after doing a bunch of reading on the internets, I think I finally settled on doing a 6.5G for a VA whitetail hunting rifle. This will be it’s primary purpose. However, I do have access to a range with extended distances (500-600 yds) I may want to try my hand at. For this purpose would doing a pistol in a 12-12.5” barrel be short changing myself? I’m really debating between a 12” pistol or an 18” rifle.

Personally, I like 16-18" to take advantage of the caliber.

12" will do it, 16" is probably the jack of all trades.  I have 12, 16, 18 in 6.5G.  12 and 16 get most use

There was an article in the Guns & Ammo AR-15 mag, 2018 Issue #4, a green cover "6.5 EDITION" where a writer wrung out a 12.5" Grendel pistol, he wrote that "he could routinely engage steel at 800 yds."  I'm quoting others on this forum and the 6.5 Grendel forum that have stated that a 12.5" Grendel pistol is good for head shots at 200 yds and torso shots at 600 yds, I don't remember if they were talking about two legged or four legged critters.  I've built a 12.5" 6.5 Grendel pistol, I'm still shooting factory ammo at 100 & 200 yds, just now starting on working on reloads, but I'm impressed so far.  Whether you build it as a pistol or SBR is up to you, but it sounds like it will fit your needs, in my opinion.  I also have a 20" 6.5 Grendel AA upper on a 80% lower I built.  I'll keep it, but I may not shoot it as much as the 6.5 Gr pistol in the future.

Good luck!!

I have a 12.5 and 18. Shoot both suppressed and prefer the smaller one because of length

OP I have both a 12" and 18".  I'm taking my 12" to a two day class and will be shooting out to 600 yards and my 18" is going to be my back up.  I shouldn't have any problems out to 600 if I do my part.

18" is nice for the extra velocity.  Glad I have both.

Aww man, see this is my ARFcommers always give the answer of “both!”  The thought process for this is a little bonkers. I was looking at doing a .300 blk for hunting at it seems like the answer I got, regardless of barrel length, was “good enough”. Well, it seemed for my application, 6.5G did everything better while still using an AR15 lower. I have no interest in suppressing at this moment. I just can’t use a .223/.556 for whitetail in VA. So now my concern is, the 12” 6.5G going to be leaving too much on the table performance wise for the cartridge.  Because I’ll be hunting with it, adequate muzzle energy is important as well as retention of that energy. Which, with the high BC, is great with the 6.5G. I do love the handling of the AR pistol. However, the 16”-18” length may be the more appropriate compromise. Unfortunately, I only have room for one because I’ll have to buy an optic as well. Sorry for the ramble. Still drinking my coffee this morning!

Beautiful weapons btw the way guys. Truly impressive.

IMO given your criteria as a hunting rifle...a 16” rig.  Stock of choice & better ballistics.  Can be well enough under 7-lbs. before optic.

Both. I have an 18” and a 12” on the way. I’m happy with the 18” as a hunting and longer range rig, the 12” is for fun.

Very happy with my 12".

Attached File

Velocity matters for bullet performance at longer ranges.  Get a 16 or 18 for hunting.

For some reason all my AR Grendels are 18 inch, my bolt action Grendel is an 18 or 20 inch.

Steve........