Author Topic: Barrel Length 5.56 (Read 710 times)

WhaleNoises · « **on:** October 28, 2011, 01:36:46 PM »

I'm pretty sure I want to get a 14.5" with the permanently attached flash suppresser making it a 16" barrel, but is there a big difference on performance of the 5.56 round if you use a 14.5" vs a 16" barrel? Does anyone know the length that powder is used up in for the 5.56 round? I wanted the 14.5 because the flash suppresser is permanent and I worry about it falling off or getting loose. I plan on using the gun for SHTF Zombies and home defense, but mostly target practice.

tgibson · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:47:07 PM »

Just go with an 18" and be done with it. If you know how to properly handle the gun, an additional 3.5" isn't going to make any difference except in the FPS area....just one guys opinion.
Adios,
TG

egress81 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:56:00 PM »

Either length will work for your intended uses, It would mostly be personal preference.

I like the feel of a 14.5" but like option of a 16" to change out the muzzle device with ease if I want.

As for the flash hider falling off or getting loose on a 16" because its not pinned and welded, if that happened all the time AR manufactures would probably pin and weld all muzzle devices regardless of barrel length. In other words if properly installed I wouldn't worry

ekuo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:58:42 PM »

My two cents: Length depends on your application. If all you intend to shoot is close, go with the short barrel as it will be easier to maneuver around. If you intend to shoot far, get a long barrel. But if you're looking for the best length for all-around, go with what TG suggested and get the 18".

18" barrels are a very popular length for 3-gun shooters since it is a very versatile length. Good for far (400-600 yds), good up close (5-100 yds), and not so long that you can't get it in and out of shooting positions. Plus, you can run a rifle-length gas system on an 18" bbl. AFAIK a mid-length gas system is max with a 14.5" bbl.

Most 18" bbls also come with a 1:8 twist, which fits the bill nicely for the 55 gr to 75 gr bullets. If you intend to shoot 40 grain bullets or 80 gr, you might look at 1:7 or 1:9 twist.

tgibson · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2011, 02:22:19 PM »

Even 18" barrels can move around pretty fast.
Adios,
TG
Travis Gibson 2011 MG nats

Nealio · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2011, 03:20:51 PM »

Yeah I would say pitch the 14.5" and get a 16" or an 18". A permanent flash hider on a 14.5" has a 16" OAL anyway. 16's and 18's are easy to find and shoot great. An extra 2" isn't going to make or break you unless you run around your house with your rifle sideways and your doors will only allow a maximum of 16" barrel length..

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2011, 03:32:31 PM »

lol

The reason for the shorter barrel is weight. Have you heard the saying "Ounces equals pounds.". I'm only 5'6" weigh just under 140, and if I'm using it during a SHTF scenario I will most likely be carring it all the time. But running around the house with it doesn't sound bad either.

tgibson · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2011, 03:49:38 PM »

My 18" gun with no glass weighs in at just under 7lbs. About 8 with a 1.5-5 Leupold Mark IV.
Adios,
TG

popsgunner · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2011, 03:56:21 PM »

check out Professional Ordnance by Bushmaster , very light 16" guns, or start lifting weights....either one...LOL
Pops

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2011, 05:07:58 PM »

I'm pretty set on BCM, I just wanted opinions on pros and cons of the barrel lengths.

Jaggy13 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2011, 05:55:15 PM »

Come watch Travis shoot tomorrow and then you realize who is giving you free advice some of us have happily paid for!

Cmiller · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2011, 06:35:26 PM »

I have the BCM 14.5 with a pinned FH. I love it for a shtf gun like you're saying. Compared to my buddies 16 inch it feels pretty compact. + I just think 14.5's look cool.

My only regret is not going with the PWS comp but I was on a tight budget.

dutch1911 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2011, 10:16:26 PM »

Lmfao... Really??? Listen the 16" is perfect nothing is going to fall off... Wow!

birddog1989 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 29, 2011, 07:52:11 AM »

Quote from: WhaleNoises on October 28, 2011, 01:36:46 PM

I plan on using the gun for SHTF Zombies and home defense, but mostly target practice.

Don't forget your cooler full of steaks and some beer.

No-One · « **Reply #14 on:** October 29, 2011, 09:19:51 AM »

I am not trying to poo-poo your weight theory but 2 inches of barrel length isn't taking much weight off of an AR . If its a huge concern go with an 18 inch upper and a carbon fiber free float tube . Or go with an 18 inch upper and a thin profile barrel instead of an HBAR profile . Or go with an 18 inch upper with a carbon fiber free float tube and a thin profile barrel

Just saying that there are lots of ways to skin that cat but when one of the top shooters in the nation doles out a little advice I would at least scratch my melon and look at the option before throwing it in the trash . Heck , when I took Raul Garcia's class he was shooting a 20 inch A2 and made most of us with our Gucci , go-fast rifles look like clowns doing it .

