All,
I live in the communist state of NY where AR pistols are limited to fixed magazine builds. We aren't even talking about bullet button builds....literally fixed magazine. For example, some will use a bullet button and then epoxy the button hole closed. Anyways, I am not here to discuss fixed mag options but rather to discuss barrel length options. I already own a 300 blackout with a 8.5inch barrel which so far runs flawless and is a blast to shoot but it is also quite costly to shoot (even with reloads) so im looking to buy an upper to use on my already assembled fixed mag lower. Since this will not be for any kind of application involving living critters, I am not concerned about ballistics. I will be using it at the range ONLY, likely with fixed sights or maybe a red dot out to 50 yards. I have heard that 10.5inch is the "sweet" zone for a 5.56 build. I think this is for ballistics, muzzle blast, reliability with keeping a relatively short barrel...etc. Since I do not care about ballistics nor muzzle blast, I was contemplating going shorter barrel like to my 300 blackout 8.5inch. what are your thoughts? it seems that if I ran into reliability issues, most of the time going with a lighter weight buffer spring OR cutting a coil off a regular buffer spring will remedy this. That would mean if I wanted to change from 300black to 5.56 upper I simply switch uppers and buffer springs. No big deal. Am I missing anything else? Should I just go with a 10.5inch build? Thanks!