIW in 6.8 but for the most part w/ 556 12.5" is really as short as i would "need" it. I guess i am one of the oddballs that is happy with 14.5 tho. Anything that i would need an 18" to go out and get, i would ideally have a caliber other than 556.
I was going to say that I'd trade my two 16" for these, and am planning on getting both
I have thought about this at some length. I have several ARs. I would narrow it down to my 18" Noveske with rifle gas system and my Noveske 12.5 SBR.
With those setups I could do whatever I need.
PA PATRIOT
06-12-14, 13:56
I would narrow it down to a 18" barrel with rifle gas system and 12.5 SBR with a can.
I would narrow it down to a 18" barrel with rifle gas system and 12.5 SBR with a can.
I like the way you think....:D
Marler5811
06-12-14, 14:23
If I could only have 2, I'd prefer a 16" Midlength and a 10.3" Carbine. If I could have a third, I'd want an 18" 6.8 SPC.
11.5" Carbine and 16" Midlength and a can.
10.5 suppressed cqb and 16 precision
... and this is what I actually have, so there's got to be something to it. That said, I'd run an 11.5" just as happily.
For the third, a generic 16" one wouldn't mind feeding crap ammunition to is what I'd add to it - if it runs and feels just like one of the other two extra success, they also make great beater guns and spouse weapon systems.
they also make great spouse beater guns and weapon systems.
Wait- Did I read that right?? :jester:
Wow thanks for all the reply's guys keep them coming!
I don't usually ask such "what if" questions but didn't find a previous thread like it here.
Like many of us I have several Ar lowers and uppers and simply don't need some of them. So I was trying to decide what to narrow it down to so I could sell the rest of the parts and buy more ammo.
And of course, magazines. Interestingly I know guys with several thousand rounds of ammo but only 4-8 magazines for two rifles! I also know of guys who have 75 magazines, but only 1500 rnds of ammo. Weird...
Anyway, I think if you know how to use a rifle and consider the possibility of using it in earnest you should have one, a backup, and ideally a third. (Of course they don't have to be AR's but using the same weapon makes the most of training and practice) And should there be people around you who are also trained and prepared to use one, you should have something for them too. (spouses, children of age, etc)
A general trend I noticed in ya'll's (yup, plural) :cool: responses is that the first rifle is often a 14.5 or 16 inch. After that it is tough to call as many of you chose another 14.5-16, many something shorter 10.3-12.5, and a few less went to 18's or 20's as the 2nd rifle.
I'm definitely on board with mid-length gas systems and light weight barrels! My BCM 14.5 with pinned A2 and LW barrel is easily the AR I've most enjoyed! I found the standard weight 11.5 in handled no better compared to the LW 14.5. In addition the 11.5 had more recoil and muzzle blast with it's shorter barrel and carbine gas system.
I don't plan on getting a suppressor so I think for me I can rule the 11.5 out. I already have the 14.5 LW and love it so for my otherh two I'm going to choose between 14.5's through 20's.
I'm going to look into 18's vs 20's and see if I can rule one of those out next. Thanks for the help!
26523
11.5inch
26524
11.5 inch
26525
18 inch
If only one it would be 11.5" if only 2 it would be 11.5" and the 18" assuming the need for the longer rifle. I really must build a lightweight 14.5" to satisfy my curiosity for fielding an UNSUPPRESSED but handy rifle.
if i had to choose it would be
20 inch with high powered scope.
16 inch with acog and 1 o'clock sights
11.5 inch with aimpoint and buis.
Steel head
06-12-14, 21:49
Right now I have 16's and 18's.
I'd keep the 18's and go for a 12 to 13 something barrel.
Failure2Stop
06-12-14, 22:13
At this point, the only reason I own any 16" 5.56 guns is for ease of interstate travel.
When it comes to the nuts and bolts of actual performance and the benefit of mobility, balanced against function, the 11.5 is a unique animal. Even more so with a suppressor thrown into the mix. 12.5 seems to be pretty good too, but if dropping the inch doesn't hurt anything, might as well take it.
Of course, there is a performance loss by dropping from 16/14.5 to 11.5, but in the grand scheme of things, unless distances in excess of 300 meters is a common threat range, 11.5 is going to do just as well as the longer lengths, while being easier to get around with. True, fragmentation dependent ammo will probably be limited to a 50 meter range, but there are 2 things to think about with that:
The distance at which one can precisely engage very small, or partially exposed target areas under duress matches pretty well with the envelope of 11.5 5.56 platforms; and most things that need to be immediately dealt with happen inside the 11.5 envelope.
