If I have a red dotted 11.5 AR, for close and fast work, would it be stupid to have my bolt action have the same length barrel to match its ballistics ?
An idea has been pecking at me about this, yes velocity is king, why not leave it long as I have the short AR..
I like the idea of matching ballistics even though the bolt action would be meant for longer ranges (300 yards max) scoped and better accuracy is mainly the use for it, add a suppressor (pinned and welded for one tax stamp) and it's no longer than the factory setup , Ruger American Ranch 5.56 .
Stupid idea ?

Let's unpack this a little?  

If you are going to P/W a suppressor to make 16, I am down with the short barrel.

But, if the bolt gun is not going to be permanently suppressed it makes zero sense to diminish downrange performance to match close range trajectory of another weapon.  ZERO!!!

5.56?

You are overthinking it.  Leave the bolt action longer.

Yeah with the suppressor permanently attached it would keep it from being overly long, and the "idea" of having the same ballistic trajectory is nice and simple. But most likely over thinking it. Just wanted to toss the idea.