Clarification on barrel length, AR-15.

[BigBear]

Ar-15.

With a 14.5 inch barrel MUST have the FH pinned/welded to reach a total length of 16.5. So, FH is limited as to what may be used with suppresor, correct?

With a 16 inch barrel, the FH can just be screwed on and thus is interchangable so options are not limited to what can be run with a suppressor, correct?

1. So why do most people opt (it seems) for the 14.5 inch barrel?
- Ease of movement, less weight, yadda yadda?

2. To get a 14.5 inch barrel with a removable FH, I'm assuming you'd have to get SBR paperwork?


Just want to make sure I understand things correctly. Thanks.

[Graves]

The only advantage is saving 1.5" or so.

[Byte Stryke]

Ar-15.

With a 14.5 inch barrel MUST have the FH pinned/welded to reach a total length of 16.5. So, FH is limited as to what may be used with suppresor, correct?

With a 16 inch barrel, the FH can just be screwed on and thus is interchangable so options are not limited to what can be run with a suppressor, correct?

1. So why do most people opt (it seems) for the 14.5 inch barrel?
- Ease of movement, less weight, yadda yadda?

2. To get a 14.5 inch barrel with a removable FH, I'm assuming you'd have to get SBR paperwork?


Just want to make sure I understand things correctly. Thanks.

essentially the way it reads is that the fixed length of the barrel cannot be less than 16 without an SBR Bribe. If you have a 14.5 and permanently add a 2" FS you are in compliance.

The reason I think some opt for the 14.5 and then perma-mount the FS for 16.5 is so that they are as short as possible without SBR. With a 16" and FS you could come out well over 18" depending on the FS you buy.

[BigBear]

The only advantage is saving 1.5" or so.

and paying an extra $200, lol.


essentially the way it reads is that the fixed length of the barrel cannot be less than 16 without an SBR Bribe. If you have a 14.5 and permanently add a 2" FS you are in compliance.

The reason I think some opt for the 14.5 and then perma-mount the FS for 16.5 is so that they are as short as possible without SBR. With a 16" and FS you could come out well over 18" depending on the FS you buy.


Would anything between 14-20 inch really be that awkward to hold? I understand the "movement in houses" arguement... But I hold my 24 inch rifle and it seems "short" enough, well balanced, etc... Just wondering why all the rage/envy over a 14 vs 16 with the same exact components?

[DeusExMachina]

Most people aren't going to be swapping a flash hider/brake around, so permanently attaching a flash hider isn't that much of a sacrifice. It keeps the barrel as short as possible without requiring SBR registration.

If you plan on a sound suppressor later, get a flash hider that is compatible with the can you have/want. I'm building a 14.5" barrelled upper with an AAC Blackout flash hider attached, so I can use most of AACs cans.

Also, even though it is "permanent", it isn't really. Pinning and welding is required by the BATFE and can be removed and re-pinned/welded in a half hour by a competant person.

[BigBear]

I guess I'm asking if there is anything gained between a 14 and 16... velocity can't change that much, neither can accuracy, etc... so what's the deal? Is it just shorter armed people wanting something better balanced for them?

[Graves]

I guess I'm asking if there is anything gained between a 14 and 16... velocity can't change that much, neither can accuracy, etc... so what's the deal? Is it just shorter armed people wanting something better balanced for them?

Seems to have been covered a few times here already. Your bbl is as short as it can possibly be by law. Also I'm sure you know that there are a few "purists" out there and 14.5" is true to the M4 design.


BTW...who charges an extra $200 to go to a 14.5"??

[DeusExMachina]

I guess I'm asking if there is anything gained between a 14 and 16... velocity can't change that much, neither can accuracy, etc... so what's the deal? Is it just shorter armed people wanting something better balanced for them?

The only thing gained (without SBR registration) is the ability to have a screw-on muzzle device.

Last I checked you don't grab a rifle by the muzzle, so I don't think arm length has much to do with it. For all shooters it can make a decent difference in balance and weight. Having less sticking out from you when shooting squared off to a target the better, too.

[Hoser]

who charges an extra $200 to go to a 14.5"??

Uncle Sam.

[Graves]

Uncle Sam.

I guess if you're going about it that way... Personally, I wouldn't waste an sbr stamp on a 14.5" so having the FH pinned/welded won't bother me.

[DeusExMachina]

I guess if you're going about it that way... Personally, I wouldn't waste an sbr stamp on a 14.5" so having the FH pinned/welded won't bother me.

100% agree.

[gungrinder]

To me, a 14.5" does feel significantly shorter and lighter than a 16". I really have no need to swap around flash hiders so a permanently attatched unit doesn't bother me. The barrel really only needs to be 16" with the permanent flash hider, many flash hiders will bring the length to 16.1" or more when permanently attatched which gives you a little safety cushion for legallity. If you're the kind of guy that likes to swap out to the latest go fast compensator or changes rails/barrels frequently then a 16" or SBR would be the way to go, otherwise there's really no reason to buy a 16" over a pinned 14.5". I've got three SBR'd ARs with 10.5" and 12.5" barrels but all my 14.5" are pinned now. I sold off my 16" barrels since I saw no real performance benefit and they felt quite a bit clumsier, at least to me.
That's my take on it, worth what you paid for it.

[BigBear]

That's my take on it, worth what you paid for it.


Interesting and good thoughts. Check's in the mail Sir, lol. [Beer]