AR15 SBR build help

Merovingian

Merovingian

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Hey guys, I bought a few receiver sets this month and I wanna take a whack at building a 10.5 or 14” SBR blaster in 223/556. Tried looking online for completed SBR uppers but the majority of them are sold out. I have a BCL upper and lower as well as a Aero upper and a PSA lower.

Is there anything parts wise I should know about an SBR vs a conventional length before ordering stuff ? I’ve read that an SBR is easily over gassed so I assumed an adjustable gas block is probably a wise thing. Going for a full mass BCG, Brownells TiN coated, MRA barrel. Unsure about buffer weight or type.

Any major cons you can think of ? I understand the velocity drop and healthy muzzle blast with a short barrel.

Thoughts ?
 
I have an 8.5" with a linear comp, standard bcg, armaspec srs h3 buffer and a non adjustable gas block.

I'm usually at VFGPA every other friday in the mornings, so you're more than welcome to put a couple of mags through if that's close to you, send me a pm.
 
I've experimented with different muzzle brakes and buffer spring to increase reliability. I prefer the 14". Although less flash, i find it more enjoyable to shoot... just overall handling and sight picture I guess.
 
If you do go SBR try to stay above 10.5". Most people prefer the 11.5-12.5" barrel for the balance of maneuverability and less muzzle blast, slightly better ballistics etc. I have an 11.5" with midlength gas and light weight parts. Shoots like a dream, just as good as my 16" only it has more drop.
 
I have a 10.5 and a 14.5, but my 10.5 is so light it really multiplies the feeling of recoil on it.

The 10.5 is MUCH louder (with a flash hider/linear comp on it vs a loud brake on the 14.5) and throws fire balls like it was designed JUST to do that (it burns/leaves carbon on the hand guard.). But it is easily the most maneuverable rifle I've ever touched. You'll NEED either a flash hider or linear compensator. A brake on it isn't just unfriendly to people around you, it'll hurt your ears too.

The 14.5 is quieter, smoother, but definitely not as fast to throw around as the 10.5. It isn't any more accurate at ~300 yards during action/dynamic shooting, but it is MUCH more friendly than the 10.5 on the ears.

You also notice the recoil on the 10.5. Non-existant on a 14.5-16" AR, the 10.5" moves when you pull that trigger. With an adjustable gas block, they (10.5 or 14.5) are just as good out to 300 if you know your DOPE. Beyond that you better have perfect dope, variable optic etc...or a 16-20" barrel. In my opinion.
 
I have a 10.5" and a 16" AR and had a 14.5.

With the shorter 10.5 you will experience more felt recoil and may run into extraction/feeding issue due to a shorter dwell time. Heavier buffer/adjustable gas block will fix that. H2 buffer and heavier extractor spring solved it all.

Flash hiders and muzzle brakes: some very efficient muzzle brakes will rattle your own teeth. I run mine with an A2 birdcage.

Short barrel AR are a blast to shoot, literally ! They are very manoeuvrable and light. That extra muzzle blast is not that bad. I shoot my 10.5" up to 400m. No changes from 0 to 200m. At 300m and 400m it drops a little more than my 16" AR. It all depends of what you want to do with it. If you want a "blaster", the shorter the blastier :p

And here is some morning motivation to go ahead with a 10.5" build :p
 
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I converted a 16” to a 10.5”. I love the handling of the shorter barrel. Definitely more muzzle blast, but fun as hell with a shrouded comp. I didn’t bother with an adjustable gas block and I just used the stock buffer. I’ve not had any issues yet.
 
I put this guy together before I knew anything about problems or special considerations with 10.5" barrels. It runs great... The S&J Linear com help a bit with noise, but it's still noisy.

Shorty_AR.jpg
 

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Thanks fellas, the 10.5 definatley has my interest. I'm ok with a little bit of tinkering to get it running reliably, that's part of the fun. Also building an ATRS MS so really this SBR build is for range fun.

Appreciate all the input, I really do love these forums.
 
Merovingian said:
Thanks fellas, the 10.5 definatley has my interest. I'm ok with a little bit of tinkering to get it running reliably, that's part of the fun. Also building an ATRS MS so really this SBR build is for range fun.

Appreciate all the input, I really do love these forums.
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Some of the previous posts imply a lot of work getting a 10.5 barrel to 'run'. Truthfully, if you buy a decent brand 10.5 barrel, it'll run with an H2 buffer. H3 buffers etc don't really do a whole lot on a semi-auto gun, and otherwise you're mucking around (go for it though, it is fun!) for what is realistically marginal, if not non-existent gain. Otherwise.. 10.5" rifles are crazy fun, definitely build one.
 
10.3" Ballistic Advantage premium series barrel in 223 Wylde, carbine gas system with gas block included. H2 buffer with carbine buffer spring. Has run flawlessly through the first few hundred rounds. A bit over gassed and it definitely has more recoil than the 16.1" pictured below it. I run a linear compensator to direct more of the blast forward. Definitely would not want to run the M4-72 on such a short barrel.

wZAT6ZOh.jpg
 
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