AR pistol barrel length opinions.

[jw34]

My next build will be an AR pistol. Nothing fancy, just a range toy. Figure I better build one before they ban em.

I'm fond of using PSA for my builds, good quality at a decent price IMO.

So, my question is...... What are the pro's and con's of different pistol barrel lengths?
Is a 7.5" long enough to stabilize a round? Is there a benefit to a 12" that outweighs the extra length?

I don't know if I'll ever SBR it. But probably not.

Opinions?

[AHelm3]

I just finished a 7.5 barrel build last summer. If I did it over I'd go 10.5". It is just obnoxious, spits massive fireballs and the concusion it produces is annoying. Not to mention it isn't very reliable because of the short gas system. I need to try out different weighted buffers.

[NathanB]

I went with a 10.5 as well but it's going to be an sbr. The 10.5 is noticeably shorter and easier to maneuver but without the silly amounts of percussion

[AJ C-burg]

I have a 10.3" and a 7.5". The 10.3" has a KAK tube and sometimes a Sig arm brace. The weight is balanced with that setup. The 7.5" has a Spikes tube with a foam pad. It is balanced and comfortable. If I put the 10.3" on the lower with the Spikes tube it feels a little front heavy. I was able to tame things down by using an adjustable gas block on the 7.5" and a KX5 to direct the blast forward. Its like a rifle, it depends on your end goal. If you may SBR, go 10.5+. If you won't SBR and want an HD gun, go 7.5".

[ianb1116]

I went with a 10.5" and KAK flash tube. I also used a 10" rail. Longer sight radius is definitely a plus with using the 10 vs 7. Like others have said, if you plan to sbr, go at least 10. IMHO, a 7 incher was just too short to comfortably shoot.

[solrac7]

I have a 10.5" palmetto state with a Thordsen's custom tube on it. Very reliable and easy to manuever. I think it is a nice length.

Cb

[Fragger]

Built 2X 7 1/2" pistols.
Why 2?
I was so impressed with the first one when I benched it with a cheapie red dot at 200yds.

Carbine buffers were too light with their 3 steel inserts.
I'm using 50cal 348gr. Power Belt copper clad lead (for use in muzzle loaders) bullets now as replacement for the steel weights. Perfect diameter and length for the swap out.
Functions 100% and will toss and pile the empties nicely at your 5 0'clock position.


Concussion? Well yeah there is that but it doesn't bother me much with ear plugs.

[theunrulychef]

If you reload, I'd suggest going 300 blk for an AR pistol/sbr over 556/223.

[plinKing]

Ballistics is the answer. 62gr .223 loses a ton of velocity & energy the shorter your barrel length. .300 BO does also, but not at ratios near what the .223 is.

That being said, I built a 7.5" pistol, because I don't give a crap about the ballistics. I'm not shooting my AR pistol 200 yards, nor am I hunting with it. I'm taking in the backyard and shooting watermelons, and crap with it at 50 yards.

Check out BBTI.com for some real world data http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/rawdata.html

ETA: Worth noting is that the OAL of my pistol with KAK tube is 25", 1" longer and I could put a VFG on it if I wanted to, just not conceal it like that (not like I would) <26" OAL VFG=AOW as far as I know, so no go for me.

[streaker69]

Opinions?

I think you should go to your chief and see if you can carry it as your service weapon. There are holsters available for them.