-
Typically in the case of AAC cans and most others you want minimum 1" difference between the listed barrel length vs. listed rail length. So an 8" barrel with a 7.0 rail, etc. This is why Noveske chose the barrel lengths they did for their 300 BLK uppers. Reflex cans, or those that mount back over the barrel like the Ops cans ans the AAC SPR-M4, are another matter entirely. In the case of the Ops 15th, for example, you need minimum 2.5" of difference between the listed barrel length and the listed rail length. So an 11.5" barrel with a 9.0 rail, for example.
You're going to have to balance cost vs. desire like everyone else. If you want to re-use the "redheaded stepchild" as much as possible then you're going to want a 12.5" barrel to work with the 11.0 rail as an 11.5" barrel probably won't leave you enough room to mount the can. However, if you wanted to go shorter overall then you'll need to replace the rail with something else, at which point you could go with whatever rail/barrel length combination you want as long as they are compatible with one another.
-
Well I put my upper for sale in the EE. If someone buys it I will just put that towards a 12.5" upper when I move. Kill two birds with one stone that way. The upper itself isn't bad, but I just don't like the rail. I'd rather have another Larue or DD Lite. If it doesn't sell I will just put a 12.5" barrel in it myself. My plan is to get the lower engraved for the SBR while I'm still out here and as soon as my plane lands, turn in a Form 1 for the SBR. :) That same week I'll go suppressor shopping.
Now I have to figure out which suppressor to get. I'm leaning towards the AAC SPR M4.
I dont get how this happens. I ask about suppressing one rifle, and the next thing I know Im selling a different rifle and buying something else entirely. :blink: