Do AR style rifles come with 24" barrels?

[Bushwack44]

I'm looking for a 223/556 long gun in a classic/sporter-style stock (it can be wood or laminate but not synthetic) that takes AR mags and has either a 22" or 24" barrel. After looking at Remington, Ruger and Savage (I think I looked through all 1,001 Savage rifles combos they have), all I can find is the Mossberg Predator below that comes in either 18.5" or 20".




Mossberg (and I think Savage) has all the specs I'm looking for but in a benchrest stock - like this Mossberg Varmint below:



So, a couple questions...

Since this will only be for fun time/target shooting, any reason not to go with a benchrest (never shot with this kind of stock)? Is there a reason a 22" or 24" barrel isn't offered in a classic stock (other that vendor's choice how they configure their rifles)?

Of what I've been learning about target shooting for distance, the longer the barrel the better, correct? Should I assume a 223/556 cartridge benefits little with a 24" barrel vs a 20" (or even 16")?

To summarize (so not to get off topic), I'm looking for a classic/sporter long gun with a wood or laminate stock in 223/556 (that takes AR mags) with a 22 or 24" barrel. Thanks for any help.

[jdben92883]

What are you expecting from a 24" barrel that a high quality 20" barrel won't accomplish? If you're fortunate enough, Randall from ar15barrels will chime in and since you're both in SoCal, he can even probably set you up for what you're looking for.

[MotoFahren]

Here is an interesting article regarding .223 and barrel length.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2015/03/surprising-results-in-223-rem-barrel-cut-down-velocity-test/

[kevins750]

fun time/ target shooting
targets paper? targets steel?
100 yds? 500 yds?

[Bushwack44]

fun time/ target shooting
targets paper? targets steel?
100 yds? 500 yds?

- Steel (usually)
- 400 yards.

[Bushwack44]

Always thought size matters when it comes to barrel length and having the round reach its target with as little drop as possible.

But the write-up in this link- http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...velocity-test/ leads me to believe larger calibers benefit most with a longer barrel. I thought I could stay with 223/556 comfortably up to 400 yards. I've read its doable.

What are you expecting from a 24" barrel that a high quality 20" barrel won't accomplish? If you're fortunate enough, Randall from ar15barrels will chime in and since you're both in SoCal, he can even probably set you up for what you're looking for.

Here is an interesting article regarding .223 and barrel length.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...velocity-test/

[milotrain]

A 223 with a 20" barrel is QUITE effective to 400 yards. No need for a 24" barrel, however there are plenty of AR uppers with 24" barrels.

Get something with a twist rate between 1:8 and 1:7 and shoot 75gr or heavier bullets.

[TMB 1]

I didn't really care for the MVP Varmint's factory stock for anything but bench or prone shooting. This is one in a Boyds Classic stock.
Scope is a 3-9 Nikon. Mag is a 10rnd Pmag.
I also replaced plastic trigger guard with metal guard.