Is it true that AR's were meant and/or built to shoot with a 20" barrel? Is it because that was the original barrel length (or around the original length) when they were built? Is the gas affected by shooting out of different lengths and does that affect accuracy? I understand that barrel lengths depend on the style of shooting you chose whether it's close quarters or long range, but is there such a thing as the best all around barrel length for all types of shooting? Here's a dumb question (I'm asking it anyway) - Is there such a thing as a heavy barrel "under 20"? Who are the "stud barrel makers" out there? Is a fluted heavy barrel better than a regular heavy barrel? I read that carbines (16.5") are still good in the 200 to 400 meter range... is that true? I have more questions but can't remember any more right now... help me out.
questions about AR barrels
- Thread starter lyle c
- Start date
lol, lots of questions. No one has answered yet so I'll try and help out. Other will correct and add I'm sure.
I think the original AR was designed with a 20" barrel. How the gas system works is kinda dependent on barrel length. I know some shorty carbines had issues with not pushing the right amount of gas through. But I'm no expert on that stuff.
As for a best overall barrel length for most shooting, I think 16" makes the best use of the cartridge's powder without being TOO long. I like my 14.5" as I think it gives the perfect amount of muzzle blast vs. performance!
The Bushmaster's I've handled all had 16" heavy barrels. So yeah, Hbar shorties are definitely doable. And I think as I mentioned above that a 16" barrel is a good option and you'd be happy with it's shooting out to 300 for sure. That, and it's difficult to get a hold of a factory gun with anything less that a 16" bbl right now. The US hasn't been letting much else come over the boarder. You can get a shot barrel gun if you look around.
Hope that helps.
I think the original AR was designed with a 20" barrel. How the gas system works is kinda dependent on barrel length. I know some shorty carbines had issues with not pushing the right amount of gas through. But I'm no expert on that stuff.
As for a best overall barrel length for most shooting, I think 16" makes the best use of the cartridge's powder without being TOO long. I like my 14.5" as I think it gives the perfect amount of muzzle blast vs. performance!
The Bushmaster's I've handled all had 16" heavy barrels. So yeah, Hbar shorties are definitely doable. And I think as I mentioned above that a 16" barrel is a good option and you'd be happy with it's shooting out to 300 for sure. That, and it's difficult to get a hold of a factory gun with anything less that a 16" bbl right now. The US hasn't been letting much else come over the boarder. You can get a shot barrel gun if you look around.
Hope that helps.
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Yes the original AR15, turned M16 (and A1 and A2) where 20" barrels -- the buffer weight, spring and gasport size and location where desgined with the 20" barrel and specific ammunition in mind
If you mean gas by burnt or unburnt propellant you are correct, in that too short a barrel can leave a majority of propellant unburnet -- this will effect both velocity - and can result ina large fireball at the muzzle as the unburnt propellant ignites
16" is it pretty much the jack of all trades lengths
Yes
Douglas
Krieger
Lilja
Noveske
A fluted barrel with the same outside diamater will be lighter than a barrel that is whole the same diamater (less mass)
Yes
no worries
