AR Sponsor
Posted: 9/19/2026 5:00:07 PM EDT
|
I have a line on a nice upper for a really good price. I need something to put my lpbo on. The only thing I'm concerned about on this upper is it has an 18 inch barrel. It's not a super heavy profile so that's good and the overall weight will be manageable. I've never used an 18 inch barrel nothing longer than 16. What are you guys thoughts about an 18-in Barrel with a one to six lpvo? My other two uppers are a 14.5 with a DOT and a 16 inch stainless upper into 6mm arc with 2-12 ffp scope I know it would be a little heavier and a little harder to manipulate but are there really any advantages to go 18 versus 16? |
|
Velocity will be higher, but the profile and weight is more of a factor based on what you want to do with it. I try to practice a balanced build, meaning don’t put a hubble telescope on a carbine. A 1-6 sound about right to me. |
We are living in a Tom Clancy novel
Over 50 and reputed to be a formidable brigand
Over 50 and reputed to be a formidable brigand
|
Originally Posted By jwf2874: I have a line on a nice upper for a really good price. I need something to put my lpbo on. The only thing I'm concerned about on this upper is it has an 18 inch barrel. It's not a super heavy profile so that's good and the overall weight will be manageable. I've never used an 18 inch barrel nothing longer than 16. What are you guys thoughts about an 18-in Barrel with a one to six lpvo? My other two uppers are a 14.5 with a DOT and a 16 inch stainless upper into 6mm arc with 2-12 ffp scope I know it would be a little heavier and a little harder to manipulate but are there really any advantages to go 18 versus 16? What makes you think this could be wrong? |
Joined:
Sep 2025
Posts:
1673
EE: 0% (0)
NV, USA
|
Generic: 18" barrel will only change weight and velocity. How much of each depends on the barrel, barrel profile and ammo. Just like how two 16" barrels can be completely different weights and have different velocities. Optic: There's technically nothing wrong with putting an lpvo on an 18" barrel. Or any other optic for that matter really. Hell our military used iron sighted 20" rifles ror how long? There's even competitions still using them today. However, if you're trying to match the optic to the role, first you have to decide what that role is. As to your specific 1-6x, the main thing i would be concerned with is if it has a bdc or duplex reticle, that you can find a zero distance that matches the bdc or point blank range (max bullet rise and fall along trajectory) you want as closely as possible with the ammo you intend to shoot most. That may end up being 50y or 75y or something else entirely. If your lpvo has a mill or moa reticle, it's more a matter of deciding on zero distance. As always, get velocity data and plug all the info into a ballistic calc. |
| It's two inches of barrel. It's a non issue. Every length has pros and cons but sometimes we get hung up on the wrong things. In my opinion you'll almost always notice more of a difference with weight vs a couple of inches and you said it's a decent profile so that's not an issue. I have an old Rock River Mid Length upper that weighs a ton and I never shoot it. I bet it weighs pretty close to my 20 and it wouldn't surprise me if it was a bit heavier. |
BikerNut:
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
|
Originally Posted By mike_nds: Velocity will be higher, but the profile and weight is more of a factor based on what you want to do with it. I try to practice a balanced build, meaning don’t put a hubble telescope on a carbine. A 1-6 sound about right to me. FPNI 18" rifle I built for 3-gun matches ( and coyote hunting ) 
|
|
Originally Posted By jwf2874: I have a line on a nice upper for a really good price. I need something to put my lpbo on. The only thing I'm concerned about on this upper is it has an 18 inch barrel. It's not a super heavy profile so that's good and the overall weight will be manageable. I've never used an 18 inch barrel nothing longer than 16. What are you guys thoughts about an 18-in Barrel with a one to six lpvo? My other two uppers are a 14.5 with a DOT and a 16 inch stainless upper into 6mm arc with 2-12 ffp scope I know it would be a little heavier and a little harder to manipulate but are there really any advantages to go 18 versus 16? What kind of upper is it exactly? |
Joined:
Nov 2024
Posts:
1
EE: 0% (0)
FL, USA
|
One of my favorite current builds is a 18" criterion left handed upper, area 419 2 port brake and vortex amg 1-10. Absolutely love it for 2-gun and precision rifle steel matches. Came 3rd to only the match director and a national level competitor at the last carbine match. 18" + lpvo is sweet spot. |
AR Sponsor