AR Pistol... what length barrel? Pros and cons.

**solrac7** · March 28th, 2017, 10:22 PM

Pretty neat to see that 7" at 200 yards... shows that it can still do the trick, obviously the .50 cal was more powerful (as would be my WW1 era Springfield 30-06 ) but it could still put a hurt on someone at that distance. The 556x45 is not my favorite "knockdown" cartridge, but it is effective as designed and then some. If I was going into a fight and had the choice and money was no object, I would probably have gone with the .300 blackout, but for the price difference and availability, I chose the the 556 in an 8.5 barrel for my pistol.

Cb

**Mtbkski** · March 28th, 2017, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by Hawk

Check out this video. 7" AR pistol (with red dot at 100 and 200 yards) through wood. I was at bit surprised of the results.

OK, didn't see that one coming. That was pretty impressive. All this talk had me wondering why anyone would even bother with an AR pistol. Well, now I want one too.

**Mtbkski** · March 28th, 2017, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by RocketFoot

I went with a 7" barrel and a 9" fore grip and a KAK Flash Can to top it off because I, like EM, wanted to keep it short and sweet! I have a 16" and a 20" if I want to reach out and touch someone! The 7" is for close and personal (and for fireballs...I like fireballs!)

Looks great like that. And gives you a bit more room for your hand. I like it.

**MD66948** · March 29th, 2017, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by danhr

Be a man and switch that flash can to a two port muzzle brake, and set off some REAL fireballs

Here are a few Flash pictures, (two of my sons and me), taken at the East Lancaster Co. Rod & Gun Club Machinegun Shoot several Years ago.

The M16 Upper is off of my Colt Commando Model 6933, (11.5" barrel), and the HK 51, (7.62x51), has an 8" Barrel.

**TXDMERC73** · March 29th, 2017, 07:40 AM

can someone get the data for short barreled Ars for FPS and FPE? .223 shines with 2500 fps or higher or it will just poke holes.

**Delkal** · March 29th, 2017, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by TXDMERC73

can someone get the data for short barreled Ars for FPS and FPE? .223 shines with 2500 fps or higher or it will just poke holes.

The link I posted earlier has a graph of the muzzle energy. Click right below the cartridge title. From their data an 8 inch barrel will give you ~2500 fps and ~700 ftlbs energy (compared to 1100 ftlbs for an 18 inch barrel)

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/223rifle.html

**Hawk** · March 29th, 2017, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Delkal

The link I posted earlier has a graph of the muzzle energy. Click right below the cartridge title. From their data an 8 inch barrel will give you ~2500 fps and ~700 ftlbs energy (compared to 1100 ftlbs for an 18 inch barrel)

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/223rifle.html

and if you compare those ballistics to a 9MM out of a 4" barreled pistol, you'll see that the MV and ME is approx. double.