The "best" barrel length for AR

[Steiner]

Your average soldiers exaggerate their shooting ability and they miss more than they know or will admit, especially out in the field.

Greentip's entire post states the reality.
Regarding the last line, it would be interesting to know how many rounds actually hit their mark.
I'm sure it is staggering how many millions of rounds don't.

 

[shredder]

Just to add a little factoid:

The US Army once calculated that it took 50,000 rounds to score one enemy kill in Vietnam (with the then-new M16A1).

I'm sure that includes rounds fired in training and ammo lost during transport - otherwise an entire company's (maybe a battalion ) combat load of ammo would be needed to kill one enemy soldier.

Still, that's hardly an impressive kill ratio.

 

[X-man]

After doing considerable research on the subject, I have still not not come to a conclusive answer. Many of you reading may ask "best length for what purpose?" A valid question of course. I am looking for not only objective points but subjective views. I have read all sorts of ballistic reports etc etc.

I guess a more accurate question is: "If you were to have only one AR15 for a multitude of purposes such as CQB to urban environments to extended environments and threats at 100+ yards, what barrel length would you choose?"

I own the gamut of AR bbl lengths, from 7.5"-24". If I had to choose just one I'd opt for my CC C8A3/SA15.7. It's accurate out to the limit of my shooting ability, it's robust without being too heavy and for my body ergonomics I find it well balanced and a pleasure to shoot. Before I acquired the C8A3 my pick would've been a 14.5" M4 SOCOM.

The SBRs in my collection are a hoot to shoot and one of their appeals is just how obnoxious they can be in terms of muzzle flash and blast. As much as I love shooting them, I always opt to shoot them when I have the range to myself or am with my buddies who are on board with the 'shock & awe' of shooting shorties. When others show up, as a courtesy, the SBRs are packed away.

On the flip side, the longer bbl ARs have their place on the target range or service rifle comps, etc., but are less adaptable than the 14.5-16" carbine length ARs in my experience. If we could legally hunt with ARs one of my purpose built 20-24" rifles would definitely be my goto choice. On a side note, when it was still legal to do so, my Colt SP1 made for a great seal rifle; a far superior choice than my Ruger Mini-14.

 

[beltfed]

In reference to Greentip's comments: Something to consider too is that a fair amount of soldiers just don't give a sh!t about shooting, or at least shooting well.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink - same goes for marksmanship.