How far down to chop an M-14S barrel?

[rdelliott]

I'm thinking of getting one of my M-14's cut down this week. How much should I tell the gunsmith to cut down so that a) it remains non-restricted, b) leaves a margin of error in case some of the chrome chips, c) won't require modifying the gas system, and d) leaves all my muzzle brake/flash hider options open?

In other words, O Collective M-14 Brain Trust, how short do I get it cut ?

 

[tbloggins]

18.75 inches

 

[raven]

X 2. 18 and 3/4 gives you an acceptable margin of error.

 

[rdelliott]

Thanks, guys. Off to order the GLFS tomorrow...