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Posted: 6/7/2009 11:44:15 AM EDT
| Just wanted some thoughts on barrel length preference for a Bushmaster AR-15 A3. 20 or 16 in?. In general and overall what is preferred length across the board for AR users (target, defense, varmint). And best for resale? |
| Target and varmint... 20". Defense and resale... 16". I'd go 16"... in fact, I have. In tactical bolt-guns you wouldn't see an appreciable difference in accuracy. In gas-guns you might but I wouldn't think so. Barrel quality and twist rate should be the determining factors. IMO |
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16" is all you really need––- If you're going beyond 300m for varmints... well, there are better options than the 556...
That said–– I own 2 18" uppers, with one able to hold a 2.5" group at 300m... but that was before I knew what I know now (that my 10.5" ar pistol can hold sub MOA at 200+m) the extra 150-200fps you'll gain from the 20" vs the 16" isn't really worth the weight and burden–– if you plan on actually carrying it... if you're stationary or benching?... weight doesnt matter =) Accuracy isn't effected by barrel length, unless you're taking the round out to distances that will allow it to go sub-sonic... |
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Quoted:
Just wanted some thoughts on barrel length preference for a Bushmaster AR-15 A3. 20 or 16 in?. In general and overall what is preferred length across the board for AR users (target, defense, varmint). And best for resale? its hard to have both I like a short barrel for a carbine/HD protection A civi aint going to shoot FAR under 50Y M4 make s good 200M weapon wich is more than enough range for us and yes you can shoot further 500M but it aint going to happen 
I like 20inch rifle for target / hunting LR You can go 18 but why? then its to long for CQ! Might as well go 20inch So I would buy a Carbine/M4 and also buy a rifle upper 14.7 Barrel or 14.5 Barrel with fixed FH and a 20inch upper GOV or HBAR ( HINT LARUE 20inch UPPER ))) The barrel DOESNT have to be a 16 inch barrel Just the total length !! like 14.5 + phantom = a total of 16inch So one isnt limit to a 16 inch barrel only? A 11.5 or 10.5 loaded with 75gr TAP would be my pick for a HD/Protection PAPER WORK TAX STAMP plenty of frag range in the real civi world wich ever ya get try to be quality first There are some nice ones out there |
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Quoted:
16" is all you really need––- If you're going beyond 300m for varmints... well, there are better options than the 556... That said–– I own 2 18" uppers, with one able to hold a 2.5" group at 300m... but that was before I knew what I know now (that my 10.5" ar pistol can hold sub MOA at 200+m) the extra 150-200fps you'll gain from the 20" vs the 16" isn't really worth the weight and burden–– if you plan on actually carrying it... if you're stationary or benching?... weight doesnt matter =) Accuracy isn't effected by barrel length, unless you're taking the round out to distances that will allow it to go sub-sonic... Yes one should call up foxes and such closer than 200M |
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Quoted:
14.5 pinned with a quality FH. NOT the ak brake. Gov profile or as Bushy calls it Patrolmans upper. I had a 14.7 A1 bushy I used for Fun at the range and protection etc! Ran great Only thing I didnt like it ws a HBAR When I got the 14.5 M4 I sold the A1 upper I will never go hbar on a carbine |
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I love 20" guns... I like the way that they swing and point, I love the long sight radius, and the extra velocity is nice, but unnecessary.
The best possible combo would be a 16" midlength, great pointability, pleanty of handguard real estate for goodies, good length indoors without loosing too much power, and the middy gas system is less harsh on the internals than a 16" CAR. I love mine, and will be building another one now that the madness has calmed down. I also have a 14.5 + Phantom hider that is a nice light platform... then i loaded it up with lights, optics, grips and BUIS... so now it is the heavies gun I own... and also the most capable. but having to special order the barrel with the FS pinned was $$$ and took forever. If you want a great setup, stick with a 16" middy... you will NEVER regret it. Here's the best middy on the face of the planet: BCM middy upper combine it with one of these (when in stock!!!): BCM BCG and you will have one of the best upper halves money can buy. Just use a quality lower and nothing will stop you! |
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