What AR15 barrel length is the most relevant.

Selected a barrel length based on the question in the OP.

  • 10.5" - 11.5"

    Votes: 36 9.3%

  • 14.5"

    Votes: 123 31.8%

  • 16"

    Votes: 164 42.4%

  • 20"

    Votes: 64 16.5%
  • Total voters
    387
Too many different uses listed in the OP to select a "best". For police use I think 14.5" would be the most useful. Not too long for active shooter scenarios but long enough for accuracy work for most distance shooting that POs will do. The military would probably be best served with the 14.5" as well but for room clearing and CQB a shorter barrel, say 10.5", would be best as it still has reach, but more power than a pistol-chambered submachine gun. For competition there are so many disciplines (from Camp Perry to Three Gun to Service Rifle). Too many for only one rifle.
 
BigUglyMan said:
Too many different uses listed in the OP to select a "best". For police use I think 14.5" would be the most useful. Not too long for active shooter scenarios but long enough for accuracy work for most distance shooting that POs will do. The military would probably be best served with the 14.5" as well but for room clearing and CQB a shorter barrel, say 10.5", would be best as it still has reach, but more power than a pistol-chambered submachine gun. For competition there are so many disciplines (from Camp Perry to Three Gun to Service Rifle). Too many for only one rifle.
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Most competitions are based on some form of military or LEO training or situations (yeah, I know they're not perfect, or exact, but what more can you do with paper targets). By the sound of your post, I imagine you would suggest a 14.5" for the poll question :)
 
For live targets the 16 seems to give the best of both velocity and mobility.For competition the 20 holds its own with the right shooter behind it.24'a ARE making a serious move at the national level.This year at NSCC two of the top three shooters were using 24s.Last year one of the guys shot a possible 150-27V out of 150-30v in the deliberate matches,shooting from 200-500m.That would be pretty close to impossible using a regular 20.
 
I voted 16" as the best all around option.

That being said, if you want a dedicated longer range AR for service rifle comps, 20".

A CQB rifle, 10.5".

I see valid reasons for all lengths, so it depends on your philosophy of use.
 
Longshot said:
For live targets the 16 seems to give the best of both velocity and mobility.For competition the 20 holds its own with the right shooter behind it.24'a ARE making a serious move at the national level.This year at NSCC two of the top three shooters were using 24s.Last year one of the guys shot a possible 150-27V out of 150-30v in the deliberate matches,shooting from 200-500m.That would be pretty close to impossible using a regular 20.
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That news is of quite a bit of interest to me. Thanks!

My "serious move" competition wise next season involves a 24" SS. :D I bought it two weeks ago, but haven't had a free moment to get out with it yet. :(

Not the answer to the OPs question as it is pretty specialized, but for some shooters/disciplines, it is definitely the answer.
 
Well, I just bit the bullet and ordered a new barrel up. 18" heavy in 1/7 twist, rifle length gas sytem. Arts and crafts time again :)



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Longshot said:
For live targets the 16 seems to give the best of both velocity and mobility.For competition the 20 holds its own with the right shooter behind it.24'a ARE making a serious move at the national level.This year at NSCC two of the top three shooters were using 24s.Last year one of the guys shot a possible 150-27V out of 150-30v in the deliberate matches,shooting from 200-500m.That would be pretty close to impossible using a regular 20.
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That must be the Milcun camp. They worship super long barrels.
 
16, its fairly compact, offers fragmentation and you can import it into the US for matches.
 
Tom_Swift said:
I'm sure KevinB can chime on this with a mountain of statistics and opinion.
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So?
Quite a few other people on this board I would listen to first..

Did you make a poster of him for your school locker?


16" was my vote.
I would like to run a 14.5" mid. , just for fun and casual competitions.

I would not hesitate to get an 18" or 20" Rifle.....I would want the accuracy and distance to keep those targets that shoot back far away from me.........6.8spc maybe :)
 
rivetc78 said:
So?
Quite a few other people on this board I would listen to first..

Did you make a poster of him for your school locker?


16" was my vote.
I would like to run a 14.5" mid. , just for fun and casual competitions.

I would not hesitate to get an 18" or 20" Rifle.....I would want the accuracy and distance to keep those targets that shoot back far away from me.........6.8spc maybe :)
Click to expand...

Kevin works for an Arms manufacturer and has a mountain of Data from what I've seen over at Army.ca he seems to know his stuff quite well and was wanting to see what he would say.
 
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