Silver Lifetime
- Messages
- 42,923
- Reactions
- 111,538
The length of the barrel would depend on a number of factors, but the primary one would be what cartridge you are going to be shooting. Some of the cartridges such as .300 BLK or 7.63x39 are better suited for shorter barrels. Also, some ammo is out there for shorter barrels.
But I agree, 12.5" is about as short as I would go for 5.56x45 - the upper I just bought is a 14.5" with a pinned/welded flash hider, so it can be used for either a rifle or a pistol - the legal difference (assuming a 'firearm' lower) being what 'stock' you put on it - a pistol brace or rifle stock. I have a pistol brace on my shock wave and IMO it is an adequate substitute for a buttstock.
Another thing as we were talking about balance - there are a lot of different barrel profiles for the AR, there are now even carbon fiber barrels. So a lightweight barrel of appropriate length can be had, or if you still want to go short to get an even lighter rifle/pistol then a shorter lightweight profile barrel can be had, and other lightweight components too.
I bought my shockwave because it was short, much lighter, less bulky, handier and better balanced than my other home defense shotgun, and easier to conceal and/or less likely to be noticed unless brought to bear. It also has much more recoil, but I can deal with it.
But I agree, 12.5" is about as short as I would go for 5.56x45 - the upper I just bought is a 14.5" with a pinned/welded flash hider, so it can be used for either a rifle or a pistol - the legal difference (assuming a 'firearm' lower) being what 'stock' you put on it - a pistol brace or rifle stock. I have a pistol brace on my shock wave and IMO it is an adequate substitute for a buttstock.
Another thing as we were talking about balance - there are a lot of different barrel profiles for the AR, there are now even carbon fiber barrels. So a lightweight barrel of appropriate length can be had, or if you still want to go short to get an even lighter rifle/pistol then a shorter lightweight profile barrel can be had, and other lightweight components too.
I bought my shockwave because it was short, much lighter, less bulky, handier and better balanced than my other home defense shotgun, and easier to conceal and/or less likely to be noticed unless brought to bear. It also has much more recoil, but I can deal with it.