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Page AR-15 » AR Discussions
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
Posted: 11/27/2014 10:18:16 PM EDT
Thinking of getting a new ar.
I've had 16's before and even a 10.5" pistol
I have one 16" BCM Kmr one right now and i want to have one for longer range and one for shorter ranges
I was planning on getting a 11.5" but came across alot of deals for a 14.5 complete rifle.

So doing any type of upper work would be a bitch. (replacing handguard, gas block.etc) but it may be cool just to have it a bit shorter

So those of you that have a 14.5, how much of a difference does it make? noticeable?

First response: "It make's 1.5" of difference "
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 10:31:26 PM EDT
[#1]
IMHO it makes a big difference. The 14.5" barrel balances better than the 16" barrel.
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 10:33:03 PM EDT
[#2]
Makes a huge difference, I was surprised when I made the switch. 14.7" feels perfect as far as balance, I always found the 16" a bit awkward and front heavy.
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 10:41:04 PM EDT
[#3]
Worth it
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 10:52:16 PM EDT
[#4]
I previously owned a 16" Bcm with 13" kmr and LW barrel profile, I ended up trading the rifle and I'm replacing it with a 14.5" with sure fire muzzle break Bcm with 13" kmr and LW barrel profile
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 11:08:02 PM EDT
[#5]
All my ARs are now 14.5s. Well, both of them.
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 11:50:22 PM EDT
[#6]
I have both... 14.5 carries better and the 16 has about 100 FPS more velocity
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 11:52:30 PM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have both... 14.5 carries better and the 16 has about 100 FPS more velocity
View Quote

This
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 11:57:21 PM EDT
[#8]
I went from 16 to a 14.7. I doubt I'll ever own another 16. At the ranges I shoot the extra velocity of the 16 means nothing.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 12:05:58 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Thinking of getting a new ar.
I've had 16's before and even a 10.5" pistol
I have one 16" BCM Kmr one right now and i want to have one for longer range and one for shorter ranges
I was planning on getting a 11.5" but came across alot of deals for a 14.5 complete rifle.

So doing any type of upper work would be a bitch. (replacing handguard, gas block.etc) but it may be cool just to have it a bit shorter

So those of you that have a 14.5, how much of a difference does it make? noticeable?

First response: "It make's 1.5" of difference "
View Quote



It's actually less than 1.5" difference, closer to 1" due to the min 16" length requirement.

100 FPS for one inch is a huge difference.  You're talking 50 yards of reliable fragmentation range difference for M193 and M855.

I don't find the 1" that noticeable, maybe it's because I'm used to and prefer 20" guns, or that I am a big guy.  100 fps is huge though, especially for only one inch.

To give a bit of perspective, there is also a 100 fps difference between 16" and 20" barrels, and that's for four inches of length!  You could argue giving up 100 fps for a 4" length difference, that same velocity loss for only 1"?  No way!
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 12:18:21 AM EDT
[#10]
FPNI
It balances well. Using non-mil ammo the loss of 100 fps is..meh
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 12:28:28 AM EDT
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
FPNI
It balances well. Using non-mil ammo the loss of 100 fps is..meh
View Quote

This.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 12:30:46 AM EDT
[#12]
you could try one of the 5r profile barrels if you're worried about FPS, they're supposed to chrono about 2 inches faster (especially the Noveskes)
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 12:34:00 AM EDT
[#13]
If you're using non-mil ammo, then it might be worth it.  I know that the M4 I'm issued carries a little easier than my AR at home, but it's not that huge of a deal to me.  If the majority of your ammo is milsurp or that's the easiest stuff for you to get, then stick with 16".
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 12:38:32 AM EDT
[#14]
If you will never change the muzzle device, why not ?
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 1:29:20 AM EDT
[#15]
I really like my 14.5 inch barrels. Especially carbine length since that what it's was made for. I will never own another 16 inch ar. I have two 14.5 bcm ar15 and they are the best ars I've ever owned. Plus I think they look better.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 1:32:20 AM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

This.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
FPNI
It balances well. Using non-mil ammo the loss of 100 fps is..meh

This.



^^ This, 100 ft/ second is nothing.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 7:43:00 AM EDT
[#17]
Either is fine. 1.5 inches isn't making anything unbalanced. Op, u will learn that AR's create placebo like effects often .  

The loss of fps is not a concern
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 8:26:04 AM EDT
[#18]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Either is fine. 1.5 inches isn't making anything unbalanced. Op, u will learn that AR's create placebo like effects often .  



The loss of fps is not a concern
View Quote


I agree, the weight of 1.5" of a .75" barrel is about 53 grams ( 1.86952 ounces ).



http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=574917





 
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 8:39:17 AM EDT
[#19]
I prefer the 16'' over 14.5''- just because I like to change things around. I don't want to be stuck with the same muzzle device forever, especially now that I'm getting in to the suppressor world.

