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Thread: Recommendations on an 11.5 build

  1. #1
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    Recommendations on an 11.5 build

    So, Eurodriver's thread was the last straw.

    I've decided to pull the trigger on an SBR build. It's been a long time coming.

    Currently, I am looking at an 11.5 inch barrel, for the significant increase in dwell time over a 10.3-10.5 for the marginal increase in overall length. I am pretty sold on lengths over 10.5, but am curious if there is a significant case for going 11.5 vs a 12.5. Euro dropped a kino upper for an 11.5 barreled upper, and this shifted a great deal of the weight from the fore end towards the magazine well, producing much better balance. This seems to make a good deal of sense; every kitted up rifle, SBR or not, that I've handled suffers mightily from imbalance once you slap a PEQ and light and switch and grip etc. out near the muzzle.

    I don't plan on having a fixed FSB on this, and will likely be running a quad rail (probably a Centurion) over a low-pro gas block. One of the nagging questions that I've had about this is whether or not I'll need to invest in a switchblock of some kind, as ideally this same rifle will carry a suppressor. Realistically, will an 11.5-12.5 cycle (depending on gas port, I guess) with just a change of buffer and no switchblock? Another alternative would be an 11.5 Faxon with the SLR switchblock. Really, I am just looking for something idiot-proof. Whatever the final solution, it will be run an A5 system.

    Finally, I am looking for sources for the parts. I have nothing against starting with an assembled upper, and right now the two that are clear leaders are BCM and Sionics. Both offer 11.5s, and both have solid reputations for producing durable, combat grade kit, and offer turn-key products set up just about exactly as I want: Centurion rail over an 11.5 inch assembly. As far as barrels go, there's always Faxon / BA, but as far as I can tell, neither care chrome lined. There's always Noveske, but that is super spendy (on an already spendy project). Suggestions? Any glaring oversights that I'm missing?
    Last edited by noonesshowmonkey; 01-09-17 at 14:55. Reason: detail, 11.5 mid length thread info, A5 buffer info

  2. #2
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    That whole 10.5 vs. 11.5 dwell time thing is a non issue in my experience. Good ammo and a reasonable gas port on the 10.5 will run reliably as hell. The fact that you don't plan on running a fixed FSB is nice because you can run an adjustable gas block. Almost all short barrels are over gassed, and adjustable blocks are NICE. I loved mine.

    That said, the Sionics 11.5 reduced gas port barrel is the best 11.5 option out there currently. I have one, and I love it. You could run that gun with a standard lo pro block and be fine.
    "You people have too much time on your hands." - scottryan

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by markm View Post
    That whole 10.5 vs. 11.5 dwell time thing is a non issue in my experience. Good ammo and a reasonable gas port on the 10.5 will run reliably as hell. The fact that you don't plan on running a fixed FSB is nice because you can run an adjustable gas block. Almost all short barrels are over gassed, and adjustable blocks are NICE. I loved mine.

    That said, the Sionics 11.5 reduced gas port barrel is the best 11.5 option out there currently. I have one, and I love it. You could run that gun with a standard lo pro block and be fine.
    I love my sionics 11.5 rgp upper. My BCM and SOLGWs 11.5s are also outstanding performers as well. TBH it would be hard for me to pick a favorite of those 3.

  4. #4
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    I'm running the Colt FBI barrel in mine and have had BCM BFH 11.5 and the Sionics RGB barrel. All will accomplish what you're after, but yeah I would probably go with the Sionics since it's:

    A. Cheaper than the Colt
    B. Smaller port and nicer contour than the BCM
    C. Will run suppressed and unsuppressed w/out adj. block
    D. They'll build it in an upper for you with CMR Rail or C4 rail.

  5. #5
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    I've had first hand experience with unreliable 10.5" BBL'd uppers shooting decent ammo. 11.5" is the way to go.

    I'm a CHF fanboy and have used the FN and Daniel Defense barrels without difficulty. I'm currently assembling a 12" LaRue Stealth Upper.

    If you aren't going to be running suppressed, check out the Spikes/FN 11.5" lightweight CHF barrels.

  6. #6
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    Centurion arms barrel (cl)
    Just looking at length, I'd go 11.5". 12.5 is too close to 14 for me to justify. Ymmv.

  7. #7
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    Centurion arms rarely has 11.5 though.


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  8. #8
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    Complete KAC CQB.


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  9. #9
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    Don't buy dog shit quality and she will run. Buy good stuff and run it hard

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  10. #10
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    Sorry to piggyback, but I have been eyeing an 11.5 upper as well, and have been looking at a BCM 11.5 enhanced LW, Sionics RGP, and SOLGW, along with possibly a Noveske SS 11.5 ordered as a barrel only. An aside- If I order a noveske will they drill the gas port to requested size, letting me do a Noveske RGP barrel?

    Any of these, using range ammo, going to have a real advantage with accuracy? Any known to be vastly superior with match ammo if I get a wild hair and feel like trying it out at distance? Frankly, I dont doubt any of the options for their primary role, and practically speaking were not talking a huge price advantage to any of them (maybe a $100 here or there?)

    This probably will never be a mini-recce type build, it will probably be suppressed 95% + of the time (though I do want to know it will work without a can/with whatever can I put on), and will have a red dot, so I am not looking for sub-moa at extended ranges, a 0-100yd gun for all practical purposes.

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