I am sure there are lots of folks here who would be willing to let you try out an upper or complete rifle just to make a comparison before you dole out your hard earned money . Heck , Maybe its time for an AR comparison day similar to the scope comparison day we had this summer .

J Mack · « **Reply #15 on:** October 29, 2011, 11:30:49 AM »

All the cool kids have a 10.5" upper for Zombie work and I'm pretty sure they will laugh at the 14" BCM.
Seriously you have repeatedly been given good advice based on what you say your needs are by some of the most knowledgeable guys on the board and to me it looks like you have already made up your mind and just looking for approval.
I say just post some pictures of your finished project and share the details then.

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #16 on:** October 29, 2011, 12:36:08 PM »

Quote from: No-One on October 29, 2011, 09:19:51 AM

I am not trying to poo-poo your weight theory but 2 inches of barrel length isn't taking much weight off of an AR . If its a huge concern go with an 18 inch upper and a carbon fiber free float tube . Or go with an 18 inch upper and a thin profile barrel instead of an HBAR profile . Or go with an 18 inch upper with a carbon fiber free float tube and a thin profile barrel

Just saying that there are lots of ways to skin that cat but when one of the top shooters in the nation doles out a little advice I would at least scratch my melon and look at the option before throwing it in the trash . Heck , when I took Raul Garcia's class he was shooting a 20 inch A2 and made most of us with our Gucci , go-fast rifles look like clowns doing it .

I am sure there are lots of folks here who would be willing to let you try out an upper or complete rifle just to make a comparison before you dole out your hard earned money . Heck , Maybe its time for an AR comparison day similar to the scope comparison day we had this summer .

That sounds good to me. I've only shot the AR at impact guns and it seemed a bit heavy. I don't know the length on it but I would guess 20" I know its either mid or rifle length gas system an there was about 6" of barrel after the front sight.

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #17 on:** October 29, 2011, 02:24:41 PM »

Quote from: J Mack on October 29, 2011, 11:30:49 AM

it looks like you have already made up your mind and just looking for approval.

Thats not the case, I didn't even contemplate an 18" bbl. Thats why I'm asking you guys. It sounds like a good Idea. I think I just need to get my hands on some to feel them out.

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #18 on:** October 29, 2011, 04:17:53 PM »

something else now is if I do make it an 18" bbl, then what length gas system do you use? I read that the rifle length is slow and the mid length is too fast because the rifle length is designed for the 20" bbl.

Jeff · « **Reply #19 on:** October 29, 2011, 04:34:33 PM »

Mid length.

birddog1989 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 29, 2011, 05:14:50 PM »

16 inch with mid length gas tube. .02

hessmanca · « **Reply #21 on:** October 29, 2011, 05:47:03 PM »

My .02~
16" mid length gas system and if you are worried about weight look at a CHF barrel, do your research and save weight on your handguard and most of all.... keep the "tac-ti-cool" crap off the gun! Get the necessities and call it good.

ekuo · « **Reply #22 on:** October 29, 2011, 09:11:03 PM »

JP 18" barrel, rifle length gas system, and an adjustable gas block that is turned down about 3/4. 1:8 twist

Nomad · « **Reply #23 on:** October 30, 2011, 09:42:12 AM »

A coule of years back at a patrol shoot a 16" barrel shot 940yds with 69gr bullets....4 shoots fired and
3 on target the 36 X36 target on the hill, shot prone with a bipod.
Shoot down some of the thought on the need for a long barrel, 18" and longer are nice to have and
do have a ballistic advantage but it boils down to choice........
Witness to this was R2, NG, DT, and myself.......

Rook · « **Reply #24 on:** November 02, 2011, 11:17:29 PM »

I'm finally going to finish the lower i purchased pre 08 election. I've got an AK that well just hasn't grown on me.
I cant decide between a 16 middy with moe hardare or to build an M16A4 style clone.

I'll likely buy a kit from PSA as their bang for the buck seems the best at the moment.

Suggestions?

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #25 on:** November 03, 2011, 11:56:58 AM »

I think I'm partial to the shorter barrel, kinda like an M4 look without it being that short. but I might eventually get a regular length like the M16A3 but I will probably get the shorter M4 stile first. I don't have anywhere to shoot further then 200yards atm I don't have a need for a longer barrel yet.

Shade OGrey · « **Reply #26 on:** November 03, 2011, 05:02:37 PM »

No place to shoot further than 200 Yards!?
This is Idaho! Plenty of open range land.
I just spent the afternoon walking up and down the Eastern end of the Danskin Mountains, not a soul around for literally miles.
Sweet peace and quiet.

WhaleNoises · « **Reply #27 on:** November 03, 2011, 09:32:19 PM »

Well its more of a personal reason. My oldest son has a trach, so I don't go too far from home.