I understand the appeal of shooting small groups and pushing 5.56 out to distances that most folks consider to be the realm of larger calibers, but in practical application I don't find much edge in barrel length alone. Put the same glass on a decent 18" and a decent 11.5" and performance gets eerily similar with the same ammo.
Realistically, I view 5.56 as a 200 meter solution, with the option to extend if needed, which is met with 11.5.
Realistically, I view 5.56 as a 200 meter solution, with the option to extend if needed, which is met with 11.5.
With a red dot optic, I completely concur that a 11.5 (give or take an inch) with a can is simply the tool of choice from 0-250yd, and still good past that. A slightly longer carbine with low powered variable glass would be my tool of choice for the next couple hundred meters, and then it becomes a question of caliber meeting needs more than barrel length.
If travel to states where a brake has to be permanent is required, then there's little disadvantage in going with 14.5" (but permanently attaching muzzle devices isn't ideal - if that's not a requirement stick with 16"). For the SBR, 11.5" is still the best answer without amplifying information to clarity the question - 10.5" makes sense if compactness is more valuable, and 12.5" is the best 'One Rifle' type solution (or with reflex suppressors), but that mid-range answer is arguably the best [that said, my Suppressed SBR is a 10.5" with Reflex Suppressor]
Is this for the next panic, or are we talking SHTF? the former needs a stashed pile of receivers, mags and ammo to sell.
The latter requires complete rifles ready to go, with extra receivers. because...
if it's for panic, buy a bunch of regulated parts like PMAG's, Tula, and whatever stripped lowers you can get for under $100. Include several good stripped lowers that you wont sell.
when the panic hits, sell the crap and buy whatever wet dream parts you want to build up.
There will be another panic because there will be another mass shooting. and if the stars line up like they did over sandy hook, it will manifest.
if it's SHTF or whatever would cause everyday joes to roll with rifles, then I vote for short and light. Pistol length so i can get home thru the cops and security, then 14.5 around the house, then 20 SDM-ish for farm/street/block overwatch.
I would definitely be raising the bar on quality and spec'ing hard use parts like BCM, DD, Colt, LMT, etc. My personal choices would be BCM SS410 barrels or similar, or DD CHF, paired with Geissele triggers just to get an edge in accuracy and durability.
Don't forget ammo, too - 2 AR's on the opposite ends of the spectrum are going to need different loads.
None NFA: 16.5 middy or carbine.
NFA: 11.5 with short screw on can, and 14.5 middy with clip on can, just if want different lengths.
REdruM0351
06-13-14, 08:07
I am bout to go through my FFL to jump on this SBR awesomeness. As of right now 16 middy and 20 tack driver.
I am very much enjoying reading the collective wisdom found in this thread, especially as it pertains to the reality of the 5.56 cartridge and it's realistic capabilities.
For me, I have made a 12.5" my GPR; topped with a 1-4 variable, it is a "mini-RECCE" of sorts. Beyond that I would probably go for a precision 16", stainless barrel and a higher variable, like something 2.5x10.
Beat Trash
06-13-14, 08:57
I live in a tri-state area where interstate travel can be a daily experience. because of this, I don't want to mess with NFA. I also can not qualify and carry anything but a 16" gun for work.
Anything I need to do, I can do with a 16" mid length. If I didn't mind dealing the NFA, and were permitted to carry it at work, then I'd be all over a 11.5" gun.
14.5"
That's it. One AR. If you feel the need to own more, have at it.
Stop fretting about "the next panic", you'll just be part of the problem instead of part of the solution. Having some patience to wait out a rough patch is the key. The last little panic did not effect me one bit, because I just forgot about shooting until it was over.
Don't get caught up in it.....just ignore it, it goes away.
Rough choice but either a BCM 14.5 lightweight & a 20" A4 or 2 MR556's.
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themighty9mm
06-13-14, 16:13
I have 2, both 14.5 pinned. Didn't feel like waiting around and playing the nfa game as of yet for a firearm. If I end up with a third it will be a 16 inch or 18 inch. If I did it all over again, it would be the same. Both my guns are very similarly set up. Just different optics, and MD's. Or rather soon will be different optics. Currently saving up, to get optics on my second rifle.
