Ar Barrel length question.

[The Hobbit]

toying around with building an AR in the next year or so. Any reason to go with a 16" barrel over an 18" barrel? As of now if I do decide to build one I think a very basic and no frills build with an 18" barrel.

[dkf]

What do you plan to do with the rifle?

[solrac7]

16 is a good "general use" length.

It is ok for using around corners (home defense) and long distance shots. It makes for a handy rifle. Just my 2 cents.


Cb

[rockstrongo]

It depends what you are going to do with it. I agree with the previous post that the 16" is a great all around carbine barrel length, and makes for a handy and maneuverable rifle. I also like the mid length gas tubes on such a rifle.

[The Hobbit]

mostly the rifle would be a range toy to shoot from 100 to 500 yards and to have as another tool in the chest. Would maybe do some rifle classes with it if I would ever have the desire.

[cms81586]

For those ranges go with 16". I wouldn't even bother with 18" unless you have access to a 600-800yd range. The extra velocity you'll get isn't worth the longer barrel in my opinion. Add a flash hider or brake and you're close to 20" long.

ETA: I tossed my US Optics SN-3 on this for shits and giggles and was smacking steel at 700yds with ease using 75gr TAP. It's an 11.5" barrel.

[The Hobbit]

so for my intended uses go 16 gotcha, now just need to decide if I want this now and an M1A later or vise versa

[cms81586]

so for my intended uses go 16 gotcha, now just need to decide if I want this now and an M1A later or vise versa

Well...the M1A is going to be expensive to shoot unless you're reloading. It's all in what you want. Could always buy a stripped lower now and a M1A, and then build the AR as you can afford it. Just gotta watch you don't get caught with your pants down during a panic like last time around, when AR parts flew off the shelves and BCG's were $300....

[tripleS]

It depends what you are going to do with it. I agree with the previous post that the 16" is a great all around carbine barrel length, and makes for a handy and maneuverable rifle. I also like the mid length gas tubes on such a rifle.

+1 to this!

Also I will add that if I was going to go with a carbine length gas system I would go with a 14.5" barrel, mid length gas for a 16" barrel and rifle length with 18" and up.

[The Hobbit]

Well...the M1A is going to be expensive to shoot unless you're reloading. It's all in what you want. Could always buy a stripped lower now and a M1A, and then build the AR as you can afford it. Just gotta watch you don't get caught with your pants down during a panic like last time around, when AR parts flew off the shelves and BCG's were $300....

Yeah I have been researching and saving for an M1A for a little over a year now and am well aware of the associated costs. This summer I should have the cash to get a springfield standard. On the other hand I could take that money and build an AR get several Pmags and ammo and then later on get myself one of the new JRA Rockola m14s. Decisions decisions