[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Barrel Length

Posted: 11/11/2008 5:02:50 PM EDT

Hi, I am new to the ar-15 world, but I am going to be piecing one together before a potential ban. I have read the stickys and faq's but I am still unsure of what kind of barrel I need for my application. I would like to use the gun for long distance target shooting, but also maintain some degree of manuverability for home defense, plinking etc. Is it absolutely neccasary to have a 20 or 24in barrel for long distance? From what I have seen the 16" barrel seems to be very popular. I am also confused on barrell profiles. Is a bull barrel needed for long range target shooting? Also are lowers out of stock nationwide or what?!

Posted: 11/11/2008 5:11:39 PM EDT

[#1]

First what do you consider to be long range?

Posted: 11/11/2008 5:29:16 PM EDT

[#2]

Probably want to go with 16" at the minimum. Depends on what you want to do.

Just for sake of visualization, the below images have 16 & 18" uppers sporting mid-length gas systems. The 20 & 24 inchers have rifle-length gas sytems:

(click to view larger image.)

The BravoCompany 16" middies where available for a short second earlier today but sold out again. Many of the dealers/builders (click on the blinky advertisements above, e.g., ADCO, Denny's Guns) here can hook you up / advise you.

ETA: Government profile should be fine (lightweight under handguards and then normal from FSB to muzzle) but it's up to you if you want a med-contour or HBAR for your application.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Barrel Length

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Barrel Length

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Barrel Length