Posted: 2/8/2012 4:24:40 AM EDT
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For a dedicated 3-gun rifle, It seems that most people recommend either an 18" or 20" barrel with a rifle gas system. I've never shot 3-gun so I'm in no position to question that but I would like to understand the "why" behind the recommendation?
Now if you are shooting irons only then I can understand the longer sight radius benefit but if your running an optic, I can't see how an 18" barrel would have any major advantage over say a 16". I realize the 18" will have a little more velocity but how does that help in 3-gun? The only thing I can think is maybe it's not about the barrel length as much as it is about the gas system? An 18" barrel provides enough room for a rifle length gas system which recoils softer then a mid-length gas system. Combine a rifle length gas system with a rifle buffer (in a fixed A1 or A2 stock) and one of those competition muzzle brakes and I would imagine it would make for a very soft shooting rifle that would be easy to double and triple tap with? Is that what the recommendation is about or am I missing something? |
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The rifle length gas system simply shoots softer than the carbine or even mid length systems. There is less gun movement. This is probably the most important point behind recommending the 18-20 in barrel.
BUT don't discount muzzle velocity. It is your friend. And note that the .223/5.56 was designed around a 20 in barrel to begin with. In my experience, full size ARs are slightly more reliable than the carbines. They are certainly less forgiving when it comes to operating with older or weaker extractor and/or buffer springs. |