PatrioticDisorder
06-13-14, 16:31
If I could only have 2 I'd take an 11.5" SR-15 E3 CQB & a 7.75-8.5" LWRC PSD/PDW/UCIW. With XM193 you can make the 11.5" work at practical ranges and take it to 200 no problem. The 7.75-8.5 requires quality ammo (50gr. TSX) but is a nice light & handy solution to any situation a civilian may find him/Herself in.... Of course I have 2 16" DD's right now, still waiting on my Form 1 stamps to come back so I own neither....
14.5"
Stop fretting about "the next panic", you'll just be part of the problem instead of part of the solution. Having some patience to wait out a rough patch is the key. The last little panic did not effect me one bit, because I just forgot about shooting until it was over.
Not fretting. Things are affordable and available right now and it's a buyers market.
I mreally like the 20 inch barrels . They seem the nicest to shoot.
Well I only have two right now, one is a 16in Mid length, and the other a 16in Carbine length. If I was gonna get a third I would go with a 20" classic rifle build.
Agree....that's exactly my combo..
FWIW, Im in a ban state and 16" is the shortest I can own. I would def add a shorter one if it were legal.
1) 16". Great for all conceivable uses and free of legal entanglements such as travel restrictions and the NFA registry.
2) 11.5". Ideal shorty (IMO) with a great balance of ballistics, compactness, balance, and reliability. With a can you're still in the useable length of a 16" rifle.
I already have my two. BCM ELW 14.5" with a KMR, and a Noveske light RECCE 16" with an NSR.
If I was to pick a third, it would be a mid-con 16" or 18" SS barrel from noveske or BCM.
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My 2 Uppers are 85% identical. Both 14.5 with pinned muzzle devices... 1 with FSB, 1 without, rocking Aimpoints PRO/T1
If I went for a 3rd, I'd go for a MK12 set up with Can
I know the 18" barrel is popular with the 3-gun crowd, but it makes no sense to me. The 18 inch barrel is a bastard length between the 16 and the 20 with out any of the advantages of either. No practical velocity advantage over the 16 but no handier than the 20
LMT Shooter
06-14-14, 00:35
[QUOTE=CleverNickname;1932191]You do realize that you can get SBRs in Illinois now, right? The law changed recently.
I didn't know that. Now I have to figure out iof I want to actually mess with the paperwork & pay the $200
I am pretty sure you must have a C&R and according to some the law is very poorly worded.
You do realize that you can get SBRs in Illinois now, right? The law changed recently.
As for me, 16", then 11.5", then 18" for a third.
PatrioticDisorder
06-14-14, 07:35
I know the 18" barrel is popular with the 3-gun crowd, but it makes no sense to me. The 18 inch barrel is a bastard length between the 16 and the 20 with out any of the advantages of either. No practical velocity advantage over the 16 but no handier than the 20
Actually you can run a rifle length tube on an 18" rifle which is probably the biggest advantage and I'd expect velocity to have a more significant increase from 16" to 18" than from 18" to 20", at least with ammo you'd use for that application (Mk12/SPR).
In one test, M855 ammo made 3000 fps in a 20 inch barrel. Velocity in an 18 barrel was 2900 fps. In the 16 inch barrel velocity was 2800. This is fairly typical. Often, the loss in velocity is greater between 18 & 20 than between 18 & 16, depending on ammo type.
http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/barrel6.jpg
If the thinking is, why not trade 100 fps to reduce barrel length from 18 to 20 for a slightly handier rifle, why not just trade another 100 fps to cut the barrel back to 16 inches and get a truly handy rifle? A 16 inch will do anything an 18 inch barrel will.
But what if you want more velocity than a 16 inch barrel? 18 inches only gets you 100 fps, isn't as handy and the 16 inches will still do anything 18 will. If you're going to trade handiness for velocity, might as well go 20 inches for a velocity gain that worth it. The 18 inch barrel also gives you the complication of gas port location. If equipped with a midlength system, blow down time is longer which can lead to over gassing. Rifle length has a shorter blow down time and the rifle becomes particular about ammo. An intermediate length system could be used but then you need to use a proprietary length gas tube. (Personally, I think the proprietary parts thing gets blown out of proportion.) A rifle length handguard can be run with a 16 inch barrel as well. I plan to cut the FSB of a 16 inch carbine and install a rifle length free float tube.
