11.5" or 14.5" AR and why?

Boondoggie · May 10, 2008, 06:44 AM

Ok, I've applied for my Tax Stamp and I am currently in the middle of my SBR AR project. The question is which barrel length to install? I stated on the application form that it is an 11.5” barrel, but I have been informed (still to be confirmed) that anything longer then 11.5” is acceptable, as long as you don’t go below the registered length.

So, I am now considering a 14.5”. Why? Obviously there are advantages to both.

If you have had experience with one or the other and or would have done something different, please share your views.

Yes, it does depend on what I am going to do with the gun. In general, it would just be for a bit of fun. I would still like it to be semi accurate out to 200 yards, I am not looking for a tack driver, nor a ‘shotgun’ either.

Any help greatly appreciated.

wjkuleck · May 10, 2008, 08:11 AM

The 14.5" allows you to affix a bayonet

...

Regards,

Walt
PS 14.5" is also M4-length, if having a military-type weapon is of interest.

Creature · May 10, 2008, 08:48 AM

The 14.5" was a better choice for me because the the 14.5" is a better compromise than the 16" for CQB in terms of balance and maneuverability. The difference in muzzle velocity lost is negligible.

David Hineline · May 11, 2008, 06:51 PM

The 11.5 with silencer is not so long.

Boondoggie · May 12, 2008, 05:23 AM

Guys,

Thanks for all the input.

David Hineline wrote:

Quote:

The 11.5 with silencer is not so long.

It did cross my mind

was concerned about accuracy to 200 yards with this setup.

Creature wrote:

Quote:

The 14.5" was a better choice for me because the the 14.5" is a better compromise than the 16" for CQB in terms of balance and maneuverability. The difference in muzzle velocity lost is negligible.

The other side of my dilemma.

hknut · May 13, 2008, 03:23 AM

The 11.5 looks kewl! There is no real difference between the 14.5 to 16, so why bother.

VUPDblue · May 13, 2008, 08:02 AM

Quote:

There is no real difference between the 14.5 to 16, so why bother

I always thought it was a waste of $200 just to lose 1 1/2" of barrel. Now, go down to 7.5" and that's something....

P99AS9 · May 13, 2008, 08:08 AM

14.5,right in the middle, can't go wrong.

buzz_knox · May 13, 2008, 08:18 AM

14.5 doesn't offer that much of an advantage over the 16 inch barrel, unless you want a dimensionally accurate M4gery.

The 11.5 provides a distinct advantage in handling, especially with a Noveske muzzle device.

vwfool · June 16, 2008, 08:42 PM

Personally I'd go with the 11.5 with a Gemtech M4-02 "muzzle device."

I only have a RRA 16;" however, I really like the way my M4-02 quiets down my PLR-16. I think an 11.5 inch SBR will be the next project after I get my 870 SBS paperwork back. It has only been 2 weeks but seems like forever.

VUPDblue · June 16, 2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

but I have been informed (still to be confirmed) that anything longer then 11.5” is acceptable, as long as you don’t go below the registered length.

I don't know how I missed that the first time around, but you can go shorter or longer, either way without problems.

View Poll Results: Which barrel
11.5"	8	47.06%
14.5"	5	29.41%
Stay with the 16" anything else is a waste of time	4	23.53%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

May 10, 2008, 06:44 AM	#1
Boondoggie Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2006 Location: NEO Posts: 202	11.5" or 14.5" AR and why? Ok, I've applied for my Tax Stamp and I am currently in the middle of my SBR AR project. The question is which barrel length to install? I stated on the application form that it is an 11.5” barrel, but I have been informed (still to be confirmed) that anything longer then 11.5” is acceptable, as long as you don’t go below the registered length. So, I am now considering a 14.5”. Why? Obviously there are advantages to both. If you have had experience with one or the other and or would have done something different, please share your views. Yes, it does depend on what I am going to do with the gun. In general, it would just be for a bit of fun. I would still like it to be semi accurate out to 200 yards, I am not looking for a tack driver, nor a ‘shotgun’ either. Any help greatly appreciated.

May 10, 2008, 08:11 AM	#2
wjkuleck Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 1,220	The 14.5" allows you to affix a bayonet ... Regards, Walt PS 14.5" is also M4-length, if having a military-type weapon is of interest. __________________ Author, NEW! The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide The M14 and M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guides The M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guide The AR-15 Complete Assembly and (New 4th Edition) Owner's Guides

May 11, 2008, 06:51 PM	#4
David Hineline Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 1999 Location: South Sioux City, Nebraska Posts: 704	The 11.5 with silencer The 11.5 with silencer is not so long.

May 13, 2008, 03:23 AM	#6
hknut Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2005 Location: Olympia, Wa. Posts: 535	The 11.5 looks kewl! There is no real difference between the 14.5 to 16, so why bother. __________________ "Gun control is like trying to reduce Drunk Driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars" Walk softly and carry a big SIG.

May 10, 2008, 08:48 AM	#3
Creature Junior member Join Date: April 8, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,769	The 14.5" was a better choice for me because the the 14.5" is a better compromise than the 16" for CQB in terms of balance and maneuverability. The difference in muzzle velocity lost is negligible.

May 13, 2008, 08:08 AM	#8
P99AS9 Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2008 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 612	14.5,right in the middle, can't go wrong.

May 13, 2008, 08:18 AM	#9
buzz_knox Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 1999 Location: Knoxville, in the Free State of Tennesse Posts: 4,190	14.5 doesn't offer that much of an advantage over the 16 inch barrel, unless you want a dimensionally accurate M4gery. The 11.5 provides a distinct advantage in handling, especially with a Noveske muzzle device.

June 16, 2008, 08:42 PM	#10
vwfool Member Join Date: May 17, 2008 Posts: 34	Personally I'd go with the 11.5 with a Gemtech M4-02 "muzzle device." I only have a RRA 16;" however, I really like the way my M4-02 quiets down my PLR-16. I think an 11.5 inch SBR will be the next project after I get my 870 SBS paperwork back. It has only been 2 weeks but seems like forever.

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