What length for first SBR?

[joeyshoe]

I'm planning my first SBR and trying to figure out what barrel length I want/need. I have a 14.5 middy with a perm attached PWS but I plan on selling that after I get my SBR put together.

I would eventually like to also build a 18/20" rifle for longer and more precise shot placements so I want/need this SBR build to fill the role of: home defense and range toy.

I don't plan on getting a can...but we know how that goes.

The original plan was to do a sort of mk18 upper, but I am not made out of money and I feel like if I'm going to go short.... maybe I should go 7.5".

Any opinions for a SBR uber newb?

many thanks gents!

[islandermyk]

I believe on the FORM 1 you can put 7 inches, and your build you can add or replace any barrel length just as long as it isn't shorter than 7 inches you applied for on you application... I'm pretty sure someone will come along and correct me if I'm wrong...


... but with this method you can shoot everything in between 7 inches and as long of a barrel as you want...

Hope it all comes together for you

[J]

You can change it out as you see fit. Any length. If it is a permanent modification, you should notify the ATF to update your registration.

You cannot sell or otherwise transfer an SBR/SBS if the current registration does not match the barrel length at the time of sale/transfer.

If you change to over 16" and still possess the parts to return it to SBR length, it remains under the purview of the ATF. If you change to over 16" and no longer possess the parts to return it to SBR configuration, you can notify the ATF and have its registration permanently canceled (tax stamp revoked) and it will no longer be under the purview of the ATF.

Standard IANAL disclaimers and such.

[J]

And to get more to the point of the OP question:

What caliber? If 5.56x45, I'm partial to the 11" with a short brake on it.

[JohnnyEgo]

7.5" is great for fun, but may take a little tuning between buffer weights and gas port sizes to get it to run reliably.



12.5" is great all around, particularly if you are going to compete from short to mid ranges. It is my favorite length.

[joeyshoe]

And to get more to the point of the OP question:

What caliber? If 5.56x45, I'm partial to the 11" with a short brake on it.

I am going to stick with 5.56x45. Why do you prefer the 11"? My original thoughts were to get a 10.3/10.5 with just a birdcage I have extra. I would like to balance length (shortness) with reliability. Are the 7' SBRs harder to make reliable? I know that my middy 14.5 took a little tweaking to run lower powered rounds.

The 10.5 was appealing to me because it seems to be a popular length. To be honest, i've never fired a SBR anything and have only handled SBR AKs. Maybe I need to link up with some peeps and try some different setups.

Would the birdcage handle a 10.5 ok or should I get something more suited to a SBR? Not necessarily the Noveske KX3 because of weight/length, but something that will subdue the extra umph of the SBR.

Thanks for the help!

[joeyshoe]

this is a major reason for my thinking in the 7 range.

I don't really plan on competing much with it. I've been thinking about doing the lake george 3 gun, but that's fairly close distances.

It seems like 10.3/10.5 may be the way to go...for me.

Is there anything bad or personal learning experiences to be said about a 10.3/10.5 barrel and a 10' rail setup? Again, no cans at this time but wouldn't mind leaving that option open. This kinda goes with my 11' large tactical gooseneck thread...if you guys didn't figure it out yet.

hoping to get CLEO sign off and prints in a week or two. How long from send off before they cash the check? Is it still around 7 month wait?

cheers!

[J]

In general the shorter will be more difficult to get right. The 10.5-11.5 lengths will Be carbine length systems, instead of pistol.

Once you get to the carbine length your options open up significantly for rails, grips, etc.

And the 5.56 is a round that does very well with extra barrel to get moving.

If you said 300blk, I'd be hard pressed to not suggest a 7". Round is range limited already, and can really benefit from faster gas systems, especially on subsonics.

[asmo]

10.5 for your first.. Learn it and then start making more in different sizes shapes and colors.

[TriggerHappy]

No suppressor manufacturer will warranty a can on less than 10" barrel. I would build an sbr and keep the 14.5, why not. I really wanted a 12.5 upper to keep the velocity up, but got a screaming deal on a 10.5. Here is a pic of my first build mk18, lmt barrel and lower:



I will be running a surefire mini once I get a sf muzzle brake/hider on it. For longer range stuff you don't really need an 18-20", unless you just want the look. 16" 1in7, good barrel, will do the trick. 223/556 loses a lot of oomph past 600yds. Here is my 16". It's very accurate with good 68gr. (could only find a family shot. Far right) DD 16" 2.5-10 vortex.