That being said, I prefer my 12'' for anything close and 18'' for anything 150+ yards away. The 16 is just kinda stuck in the middle and doesn't get used very often.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 4:55:50 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



It's actually less than 1.5" difference, closer to 1" due to the min 16" length requirement.

100 FPS for one inch is a huge difference.  You're talking 50 yards of reliable fragmentation range difference for M193 and M855.

I don't find the 1" that noticeable, maybe it's because I'm used to and prefer 20" guns, or that I am a big guy.  100 fps is huge though, especially for only one inch.

To give a bit of perspective, there is also a 100 fps difference between 16" and 20" barrels, and that's for four inches of length!  You could argue giving up 100 fps for a 4" length difference, that same velocity loss for only 1"?  No way!
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thinking of getting a new ar.
I've had 16's before and even a 10.5" pistol
I have one 16" BCM Kmr one right now and i want to have one for longer range and one for shorter ranges
I was planning on getting a 11.5" but came across alot of deals for a 14.5 complete rifle.

So doing any type of upper work would be a bitch. (replacing handguard, gas block.etc) but it may be cool just to have it a bit shorter

So those of you that have a 14.5, how much of a difference does it make? noticeable?

First response: "It make's 1.5" of difference "



It's actually less than 1.5" difference, closer to 1" due to the min 16" length requirement.

100 FPS for one inch is a huge difference.  You're talking 50 yards of reliable fragmentation range difference for M193 and M855.

I don't find the 1" that noticeable, maybe it's because I'm used to and prefer 20" guns, or that I am a big guy.  100 fps is huge though, especially for only one inch.

To give a bit of perspective, there is also a 100 fps difference between 16" and 20" barrels, and that's for four inches of length!  You could argue giving up 100 fps for a 4" length difference, that same velocity loss for only 1"?  No way!


I really like this answer. I prefer 20s as well. I have a pinned 14.7 and a 16. Honestly, theres little difference. I only ended up with the 14 cause it was the chf barrel i wanted and what was in stock. Id have been just as happy with a 16.

Maybe if youre spoting a can or some super long fancy flash supressor or brake, but plain jane a2.... Meh take whats available.

Link Posted: 11/28/2014 5:36:13 PM EDT
[#21]
I like the 14.5"-14.7" barrels because they do handle/balance better with suppressors (but then again,so does a 10.5"). You do need to be certain that you can live with the brake or flash suppressor you have chosen, but frankly, a good gunsmith can remove a pinned/welded muzzle attachment without damaging the barrel if you really need to change it out.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 5:52:39 PM EDT
[#22]
I've got a BCM 14.5" LW non-fluted with the 10" KMR rails and with my Aimpoint Pro it is the perfectly balanced lightweight AR IMHO.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 6:45:24 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I really like this answer. I prefer 20s as well. I have a pinned 14.7 and a 16. Honestly, theres little difference. I only ended up with the 14 cause it was the chf barrel i wanted and what was in stock. Id have been just as happy with a 16.

Maybe if youre spoting a can or some super long fancy flash supressor or brake, but plain jane a2.... Meh take whats available.

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thinking of getting a new ar.
I've had 16's before and even a 10.5" pistol
I have one 16" BCM Kmr one right now and i want to have one for longer range and one for shorter ranges
I was planning on getting a 11.5" but came across alot of deals for a 14.5 complete rifle.

So doing any type of upper work would be a bitch. (replacing handguard, gas block.etc) but it may be cool just to have it a bit shorter

So those of you that have a 14.5, how much of a difference does it make? noticeable?

First response: "It make's 1.5" of difference "



It's actually less than 1.5" difference, closer to 1" due to the min 16" length requirement.

100 FPS for one inch is a huge difference.  You're talking 50 yards of reliable fragmentation range difference for M193 and M855.

I don't find the 1" that noticeable, maybe it's because I'm used to and prefer 20" guns, or that I am a big guy.  100 fps is huge though, especially for only one inch.

To give a bit of perspective, there is also a 100 fps difference between 16" and 20" barrels, and that's for four inches of length!  You could argue giving up 100 fps for a 4" length difference, that same velocity loss for only 1"?  No way!


I really like this answer. I prefer 20s as well. I have a pinned 14.7 and a 16. Honestly, theres little difference. I only ended up with the 14 cause it was the chf barrel i wanted and what was in stock. Id have been just as happy with a 16.

Maybe if youre spoting a can or some super long fancy flash supressor or brake, but plain jane a2.... Meh take whats available.




Its only about 50-75fps depending on ammo... not a huge difference.  The length difference doesn't have a huge impact as far as maneuvering or the "punch" of the round... 14.5s look cooler but pinning your muzzle device kinda sucks.  It really doesn't make a difference to me personally.
Link Posted: 11/28/2014 6:51:04 PM EDT
[#24]
It depends on what your willing to go through.  If you get a 16" your good to go.  If you want a 14.5" without the pinned/welded flash suppressor the ATF paperwork is a pain.  If your OK with it pinned/welded why not just get the 16" with the extra velocity (small difference).
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