16" versus 18" for 3 Gun

[rak320]

I just recently shot the Ozark 3 Gun Championship in Missouri($300,000 prize table) , which was my first big match. It was a natural terrain match and a helluva good time BTW. I outperformed my expectations, but realized I still have a lot to learn about the sport. I shot a 16" carbine length rifle and for the most part shot well, I hit the 400m target, but FTN the 500m. Most shots with the rifle were from 150-250m, which leads to this question...I want to build a rifle for 3 gun matches but I can not decide if an 18" is really needed...I've heard both sides, so I am now reffering this question...I'm leaning towards a BCM or Noveske upper...Any help would be great...

Grant

[Supermoto]

There is really no down side to a 18" rifle length gas system. You can build a very soft shooting rifle with a adjustable gas block, lightened BCG and buffer. The rifle will transition as quickly as a 16". But if you can't hit it with a 16" barrel, then a 18" will not make the difference. Knowing your dope is crucial

[mrwickwire]

I think most 3-gun guys go with an 18 inch with a rifle length gas system.

[jwfuhrman]

Im running a 16in BCM SS410 Midlength upper. Works very well for me. Had 2nd fastest time on the 300 yard targets last 3gun I shot, guy who beat me was using a 18in OPEN gun and only beat me by .01secs, Im running Tac Ops with a Burris XTR 1-4x24.

Heres my 3gun setup:

BCM 16in SS410 Mid-length
Burris XTR 1-4x24 in LaRue SPR 1.5
Battle Comp 1.0
BCM BCG
MagPul ACS
H2 Buffer
MagPul MOE Grip
Troy TRX Extreme 13in

Shoots really smooth, and really fast. Only thing I want to change out is the Fire Control Group for a Geissle SSA or DMR

[M4Fundi]

If you look at the Noveske shooting team 2 are using 17" guns and Rob is using a 16". I "think" Jansen said he was going to try out a 16" over the 17. Personally the NST from Noveske would be where I would start with a dedicated 3gun setup. Look at they're videos. They can shoot fast, but they definitely can shoot long!

[Robb Jensen]

I like a 16" for anything inside of 500yds. After 500yds I like a 18-20" gun. Most stuff I shoot here on the east coast is under 400yds.

I use 16" BCM midlength SS410.

[jwfuhrman]

I like a 16" for anything inside of 500yds.

Thats what she said......

Sorry, had to do it..... lol


But I agree, 18in is, in my opinion, not needed for the distances you will typically shoot in a 3gun match. A good 16in Barrel from BCM, Noveske (ie BCM's SS410 line of barrels or Noveske's Stainless Steel barrels) will suit your needs.

[sff70]

For a 3gun dedicated AR, I would go with 18" for the slightly higher velocity over a 16". Of course, barrel length itself has nothing to do with accuracy.

Some 55 grn ammo out of a 16" barrel will not have enough velocity to meet the power floor for minor PF. So, chrono your ammo to be sure. It's not like you are going to see a chrono stage at a major 3g match like you will at major pistol matches, but you never know.

Also, a little more velocity can help with reactive steel, in that the rounds hit a little harder and have more effect on target, making it easier for you or the RO to see hits.

If you're going to use 69s, 75s, 77s, etc you can overcome the lower velocity out of the 16" barrel, but that can get expensive. If you use 2 different loads, you'll want to know how this affects your holdovers. I zeroed a TA-11 for the 69s, which I used for steel at distance, and then I used 55 grn ball for paper targets. Was satisfied with the results.

[rak320]

Geez...now I'm confused...I've watched about every Noveske video I can find and got to watch Rob shoot in person (very impressive)...I think this topic is based again on who is asked...I am more comfortable shooting a 16" platform rifle and I'm about 90% certain I am going to go with a Noveske...However most guys I see shoot 18" guns...You guys are great on here BTW...Knowledge is power and I'm feeling more powerful everyday...

Grant

[Alaskapopo]

I have been using a 14.5 inch Noveske but I am moving to a 18 inch stainless rogue hunter from Noveske. I kept getting told by people at Brian Enos that 18 was the way to go so I am going to give it a try.
Pat