AR15 Barrel & handguard lengths?

[MoMoney]

Hey everyone,

I'm a total newbie to AR-15s, and hell, guns in general I guess. I'd considered posting this in the Newbie FAQ but figured it is better suited here. Apologies if this question belongs elsewhere.

I've recently purchased a Wilson Combat Recon Tactical in 5.56. AFAIK it is coming with a 16" barrel (maybe 14.7, pretty sure it's 16) and 33" overall. The handguard being 10.4 inches (I believe).
I heard that Wilson Combat originally did this to ensure it stays legal/non-restricted or whatever in some states. In Canada however, it seems to be restricted anyway.

With this in mind, I'm wondering if it might make sense to swap my barrel out or both my barrel & handguard for something shorter? I believe I'm going with a new handguard anyway to move away from Wilson Combats T.R.I.M. modular system in favor of the T.R.I.M. + MLOK handguard they make. If I'm buying one of those anyway, might as well consider getting a shorter one if it makes sense.

Hoping to find any info on why one would want a shorter barrel or barrel & handguard, or why one would maybe want to stay at the length it's at currently?

I definitely prefer the look of shorter rifles, and feel like I'll be doing more close-range than far range. Probably going to have a 1-4x on it, maybe 1-6.

Any and all feedback is welcome. I know this is kind of open ended and personal choice, but I wont have a chance to get much use out of this gun before the current 50% off sale on Wilson handguards & barrels ends, so I'm getting the handguard anyway.. figured I'd consider shortening it!

 

[Scotty454]

It really depends what your intentions are with the rifle. Unless you're doing CQB style shooting, there's not much advantage to a really short barrel... Gnarly muzzle blast, way louder, etc. I assume your gun came with a nice barrel to start with (I don't want to think about how much it cost, lol). I'd get a longer hand guard so that less of the barrel extends past it, so that if you prop it on something it's not the barrel resting on whatever and affecting your POI. But then again, my primary use for my AR is 3-gun, so that kind of thing is a little more relevant for me than some?

 

[FoxAlpha]

I've no direct experience with Wilson combat barrels, but from what I've heard they're great quality barrels and you'd be foolish to get rid of it, especially considering they're not an easy find up here. If you want a shorter barrel, just build a cheaper upper receiver with a short barrel. All you'd need is an upper, a barrel and a handguard of your choice. The BCG and charging handle would be interchangeable.

A 16" is a great in between barrel length. Many guys have no issue swinging an 18" barreled rifle in 3 gun and with some training and practice you will to. An expensive gun won't make you a good shooter, but practice will.

I'll also say, if you do build another upper, good luck keeping it like that. All of my uppers (ranging from 10.5" all the way up to 18") seem to have grown their own lowers and now I have 5 rifles.

 

[MoMoney]

Thanks for the replies guys. Appreciate the input!

To be fair, if I swap the barrel, I'd be ordering a Wilson Combat barrel to replace it with. I THINK Wanstalls will order from them for me? If my barrel shows up and it's 14.7 inches and not 16, I'll be happy and just go w/ the longer handguard. Pretty sure it's 16" though.

I like the idea of a longer handguard. The main reason I want a shorter barrel is because I don't like having a ton of the barrel sticking out the end, so maybe getting something an inch or two longer is a viable option.

Like I said, either way, I'm probably switching to the Wilson MLOK handguard vs. the T.R.I.M. handguard that comes with it (I can't find attachments or pictinny rails for it ANYWHERE.... can't even mount a bipod or grip to it right now AFAIK?). So I guess it's either I go with a longer handguard, or get a shorter barrel and a shorter handguard.

I assume your gun came with a nice barrel to start with (I don't want to think about how much it cost, lol)

True! I've heard great things. I'm just being nitpicky with the length. Haha. I got a surprisingly good deal on the gun though. About 2.2k to my door, and it's in brand new condition. Definitely pricey.. but I don't feel too bad buying some nice accessories/upgrades since I know people have paid 1 to 1.5k more for the same gun. Haha.