Ar barrel length and accuracy question

[TheManInBlack]

So I'm looking at Ar rifles back and forth. I've seen the LMT defender with the 10" barrel and alot more with 18 and 20 inch barrels. What would you lose as far as accuracy with a shorter barrel? I know I fired a 9mm cz hand gun and the same guys 9mm bushmaster AR and the bushmater seemed to have more punch on the target.

 

[furet]

The word is that shorter has the highest accuracy potential, but you loose velocity which in turn can create a loss of accuracy and range.
You need more velocity to get increased range.

That being said, the all-around best compromise that has been often suggested is the 16" mid-length.
A 10" gun is great for short range, <200m, although I have used mine out to 500m.

Depends on what you want to use it for.

 

[esquif]

us army test say dont go shorter then 11.5, 16 is probably the best all around , sniper guns have 24

 

[Demon971]

A shorter barrel only really reduces effective range. So firing past the effective range will most probably have reduced accuracy (to POA) but this is also pending on aiming apparatus and ultimately the operator's marksmanship.

Generally speaking, shorter barrels are better for close quarters (battle) because firearm is much more easy to wield in tight spaces.

 

[Airborn_69]

Tagged for interest.

 

[TheManInBlack]

I think I'll stick with a 16-20 " a good medium barrel. But this is a pipe dream for now