Was just curious as to the big differences between the two barrel lengths. Does the accuracy drop drastically through those 3 inches, or is it not really significant? What about the flash.. I've heard it become a bit of a pain with shorter barreled ar's? Thanks.
14.5" vs. 11.5"
- Thread starter GUNN
- Start date
Barrel length does not affect accuracy, if anything a shorter barrel is more accurate given less whip. However the lower muzzle velocity will allow external factors to affect the bullet especially at distance. I personally hate barrels shorter than 14.5". Their long term reliability is less, they make a alot of noise which is no fun when training with others and in the hands of inexperienced shooters they can be dangerous in the dynamic training arena. I think most of us would be best served with either a 16" or 20" rifle which travel well all over North America and the shorties left to those professionals who genuinely require the handiness of the 11" or shorter ARs. As always, my opinion YMMV.
My last two have been 10.25" barrels. I have not fired the most recent one as I just finished building it, but the last one had a Wilson heavy 10.25" barrel on it and was accurate enough for me.
I hit the 6" gong consistantly at 100 yards with an eotech sight, but never really tried to shoot any measureable groups. I had no gas problems with it at all. It did tend to be a bit louder though and the flash being alot closer too you was noticeable, but did not affect follow up shots at all.
I hit the 6" gong consistantly at 100 yards with an eotech sight, but never really tried to shoot any measureable groups. I had no gas problems with it at all. It did tend to be a bit louder though and the flash being alot closer too you was noticeable, but did not affect follow up shots at all.
Is the 16" AR noticeably louder than the 20"? I realize I will usually be wearing "headphones", but if I'm not does the 16" version cross the line between "Whoa', that's loud"
to "Son-of-a-#####...ring, ring" ?
Thanks for any help you experienced folks can offer - Jeff.
to "Son-of-a-#####...ring, ring" ? Thanks for any help you experienced folks can offer - Jeff.
I like the 10.3"-11.5" barreled AR's. They tend to be very loud and some people don't care for that. Some people I know have complained about muzzle blast to the shooter, but that could always be remedied with a Noveske (which is pricey at $200+). As for muzzle velocity, well that has been covered already. I can't remember at what velocity SS109 reliably fragments at, and your 11.5 barrel may have problems reaching that velocity at distances.
As to being dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced shooter during dynamic training, I have would have to disagree with Sparrow (which is wierd because I think it's the first time). If someone is unsafe with an 10-11" barrel, they will be unsafe with other lengths too. And I personally would not like to train with an individual who is constantly incapable of controlling their muzzle.
As to being dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced shooter during dynamic training, I have would have to disagree with Sparrow (which is wierd because I think it's the first time). If someone is unsafe with an 10-11" barrel, they will be unsafe with other lengths too. And I personally would not like to train with an individual who is constantly incapable of controlling their muzzle.
Wait till you get down to the 8" barrels. My buddy said my 9mm AR15 w/ 8" barrel was louder then my 14.5" 223 with R33 FH..
If I remember MuskyHunter Said he got around 2400FPS using 55grn WWB out of his 11.5" Thats kinda low from the 2900-3100 FPS from a 20" Also for the SS109 to fragment I think the guys said you need around 2600FPS or a bit more. They saying that the 14.5" has trouble doing that and says 16" can get the proper velocity.
Someone can correct me...
If I remember MuskyHunter Said he got around 2400FPS using 55grn WWB out of his 11.5" Thats kinda low from the 2900-3100 FPS from a 20" Also for the SS109 to fragment I think the guys said you need around 2600FPS or a bit more. They saying that the 14.5" has trouble doing that and says 16" can get the proper velocity.
Someone can correct me...
CP220 - any short barrel weapon is easier turned than a longer one. there where a number of mupties on the Tactical Response course that made it clear that they should have at least a 24 foot barrel...
I have 7.5-20" AR's - some for fun and some for professional use.
I have 7.5-20" AR's - some for fun and some for professional use.
NavyShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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I have an 11.5" upper to go with the various 20" ones I have kicking about.
Accuracy. 4" at 200yards with an Elcan popped on, rapid fire, 10 rounds.
Noise. Yes, noisy, but wearing muffs, not bad. In a confined area for "Social occasions" I would imagine that it'd be rather *LOUD*
Muzzle flash. Depends on the ammo, but it is quite pronounced. Distracting at night/evening shoots.
Reliability. Flipping around "The Black Rifle II" and found that the US military was seeing bolt locking lug failures starting to occur at the 5000 round mark with short-barreled rifles. Mostly (apparently) due to the increased gas pressures encountered due to the short barrels. Expect to be harder on your brass, and your bolt. Mind you, most folks won't fire 5000 rounds through their AR anyhow. So far, no problems with mine, but I'm keeping a good eye on things.
NS
Accuracy. 4" at 200yards with an Elcan popped on, rapid fire, 10 rounds.
Noise. Yes, noisy, but wearing muffs, not bad. In a confined area for "Social occasions" I would imagine that it'd be rather *LOUD*
Muzzle flash. Depends on the ammo, but it is quite pronounced. Distracting at night/evening shoots.
Reliability. Flipping around "The Black Rifle II" and found that the US military was seeing bolt locking lug failures starting to occur at the 5000 round mark with short-barreled rifles. Mostly (apparently) due to the increased gas pressures encountered due to the short barrels. Expect to be harder on your brass, and your bolt. Mind you, most folks won't fire 5000 rounds through their AR anyhow. So far, no problems with mine, but I'm keeping a good eye on things.
NS
cp220, it is not always the shooter, in a confused environment it can be easier for someone to get into a shooters "lane", something which is easier to do do with a shorter barrel. I don't think this applies to range use, again the situation, environment and experience will determine this. YMMV, for me it is a 14" gun, a do-over would see me with a middy 16".
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haha, 24 foot barrel. It's so true because you know I've seen it a million times.
While I do like the shorty's, my personal is a 16" M4 (midlength wasn't too readily available at the time) which is handy, maintains a bit better velocity, and I would feel comfortable training in a dynamic environment with it.
As an off topic is tactical response doing another course this year in BC?
While I do like the shorty's, my personal is a 16" M4 (midlength wasn't too readily available at the time) which is handy, maintains a bit better velocity, and I would feel comfortable training in a dynamic environment with it.
As an off topic is tactical response doing another course this year in BC?
