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Every time I see or hear someone say "The science is settled", I cringe.

There is no "best" barrel length for the AR-15 5.56. Totally subjective and depends on use case.

As far as "America's Rifle" goes, I define that title as one being the rifle most legal gun-owning patriots would choose during SHTF. Sorry, but that would be the 16" AR in whatever brand you can find at the time.

Edit: Also, "America's AR Mag" is a Magpul..heh
 
Every time I see or hear someone say "The science is settled", I cringe.

There is no "best" barrel length for the AR-15 5.56. Totally subjective and depends on use case.

As far as "America's Rifle" goes, I define that title as one being the rifle most legal gun-owning patriots would choose during SHTF. Sorry, but that would be the 16" AR is whatever brand you can find at the time.
The AR15 was originally designed with 20" barrel and 1:14 twist for 40-55 gr bullets. It went to 1:12 because 1:14 apparently keyholed bullets and then 1:7 came about because of the Belgian FN's SS109 bullets (62gr). But yeah, 20" was designed length with the long gas tube. Colt had problems with 15.something barrels with rifle gas, and then they finally went to carbine gas for the 10.5-11.5" Commandos and that grew to 14.5" govt carbines (CAR15). NFA/GCA forced the 16" change for civilian AR15 Carbines.
 
The AR15 was originally designed with 20" barrel and 1:14 twist for 40-55 gr bullets. It went to 1:12 because 1:14 apparently keyholed bullets and then 1:7 came about because of the Belgian FN's SS109 bullets (62gr). But yeah, 20" was designed length with the long gas tube. Colt had problems with 15.something barrels with rifle gas, and then they finally went to carbine gas for the 10.5-11.5" Commandos and that grew to 14.5" govt carbines (CAR15). NFA/GCA forced the 16" change for civilian AR15 Carbines.
Yep..know all about the history.

16" with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist is the sweet spot when your ammo choice is M193 and M855 (civilian) and you're engaging <500yrds. (Which you most likely will be)

I'll die on that hill ;)
 
Yep..know all about the history.

16" with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist is the sweet spot when your ammo choice is M193 and M855 (civilian) and you're engaging <500yrds. (Which you most likely will be)

I'll die on that hill ;)
Both of my 16" 5.56s are 1:9 twists. 20" HBAR 1:7 twist. Rexus(formerly SixFive outfitters) 12" 6.5 Grendel is 1:7.5 .

Daresay 1:7 and 1:9 is most common 5.56 AR twist rate regardless of barrel length

Edit 2. Also most likely to see 16" and 20" civilian ARs everywhere than 10.5"-14.5" SBR/pistols or 18" "SPR"s
 
I trained extensively with a 20" barrel. I qualified expert. I know the rifle. That said, for me, the 16" barrel makes for a more usable and handy firearm. For those that prefer the longer barrel, I respect personal preferences.
 
Mine is a 1:8 twist.

Also, just for sh1t's and giggles, I did some math.

Screenshot 2024-10-05 120807.png
 
Last Edited:
Yep, love the 20" barrel with a 1:8 twist for slightly heavier bullets. My favorite.

I really woke up to the 5.56 barrel length topic after shooting 5.56 with a 10.5" barrel at night. It just seemed unnatural to have that much flash from the unburnt powder with that barrel length. Tested with 16", then a 20" and then understood the original spec M16 much better!
 
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This dirty picture is showing a 20" over a RPG catcher's shoulder. :confused: :rolleyes: :oops:

I have a mix... but the majority of those pictured (and not pictured) are in the ~14.5"-16" lengths. I think I prefer a mid-length gas system on a ~14.5" barrel. And a close second would be the 16" mid-length gas system (3rd from the top).
ui_airsoft2.jpg
Great thing about it... in most States we still have the option to choose what we prefer. I hope we can retain the Right.
 
View attachment 1961880
This dirty picture is showing a 20" over a RPG catcher's shoulder. :confused: :rolleyes: :oops:

I have a mix... but the majority of those pictured (and not pictured) are in the ~14.5"-16" lengths. I think I prefer a mid-length gas system on a ~14.5" barrel. And a close second would be the 16" mid-length gas system (3rd from the top).
View attachment 1961907
Great thing about it... in most States we still have the option to choose what we prefer. I hope we can retain the Right.
Nice collection!
 
And it has M-LOK slots. A compound heresy! :p

Doesn't make it any less something that when in its owner's hands, better UP-range than DOWN...
And it is a mix master....
I put together the Anderson lower...the upper is a Bushmaster ...don't remember who made the BCG....
Furniture is Magpul.
It ain't the most high end of rifles...but it does shoot.

This is what happens when some dumbazz elected official says you can't own _________
I just had to have one then.

Truth be told however...
Long ago...I once owned a Colt SP1 ....traded it for a flintlock rifle...the look on the vendor's face during the deal was priceless.... :D
Andy
 
I had a feeling that you were a mixture of traditions and technology!
View attachment 1961988
Could be....:D
I have nothing against modern firearms...just prefer older / antiques ones.

In any event my thoughts on firearm ownership and the 2nd Amendment is simple :
Own whatever firearms you want to own...or don't own any.
Just don't make that choice for others.

Too bad our elected officials don't see it that way....but I digress.
Andy
 

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