AR Barrel Options

What length and rifling combo for an AR Carbine?

  • 16" Barrel, 1 in 9" Rifling

    Votes: 10 14.3%

  • 16" Barrel, 1 in 7" Rifling

    Votes: 21 30.0%

  • 14.5" Barrel, 1 in 9" Rifling

    Votes: 11 15.7%

  • 14.5" Barrel, 1 in 7" Rifling

    Votes: 28 40.0%
  • Total voters
    70
Craftsman 441

Craftsman 441

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I'm getting an AR carbine and I'm having trouble deciding on the barrel length and the rifling pitch. The ammo I'll be firing (and reloading) will most likely be 55gr, but I want the option of being able to fire heavier bullets.

Also, I'm hemming and hawing over the length. Do I get a 16" or a 14.5" barrel? It would be nice to get that much more velocity (and range and penetration), but then again, a 14.5" barrel is quite a bit handier.

In the end, it'll primarily be a range gun and not see any real competitive or defensive use. Notwithstanding, I was given this advice:
"When you spec-out a gun, do it to a concept and stick to that concept. For example, a scout rifle isn't a sniper rifle and a sniper rifle isn't a scout rifle."
 
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For our purposes (read range gun), the 14.5" is the obvious choice..handy +!
With the 1:7" twist, it will stabilize the heavier ( > 55GR.) bullets.
If one were to have wounding capabilities as a primary motivator, then the 16" is the way to go...ensures sufficient velocity to promote fragmentation of the bullet in soft tissue.
Right...let's talk about something else now!;)
 
I chose to get a 1/9 over a 1/7 because I would, like you be shooting the lighter rounds. I shot 55 and 62 at my range which is only 200 yards so I really have no need for the 16 or longer as it won;t do much for me. The 14.5 is my preferred bbl length for a carbine gas system (and I like the look :D) and if I want a 16" I would get a mid-length with a 9" rail, just my preference.

The 1:9 can shoot up to 73Gr which is more than I would ever shoot in a semi-auto. 69SMK being the most likely.

ps: I accidentaly voted for the 1/7 14.5, I meant to go for the 1/9
 
During testing of M16A2 back in the early 80's,testing shows that 55gr M193is slightly more accurate with the then-new 1/7 barrel than the 62gr M855 within 200m. This was published in the early 80's.

1/9 is more accurate with 55gr is a myth created by Bushmaster website. They have NO DATA to back up that claim
 
i'd get the 14.5 because it the perfect size for the bayonnet...didnt know how the bayonnet would look on it...its a bit short.
 
Regarding GT's statement: coldblue (Lt Col Dave Lutz USMC Ret) who is VP of KAC produced similar data - he was the M16A2 guy back then at Picatinny. He posted it up at M4Carbine

I would get the 16" -- as you can take it to the US to train/shoot matches if you ever feel the desire.
 
LOL, I am actually going to my cousin's place to retrieve the 1981 issue of "World's Fighting Firearms". I guess I don't have to now.
 
KevinB said:
FWIW - get a 16" Midlenght in a 1:7.
Bayonet - and versatile for the majority of ammo.
Click to expand...

I hear ya' Kev, but the 16" bbl just seems...not quite right! Neither fish nor fowl, while I've owned them, I much prefer the 14.5" or shorter, or jump to the full length 20". Guess its a matter of personal preference 'n all! :)
 
My vote goes for 16" Midlength with 1/7 twist.

It will handle any ammo you can throw at it.

Looks "right".

Easier to find (and cheaper), ok in 1/7 it might not be that easy, call Arms East.

This would be my ideal carry rifle, if I wanted a gun that would do well in many areas. I.E. short enough for CQB, enough velocity and accuracy to hit out to 500m.

+1 to what Kevin said, you can take it stateside if you ever feel the need.
 
16", 1:7 all the way.

16" : you'll get more velocity and better terminal ballistics ( but in paper it doesn't matter) The 14.5" and shorter barrels have "cool" written all over them, but based on what? They made 14.5" barrels only because the bayonet didn't fit on a 16". Personnaly I don't care about the bayonet, I rather have better performance WTSHTF...

1:7 : you'll be able to shoot everything including the good stuff if you can get your hands on it...
 
14.5

14.5 because the m4 was made to be 14.5" .the 16" was made to satisfy American laws.I have always felt the 16" looks funny
 
KevinB said:
I would get the 16" -- as you can take it to the US to train/shoot matches if you ever feel the desire.
Click to expand...

If you have no flash suppressor and no bayonet lug, sure.
But is that still true if the 16" barrel has a threaded muzzle and a bayonet lug?

Aren't rifles in that configuration banned from importation anyway?
http://www.atf.gov/forms/pdfs/f53303d.pdf

I guess not. The answer is here:
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#o7

"(O7) Does the expiration of the SAW ban and the LCAFD ban affect importation? [Back]

LCAFDs are no longer prohibited from importation, but they are still subject to the provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. An approved Form 6 import permit is still required.

Non-sporting firearms are still prohibited from importation under sections 922(l) and 925(d)(3) of the GCA. Because the vast majority of SAWs are nonsporting, they generally cannot be imported.

Temporary importation of SAWs and LCAFDs is now lawful under the provisions of 27 CFR section 478.115(d) because firearms that are temporarily imported are not required to meet sporting purpose requirements."

:rockOn:
 
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