How much does it matter whether you choose a 16, 18, or even 20-inch barrel? If you buy the wrong one, will you fail to ever hit another target? Will the bullet even make it out of the fiery end before falling to the ground?
Will General ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis ever compete on Dancing With The Stars? Here, we’ll explore the answer to these, and more, important questions.
That is such utter horseshit. The 5.56 is entirely dependent on velocity to achieve what it does. Barrel length affects velocity.
ReplyDeleteIt all depends on what you desire it to do. What size parameters you have to work with. A full length barrel if you are effectively heavy motorized infantry (this means you roll around in wheeled and armored vehicles) is a real pain getting in and out. The clowns who go short for "weight savings", then hang kilograms worth of crap on it get the worst of both. Pick your most likely, not your edge case scenario and live with it, train with it. It is all your choice, not mine. The best answer to barrel length is "YES". This means having one. And knowing how to use it.
ReplyDeleteI think I read that past 26", It slows the projectile down though so there's that. Ohio Guy
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on what you intend to do with the rifle. If you are planning on taking quick shots at very close range, go with the short barrel.
ReplyDeleteI hit an 18" steel gong consistently from 850 yards with a 5.56 69gn bthp SMK. Shot from an 16" 1 in 9 twist bull barrel AR. Yes, I'm always the dude that shows up with stuff thats not supposed to work but does.
ReplyDeleteI'm also often that guy. This summer I outshot a lot of guys running $2000+ shotguns in a sporting clays match with an ancient Model 11 I paid $400 for.
DeleteOn 5.56, the new thinking is the "wall" where velocity starts really falling rapidly is about a 12" barrel. As far as accuracy, a longer barrel can harm it since a shorter barrel moves less with harmonics.
ReplyDeleteThe military went with a 14.5" barrel because it was the sweet spot between weight/maneuverability and reliability. The 10.5" versions of the AR platform weren't really great at working.
Who fucking cares as long as it can kill commies, jeesh.
ReplyDelete