I am seeing how popular the 16 inch barrels are and can see why, but what do you lose from a 21 inch barrel? Is it enough to make a difference? Will it cut down on range? Thanks

I prefer a para length barrel, best of both worlds in my opinion.

You're not likely going to be making 600 yard+ shots with a 21" barreled FAL. A 16" would handle anything within that range. So, no, you wouldn't lose much effective range.

The only practical experience I have with this is:  I've only been able to shoot my DSA stainless 16" carbine out to 300 yds.  With SA 147gr surplus, I didn't have any trouble hitting a 12" gong.  


I didn't have any trouble with my 24" DPMS hitting the same gong either, but I didn't have to aim 4" high.



If what I was told is correct, the average 7.62x51 surplus ammo burns entirely within 18" of barrel, so you shouldn't see much of a velocity drop....200 fps is about average (again, if I was informed correctly)