16" or 18" barrel?

[ARgal]

I am completely new to ARs but have been reading alot of the threads here and other info on the web to learn as much as I can. I am planning to build my first AR and trying to decide between the 16" and 18" barrel. It seems the 16" is by far the most popular. I would be using the rifle for recreational shooting at the range mostly. From what I have been able to learn the pros and cons are:

16" - more maneuverable, lighter weight, more choices in barrels

18" - increased accuracy and range, less recoil. Not as many choices in the 18" - I was looking at Sabre Defense, but see that their bank has taken over their assets and selling them. So the company may or may not continue in business.

Would like to get some feedback on other factors to consider in making a choice. Appreciate your input!

Debra

[def4pos8]

I chose an 18-inch Lothar Walther barrel from Spike's Tactical.

I desired a 20-inch barrel for ballistic efficiency but couldn't find a vendor to provide a semi-stripped, 20" LW barrel. LaRue Tactical does offer LW 20-inchers in complete uppers.

Weight isn't a huge concern for me, so a ~.750-inch diameter has worked well. It is very accurate.

Having "grown up" with the M-1 and M-14/M-1A, any Stoner AR is "light" to me. If weight is a concern for you, don't forget that ounces (pounds?) can be saved with careful selection of other components, especially the stock but also in the forend and sighting devices.

The toughest part for me was selecting what I wanted to use! Good luck with all that!!

[Tbag]

An 18" barrel gains you little, first off really no more accurate but will give a few more FPS so just a bit more range. Recoil, really no difference.

I'd likely go 20" if looking for strickly a target or hunting rifle, other than that pick one of a dozen 16"er's and get the job done just as well.

Oh weight difference depends on barrel profile, it could almost be no different or maybe 6-8oz.

[bobbyfairbanks]

I would have to agree that the difference for accuracy between 16 and 18 is nominal. If you want more accuracy for range shooting I would go with the 20". If your go is shooting and scooting I would go with a 16. The best part of the AR is you can have multiple uppers for one lower. So if you really fill stuck get the 20" for the table shooting and get a 16 for the move and shoot stuff. Either way the .223 round loses alot of FPS the shorter you go which will effect ballistics at range. Good luck with your selection and would love to see a pic of your build when your done.

[ARgal]

Thanks guys for the tips and suggestions. Good info. I'll definitely post some pics when its done. I have enjoyed looking at a lot of the threads on here with everyone's pictures - good way to get some ideas

[Cameron]

I would defenitely take a 16" mid length as my first or only AR15. The 16" mid length gas system is the sweet spot in the AR. The difference is really not that much between a 18" and 16" I don't think it is enough of a velocity gain to warrant the extra weight and length. Also remember that an 18" is not more accurate than a 16" the only thing it offers is a little more velocity, in fact a shorter barrel (all else being equal) is typically more accurate than a longer one as they are stiffer.

BCM 18" SPR & DD 16" Recce


After having both the 18" SPR type and the 16" Recce type I understand why the SF types preferred that 16" Recce it just seems to handle better and can make hits to the limit of the optic and the shooters ability.

Cameron

[DeusExMachina]

14.5" with a welded flash hider.

[ARgal]

I would defenitely take a 16" mid length as my first or only AR15. The 16" mid length gas system is the sweet spot in the AR. The difference is really not that much between a 18" and 16" I don't think it is enough of a velocity gain to warrant the extra weight and length. Also remember that an 18" is not more accurate than a 16" the only thing it offers is a little more velocity, in fact a shorter barrel (all else being equal) is typically more accurate than a longer one as they are stiffer.

BCM 18" SPR & DD 16" Recce


After having both the 18" SPR type and the 16" Recce type I understand why the SF types preferred that 16" Recce it just seems to handle better and can make hits to the limit of the optic and the shooters ability.

Cameron

Very nice looking rifles - i do like the 16" Recce. I think I am going to go with the 16" mid length. Seems to be the best choice all around.

[COvigilance]

If it were me, and my only AR I would go with a 16". Because I use it for home defense. If I was just shooting from a static position, like a bench, I would go with the longer barrel and bigger optic for accuracy. But if I were moving and shooting I would definitely go with a 16". BCM's website has alot of different choices to browse through. It kind of comes down to what you want to use it for. Good luck, building is alot of fun.