Best barrel length for SBR, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5..?

**Pappabear** · 05-19-10, 20:08

What is the most popular length barrel for a SBR? What length do you like and why? I know they are very loud, but does a 10.5 pop much louder than a 12.5? How much does the Noveske Pig help.

If I went the simple route and bought a BCM upper in the $500 range and put a Pig on it, what length do you think best?

**QuietShootr** · 05-19-10, 20:13

if you want the shortest OAL you're restricted to a few high quality barrels. if not, options widen a little bit.

First question is: Are you ever going to put a sound suppressor on this gun?

**m249saw** · 05-20-10, 11:26

Pretty common question.

As said above first do you plan to ever add a suppressor?

Yes: 10.5" are good for that due to smaller OAL with the can, but velocities suffer slightly

No: 11.5" or 12.5" with the consensus being 12.5" being a bit better with velocities if you dont mind the extra inch.

I was originally going 10.5", following the "if you are going through the trouble of an SBR go as short as possible" mantra. However after being on the fence about suppression and being used to using 16" barrels the last 15 years I figured Id take Stickman and others advise and sent off the paperwork for a 12.5" barrel.

However in the meantime I have fallen in love with the looks of the OPS collars and great reviews of there suppressors, so looks like a can is in my future anyway. With a 15th can with a 12.5" Ill still be around 16" from what Ive been told.

**beavo451** · 05-20-10, 11:39

12.5"

If you are considering the KX3 on a 10.5, you might as well get the 12.5" and have a "regular" muzzle device and get the extra velocity.

Rifles are all loud anyway. I tend to double up when shooting (plugs and muffs).

**User Name** · 05-20-10, 16:04

I have a Noveske N4 barreled 10.5 as well as the Noveske Crusader 12.5". The 12.5 is my favorite of all my AR's and is my go to gun. If you plan on running a KX3 (I don't on the 10.5) then you might as well go with a 12.5 with a traditional muzzle device. KX3's make for a more pleasant shooting for those with you. Though I don't believe them to be a necessity for 10.5" SBR's as far a functionality.

12.5" seems to be the best compromise between velocity and compactness. The Noveske Crusader barrel has shown with certain loads to meet or exceed velocities of a 14.5" C/L barrel.

**Pappabear** · 05-20-10, 16:17

[QUOTE=m249saw;659971]Pretty common question.

As said above first do you plan to ever add a suppressor?

Yea, I may add a suppressor later. Sounds like the 12.5 might be the ticket. And if I get a second, I could make it a 10.5.

Thanks for the replies.

pb

**Sid Post** · 05-20-10, 18:22

A lot of first timers get a 10.5" upper first. I find them to be obnoxious. They are great for general range days when you want a lot of flash and bang for show and tell.

Today, I prefer a 12 to 13 inch barrel. I like the better ballistics and feel better about not sand blasting a suppressor with unburned powder. I'm not deploying my rifle under cover or out of a car so, the extra ~2 inches doesn't really hurt the compactness IMHO. I do like the mid-length gas systems over the carbine gas system for normal range days so, a 14.5" mid-length gas system is nice.

The KX-3 is a nice range toy for me but, I find it to be too heavy and as others have noted will trade its weight and length for more barrel.

**tobasco** · 05-20-10, 18:37

i got a 10.5, but was wondering if a can would work with 7.5 barrel.

thanks

**TehLlama** · 05-20-10, 19:46

Without the can, a 11.5" or 12.5" is going to be most comfortable.
If you plan on suppressing this upper down the road, but want to use it as-is, the 11.5" has an advantage, but the performance of the 12.5" is the best compromise ballistically.

Sid makes a good point - if you're not working out of a confined space with it, a couple inches of OAL isn't going to make a very significant difference. In a vehicle, and with a can hanging off the end, you'll notice the weight more.