I am starting to think about putting together an AR in 223. I was wondering if there is an optimal barrel length and weight. I figure that heavier profiles are better of accuracy. Obviously the shorter entry lengths are gonna sacrifice a little at the longer ranges. I don't want a full length barrel, but was thinking along the lines of 14.5"... Am I in the right neighbourhood?
Optimal barrel...
- Thread starter Niko
- Start date
If you are restricted to just one upper, I'd go for a 16" either HBAR or standard. IMHO, it is the best all-around barrel length. The 14.5" and 11.5" are sure a lot of fun, but very loud and good for short range (less than 200y). The 20" and up are great for the longer ranges (200y and up) but are heavier and less manouverable. 16" Is an excellent compromise and still have the LCF as well 
Besides, part of the AR15 fun is getting additional uppers with various barrel configs over time Of course, then we have to get more lowers to match to the uppers. Of course, then you get into the sighting systems and so it goes on and on....
Besides, part of the AR15 fun is getting additional uppers with various barrel configs over time
Of course, then we have to get more lowers to match to the uppers. Of course, then you get into the sighting systems and so it goes on and on.... 
- Location
- Victoria, BC
Niko said:
Everything I have read online suggests that the only time heavier barrels are more accurate is when you are doing sustained enough fire to significantly heat the barrel up. At that point, a heavy barrel will warp less from the heat than a lighter profile barrel. This isn't really an issue in Canada with five round magazines. You may find you can get better accuracy from a lighter barrel profile that is easier to hold steady. Heavy barrels are more common, though, because they are cheaper to make.
If you get a 16" with short gas system, all you would need to do it cut down the barrel since the gas port will be in the right spot for anything between 10.25" & 16"
Trying to change the gas system could be a problem depending on barrel diameters
Trying to change the gas system could be a problem depending on barrel diameters
dangertree
Business Rep
- Location
- NL/ON/FL/PL
Chopping a 16" to a 14.5" shouldn't require any gas system adjustment. Chopping to 10.5 might require opening up the gas port a touch, which also can be done.kirill said:
Furet, when you say 'short' gas tube, do you mean 'normal' or 'carbine length' gas tube? I've see 7.5" uppers with 'short' gas tubes, is this what you refer to?
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dangertree said:
My wording may be off, I am refering to CAR length gas system, my mind works it as short, mid and long gas systems, the other ones are pistol type guns.
Since a 16" can come as a mid-length gas system or in CAR length, so if barrel chopin is to be done, then I would get the 16" with a CAR gas system. Much easier than trying to drill a gas port and have the barrel diameter match the 0.75" gas blocks, although there are smaller diameter ones also.
10.3", 14.5" & 16" barrelled uppers use CAR gas systems
16" can also have the mid-length gas system
>16" will use the long (std) gas system
Greenhorse six
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Whats the length of the hand guard on the mid length and the CAR,just curious.
