14.5" vs. 16"

[DVE]

I've searched on PAFOA and haven't found any discussion about this. But plain and simple which AR barrel length do you prefer?

16" vs. 14.5" w/ attached FH

I don't plan on dealing with the tax stamps just yet. So I've read quite a few discussions across the web and it seems like it all comes down to..

16" = Greater velocity
14.5" = Easier to move in confined spaces/Lighter. But harder to work on and less velocity. All the charts I've read though, the 14.5" velocity seems negligible.

[emsjeep]

I've searched on PAFOA and haven't found any discussion about this. But plain and simple which AR barrel length do you prefer?

16" vs. 14.5" w/ attached FH

I don't plan on dealing with the tax stamps just yet. So I've read quite a few discussions across the web and it seems like it all comes down to..

16" = Greater velocity
14.5" = Easier to move in confined spaces/Lighter. But harder to work on and less velocity. All the charts I've read though, the 14.5" velocity seems negligible.

For an extra 1.5 inches...I'll take something I can work on...

[DVE]

For an extra 1.5 inches...I'll take something I can work on...

I agree, I'm a big fan of working on them too. But to play devils advocate - the only thing it really hinders is the FSB and some rails. But most companies offer 2-piece rails now anyway.

[deshawn jackson]

We need to run the Pepsi challenge on this one. Two identical rifles with different barrel setups, blind fold someone and see if they can tell a difference in weight.

I am probably the furthest thing from an expert on this but I think the differences in weight manuverablity and effectiveness of the round would be marginal at best. If lead is traveling my direction, the last thing Im worried about its velocity.

I have a 14.5 because I like the aesthetics of a more compact rifle, without the hoops to jump through.

[orionz06]

Are you pinning the FH or not? If not, the difference in length is negligible, the weight is a noticeable difference, but the inability to work on the barrel is a drawback to me. I vote 10.5-11.5" SBR. Lethal for my ranges.

[39flathead]

How is a 14.5" with a fixed muzzle device making it 16" any "easier" to maneuver than a normal 16" ? A standard birdcage on a 16" is adding what, an inch?
So what we are really talking about here, is a faked out 16" vs. a 17".
A 4 or 6 position stock will give you more maneuverability than a fake shorty barrel.

Unless going SBR with a true 14.5, a 14.5 with a fixed device to save length is an oxymoron IMO. If someone wants a fake shorty just for tacticool factor, that's one thing, but that's about the only reason I personally see to have one, I guess I'm just not into tacticool.

[arrrrgh15]

I prefer my 14.5" on an SBR lower with a normal FH. Most 16" barrels are actually 16.25 I believe. My opinion....side by side that 1.75" adds up and is pretty noticible.

But without the SBR lower, I'd just go 16" and forget the rediculous factor involved with a pinned&welded flash hider. Why bother.

I agree with 39 flathead. 16" or go SBR if you're concerned about length.

That said, a 10.5 is in my future.

[richrock]

Like a lot of others said, I prefer 16" mostly so I don't need a welded flash hider. I may want to swap out the FH, and I guess the velocity thing got in my head also; although I too think it's not very relevant anyway.

I do like the aesthetics of a shorter barrel.

[orionz06]

Most 16" barrels are actually 16.25 I believe

That gets covered by the FH so in most cases it is moot.

[ungawa]

I vote 10.5-11.5" SBR. Lethal for my ranges.

Lethal to your ears with two shots.

What?