I am planning on building an AR pistol and I will not be using a can on it so no need to go into that discussion concerning barrel length. I currently have a 16in. Which would you guys prefer? And WHY?

-Would the 12.5 be more sloppy to use in a pistol configuration since it is heavier/longer?

-Is the flip/flash that much more obnoxious with 1 less inch?

-DOES ANYONE HAVE  BALLISTICS CHART COMPARING THESE TWO LENGTHS FOR 75/77gr, 55gr, AND 62gr BULLETS?? (I will be using tap 75gr 5.56, but still interested in other gr bullets)

I really want to find out how far each one can reach out and still "fragment" reliably.....


Thanks for any help!

There is not going to be much difference in velocity between a 11.5 and 12.5".
I prefer the 11.5". Easier to handle and better balanced IMO
If you use the Barnes Tripple Threat, you won't have to be concerned with expansion.

You lose about 50 fps going for 12.5 to 11.5, when using sbr from 10.5-12.5 there will not be too much difference in ballistic performance.