It's not that the 18 inch barrel is a bad choice, it's just not as practical. It's a tweener without the handling advantage of the 16 inch or the velocity advantage of the 20 inch and the bad habits of both
Can you cite your source for that information about muzzle valosity? It seems a bit suspect because that chart is saying 11 has a highter validity than 12. Just wondering.
http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=1093
I take velocity information as a guideline, not an absolute. In this case, I suspect (but do not know) that there may have been a couple of tight spots in the test bore. There are other variables that can cause fluctuations in velocity & pressure as well
MSparks909
06-14-14, 11:08
Now knowing what I prefer in rifles, I would go with a BCM 14.5" ELW Fluted middy and a 20" A4 with a free-floated stainless barrel.
[QUOTE=CleverNickname;1932191]You do realize that you can get SBRs in Illinois now, right? The law changed recently.
I didn't know that. Now I have to figure out iof I want to actually mess with the paperwork & pay the $200
I'm in Illinois as well and have been debating getting my C & R so I can get BCM 11.5". Right now I'm very happy with my 2 Mid-length ARs, a BCM ELW 14.5" KMR and a Noveske Light Carbine 14.5" NSR.
PatrioticDisorder
06-14-14, 11:26
In one test, M855 ammo made 3000 fps in a 20 inch barrel. Velocity in an 18 barrel was 2900 fps. In the 16 inch barrel velocity was 2800. This is fairly typical. Often, the loss in velocity is greater between 18 & 20 than between 18 & 16, depending on ammo type.
http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/barrel6.jpg
If the thinking is, why not trade 100 fps to reduce barrel length from 18 to 20 for a slightly handier rifle, why not just trade another 100 fps to cut the barrel back to 16 inches and get a truly handy rifle? A 16 inch will do anything an 18 inch barrel will.
But what if you want more velocity than a 16 inch barrel? 18 inches only gets you 100 fps, isn't as handy and the 16 inches will still do anything 18 will. If you're going to trade handiness for velocity, might as well go 20 inches for a velocity gain that worth it. The 18 inch barrel also gives you the complication of gas port location. If equipped with a midlength system, blow down time is longer which can lead to over gassing. Rifle length has a shorter blow down time and the rifle becomes particular about ammo. An intermediate length system could be used but then you need to use a proprietary length gas tube. (Personally, I think the proprietary parts thing gets blown out of proportion.) A rifle length handguard can be run with a 16 inch barrel as well. I plan to cut the FSB of a 16 inch carbine and install a rifle length free float tube.
It's not that the 18 inch barrel is a bad choice, it's just not as practical. It's a tweener without the handling advantage of the 16 inch or the velocity advantage of the 20 inch and the bad habits of both
I agree 18" is not practical, I don't own nor do I plan to own an 18" barrel on any gun... I was just sorta playing devil's advocate regarding the rifle length gas system (and theoretical advantage of some higher FPS on an SPR type set up).
I agree 18" is not practical, I don't own nor do I plan to own an 18" barrel on any gun... I was just sorta playing devil's advocate regarding the rifle length gas system (and theoretical advantage of some higher FPS on an SPR type set up).
The difference in an 18" SPR type set up is a lot more than just two additional inches of chrome lined carbine barrel that don't compare to an 18" SS, Wylde chambered SPR type set up , which by the way is quite practical for the uses I need it for. Someone should let NSWC CRANE know an 18" barrel is not practical.
PatrioticDisorder
06-14-14, 12:07
The difference in an 18" SPR type set up is a lot more than just the two additional inches of barrel. My 16" CL BCM middy and 10.5" CL LMT are not something I would compare to my 18" SS, Wylde chambered SPR type set up , which by the way is quite practical fot the uses I need it for. Someone should let CRANE know an 18" barrel is not practical.
*not practical for me as I never shoot past 300 yards...
"for me" certainly changes the context of your statement.
CharlieDeltaJuliet
06-14-14, 13:00
I am down to four AR's. I know have a 10.4" pistol (Hk upper/SanTan Tactical lower). I have a 16" Hk MR556 re-profiled to a SOCOM profile with extra 416 14.5" barrel. A CMMG Quebec-A 16".22lr. Finally my RRA 24" Varmint with Vortex scope. If I had to part with one it would be the .22lr, if I had to part with two, the Pistol would make the chopping block next.
teutonicpolymer
06-14-14, 13:09
I would just like to step in here in defense of the 18". They shoot very softly with rifle length gas and are not really that hard to handle provided you don't have too heavy a barrel contour. If you think the 18" is unweildy then just watch a video of almost any top 3 gun competitor.
