Whats the "2017" thinking on AR15 pistol barrel length vs function & reliability

[uparmor]

Ive tried to search the net on this and get sooooo many internet "opinions" on this I do not know which to believe. I see barrels in the 7, 8, 10 and 11" range.

Heres my question.....

I want as short as reasonable (not a calif resident so I can have ANYTHING I want).

Reasonable to me means it goes bang when I pull the trigger and does not jam or malfunction and still has rifle grade power.

My concerns are....


100% reliable
Concealability
Still has some "rifle grade" punch left

This pistol will have a shark fin and be in my GHB in the trunk.

Whats the 2017 consensus?

[ar15barrels]

10.5"
Those shorter barrel lengths you mentioned have a dramatic loss of velocity/energy.

[greensoup]

My 7.5 inch with brake has so much blast it makes my nose run. I don't recommend this length.

[1919_4_ME]

A 7.5" will still ruin your day even out at 200+ yards.

FF to 3:45

[Urban Legend]

As the video above shows a 7.5" 223/5.56 will still do damage if you ever needed to use it for self defense. Hopefully 100% of your usage will be on paper and steel. But they are LOUD!!!. I recommend a 7.5" 300 Blackout. Best of both worlds, compact and powerful, and not as loud at a 223/5.56 at that size. The 300 Blackout round was designed for short barrels. I have one and love it. To make it even smaller you can put a Law Tactical or Dead Foot Arms stock folder on it.

[FeuerFrei]

7.5" works just fine for a shorty concealed rifle.
Just don't ask it to be precise at longer ranges.
Adding a can will save your hearing. Shooting standard ammo sans hearing protection is realistic.
Shooting it without a silencer and ear pro will make you regret you fired the damn thing.

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

[FeuerFrei]

Yep. Some of us knew OP was in Idaho.
SBRs and silencers are not verboten there.
The unlock of this thread is appreciated.

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

[Jimi Jah]

A 7.5" runs just fine here. Good to 200 yards. A linear compensator is a must if you want to keep your eyebrows. An adjustable gas block is another needed accessory. Stick a Sig brace on it in CA.

I use mine to clear ajacent lanes at the range.

[mshill]

I have a 10.5" in 5.56 and an 8" in 300blk. I have not chrono'd either of them but I wouldn't hesitate to use either in a SHTF situation out past 100 yards. I look forward to the day when I move to Utah and I can SBR+can the 300blk and use it as my HD weapon.

[mtenenhaus]

interesting to see all the different numbers. i recently read an article, if i recall correctly it was in a somewhat recent edition of Firearm Times stating that 11.5 inch was optimal

[Jimi Jah]

Optimal for 5.56 is 20". The concept of the AR pistol is to be able to own the smallest rifle caliber handgun. It is a compromise but one that is completely usable.

[JTROKS]

I have a couple of TC Contender pistol barrels and my experience tells me I can hit up to 400 yards with my accurate 55 grain BTHP accuracy loads. As with any small caliber round hitting at that range becomes difficult when the winds are gusting. The 223 Rem/5.56 is too dang loud and the bark is sharp with short barrels equipped with compensators directing the gasses to the sides and top.