Hello! I am sort of a newbie to the AR15/M16 system. I was wondering about the accuracy of the Yankee Hill rifles. I like the looks of them. Will it be less accurate if I put a YHM upper on a different company's lower receiver? Are YHM rifles accurate? Which is more accurate: a 14.5", 16" or 18" barrel? If you have time, feel free to reply. I would appreciate any advice you can give.

I can only offer this:


I have a YHM lower and it is one of the best lowers I have. The fit and finish is perfect and the mag well is beveled so nicely that even Ray Charles could find it.



ETA: The receivers are also made in house, unlike a lot of other companies.

Let me attempt to answer this for you.  There are others, particularly those who are shooting YHM will offer there input as well.  I am currently in the process of building a YHM15 and like you, I am also somewhat new to the AR-15.  Here's that I can tell you about what I've learned about YHM and ultimately chose to build one for myself.  Yes, YHM rifles are accurate, but whether you choose to use their lower or a different company's lower will not make any difference in your accuracy.  It is because of their known quality and reputation that I decided I wanted my first AR-15 to be a YHM.  YHM makes their own parts and I can attest to their quality machining and their fit and finish work is superb.  As I'm sure you've noticed, they are more expensive than many of the other manufacturers and dealers are often sold out on certain items.  Take barrels for example, I've tried every gun store and website I can think of for a 20" fluted/threaded 1:7 twist barrel and they are completely sold out.  I've tried going directly to YHM and they don't have any in stock either.  Most dealers are quoting me between 7-10 weeks to get one in stock.  So my YHM15 build is on hold at this stage until I can buy the barrel.  In the meantime, I've started my second AR build while I wait for a barrel to become available.  As for your last question about the different length barrels, no matter what length you buy, whether it be a 14.5", 16" or 18" they are all accurate.  Within distances of say <50 yards I would expect similar results.  Obviously longer barrels have the edge in the performance envelope as those distance increase.  Think in terms of a handgun, a revolver with an 8" barrel will give you better shot placement than a 2" would when the target is further away.  However when your target is life sized and is only 5' away there's virtually no difference.  Different barrel lengths for different applications.  For tactical, close quarter combat I'd prefer a 14.5" because it's more maneuverable when working a room.  For longer distances where making the shot is critical, the 18" would be better suited.  On the other hand, I'm not aware of any sniper rifle that uses a 18" barrel.  Most that I've seen start at 20" and go up to about 24.  That being said, I'm attaching an interesting article from GPS Defense Sniper School which addresses the barrel length debate in more detail.  http://www.sniperschool.com/sniper-rifle-barrel-length  Lastly is a photo of my YHM15.  Good luck with your build, whatever you decide upon.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n280/03fhtcui/IMG_2252.jpg

YHM upper
YHM lower
YHM bolt carrier group
YHM diamond patterned rail forearm
YHM free float end cap
Magpul MOE buttstock  



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