I would say the arguments about being particular on ammo are a bit exaggerated. I also think the velocity argument is a little misguided. It seems like the argument is that velocity of the 18" should be on average, in between the 16" and 20". That is fine and true, but arguing that the velocity gain or loss from either of those is worth it seems kind of arbitrary, especially since you can probably see the same 100 fps variation in barrels of the same length based on rifling and such.
To answer the original question, I would say:
10.5"/11.5" and an 18" for two
10.5"/11.5", 16"/18", and a 20"/24" bull/7.5" diplo-style barrel for three
If non-nfa then:
18" and 20"/24" bull
18", 16", and 20"/24" bull
Go to is a 14.5" mid-length with microdot and my precision is a 20" rifle length with 1-8x optic.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2834/13643069585_741cd5e570_b.jpg
18" - 16 - 10.5"
I would just like to step in here in defense of the 18". They shoot very softly with rifle length gas and are not really that hard to handle provided you don't have too heavy a barrel contour. If you think the 18" is unweildy then just watch a video of almost any top 3 gun competitor
"Not as handy" is a far cry from "unwieldy". I find a 20 inch isn't as handy as a 16 inch barrel but that doesn't mean I find the 20 inch unwieldy
I would say the arguments about being particular on ammo are a bit exaggerated. I also think the velocity argument is a little misguided. It seems like the argument is that velocity of the 18" should be on average, in between the 16" and 20". That is fine and true, but arguing that the velocity gain or loss from either of those is worth it seems kind of arbitrary, especially since you can probably see the same 100 fps variation in barrels of the same length based on rifling and such
That's why I said I take velocity figures as a guideline. The general trend is that the 20 inch gives more of a velocity advantage over the 16 than the 18 inch and the 16 inch is handier. In field use (civilian- I'm not LE or Military) I find the 18 and 16 shoot about the same but the 20 shoots noticeably flatter.
I know the 3 gun guys prefer the 18 inch barrel but I doubt it's from the velocity advantage over the 16 or it's handiness over the 20. I'm willing to bet it gives the shooter a smoother swing than the 16 without needing as much muscle to move as the 20
Boba Fett v2
06-14-14, 16:18
The two I currently own:
11.5"
http://imageshack.com/a/img855/7520/oop1.jpg
16"
http://imageshack.com/a/img818/1175/3irs.jpg
A third option would be an 18" SPR upper with an optic in the 2.5-10x range.
superr.stu
06-14-14, 19:46
I am pretty sure you must have a C&R and according to some the law is very poorly worded.
I jumped through the C&R loops, and had to submit twice while the ATF was trying to figure out how to handle the Illinois Boondoggle. In Hindsight (especially with the sig brace out now) I should have just done a pistol instead...
As to the question at hand for 2 AR's I would say 11.5 with RDS, 14.5 with 1-x optic. Adding a 3rd I would say 14.5-16 with a 2.5-10.
teutonicpolymer
06-14-14, 20:19
"Not as handy" is a far cry from "unwieldy". I find a 20 inch isn't as handy as a 16 inch barrel but that doesn't mean I find the 20 inch unwieldy
That's why I said I take velocity figures as a guideline. The general trend is that the 20 inch gives more of a velocity advantage over the 16 than the 18 inch and the 16 inch is handier. In field use (civilian- I'm not LE or Military) I find the 18 and 16 shoot about the same but the 20 shoots noticeably flatter.
I know the 3 gun guys prefer the 18 inch barrel but I doubt it's from the velocity advantage over the 16 or it's handiness over the 20. I'm willing to bet it gives the shooter a smoother swing than the 16 without needing as much muscle to move as the 20
I would argue the main advantage is the gas system (rifle length on 18"). Pretty damn smooth
I would argue the main advantage is the gas system (rifle length on 18"). Pretty damn smooth
After thinking on it for a bit, I came to the same conclusion
If only 2:
BCM 11.5 With DD Lite Rail and Aimpoint T-1 with Surefire Socom556
BCM 14.5 Middy with DD Lite Rail and Eotech EXPS2 with AAC Mini-4
3:
BCM SOCOM 16" with TA31F-G
BCM 16in mid-lenght lightweight
Lawnchair 04
06-17-14, 21:37
I primarily use a bcm 11.5 suppressed with a surefire socom 762 mini, my wife uses a DD 14.5 and my bcm 16 mid stainless topped with a leupold 3-9 would be the third. Aimpoint comp m2's on the first two.
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