Hello All, currently fleecing up parts for a couple builds, might want to try putting together a short bbl/pistol build.  What lengths do you guys favor for the shorter builds?  I'm going to use the 223/556 round, if that has any bearing on your suggestions.  Also, what for gas, DI, Adjustable block?  Reliability is most important to me, I shoot only factory brass through my guns.  Thanks for any suggestions, opinions, help.

10.5" is my absolute minimum for 5.56, any shorter and you really sacrifice performance and increase muzzle blast and concussion.

Most will say 12.5 is about the perfect compromise of performance and handling, and I would probably agree.  I went with a 10.5 as that is about the minimum that I can P/W a can onto to make 16" and a one stamp gun.

A trillion threads and opinions on this.

10.3? 10.5? 11.5?

If 5.56, I'd go 11.5"


I hated my 10.5" in 5.56.  

My 12.5" is much better, but a 12.5" barrel with a standard length buffer tube ends up a touch over 26 inches, so legally it cannot be "concealed" as a pistol.

I built a 7.5" and installed a flash can otherwise the concussion to people on the side SUFFER. The flash can solves that wonderfully.

I agree a 10.5" would be better. My 7.5" puts relatively small dents in aluminum targets while my 16" digs deep into aluminum. It's an obvious velocity difference, but the 7.5" is really fun to shoot and is everyone's favorite when they come to shoot.

I'll be building a 300 HAM'R soon and I think I'll go with the Wilson Combat 11.3" stainless barrel. Seems like a really great compromise.

I prefer 4.75" for 5.56mm, everyone deserves a cooked meal.

I'm in the 10.5" camp...

Mine's so reliable it's boring. All ammo has worked without a flaw.