Your opinion, please

[bluesclues]

This is an opinion question for the true CGN AR afficianatos...

Which AR barrel configuration would you choose and, why?

- 14.5 inch chrome lined, 1/7 twist rate, M4 contour

OR

- 16 inch chrome lined, 1/9 twist rate, M4 contour


* both barrels are of the same quality, manufacture and, price *

I am not looking for the pro's and cons of each, just what you'd spend your $ on and why?

 

[ilovepotatos]

One can shoot .223 and one can shoot 5.56mm as well, I believe. What are you looking to shoot?

 

[P0WERWAGON]

16 inch 1/7

can take it south and shoot heavy bullets.

 

[bluesclues]

16 inch 1/7

can take it south and shoot heavy bullets.

Yeah, I should have added it to the list of choices...

 

[bluesclues]

not many opinions out there?

 

[Mike K]

16" for going south. Twist rates don't really mean all that much to me if it's going less than 100yds.

 

[Ishootguns]

If you will be shooting the heavier bullets up to 77gr spin it faster with the 1/7 turn. If you are going to shoot the lighter go with the 1/9. Also the 16 inch thing if you want to compete in the states. Check out ar15.com they get more specific.
Dave

 

[bluesclues]

thanks guys...

 

[IntelGDR691]

14.5'' retains better resale values. I know that these will be harder to get in the future.

 

[KevinB]

16" 1:7 Midlength

 

[ricka2]

the 14.5 is the length the m4 was made for the 16 " was to conform to us laws.I would go for the 14.5 for the lcf (look cool factor) .14.5 " have always been harder to come by which = better resale.Velocity loss is not realy much going from 16" to 14.5" .I own a colt le 6920 16" and only dream of owning the holy grail of ar's the colt 6921 14.5".

 

[danny1444]

16" midlength 1:7, better reliability

 

[steyr_m]

16" 1:7 As previously mentioned.... you can take it to the US too.

 

[Leg]

16" 1:7 Midlength

+1

Best all around barrel. Decent for both CQB and out to 500m.

1/7 is good for 55 gr. and up.

 

[y2k]

Longer the better

 

[eliteboris]

16" 1:7 or 1:9 .

 

[Leonidas]

Velocity loss is not realy much going from 16" to 14.5"

Actually it's more than you think... 16" for me.

 

[dangertree]

Ricka2, are we talking LookKoolFactor/collecting, or performance? In Canada the pro's that can have either, choose 16", not because of domestic US civilian regs, but because they perform better. LKF can be a valid reason, just depends on your reasons in choosing equipment. The various hi-speed regiments round NATO that have chosen the 16" C8 didn't do so because they couldn't get a 14.5" C8.

As to twist, that's an ammo dependent question, and for most of us, really doesn't matter much. But, there's probably a reason 90% of ARs are 1/9 by default. Very few people are better served with a 1/7, no doubt some are, and some people need them (77gn/frangable/tracers), but if you don't know why you need a 1/7, you probably don't. With the greater supply situation, 1/9 are often cheaper to boot, (equivalent barrels cost the same, regardless of twist).

Get whatever floats your boat. Or better, get BOTH!

 

[C185]

I am just wondering if the 16" is a superior weapon compared to the 14.5", why did the Americans with their "infinite wisdom" choose the latter?

 

[Leonidas]

I think you answered your own question.