16" vs 18" AR Barrels

[FMJBT]

The main difference I notice between the 16" barrel and an 18" is that the 18" barrel is a little longer.

With all due respect, I disagree.

[Munny$hot]

Building your own will probably be cheapest. Look at the DPMS MK 18 416R stainless/black coating, sub 1 moa at 100 meters, 1/8 twist, rifle length gas system, @ 165.00.

[deckhandmike]

Ooh, thanks Munny$hot! I was trying to find a reasonable priced barrel that had those specs. Now if I can just find one in stock...

[BattleScout]

I hope to find out soon.

My wife recently got a Bush .308 ORC for target and hunting. I'm replacing the stock 16" with a Criterion 18.5" match barrel and installing a rifle-length, front adjustable, low pro gas system for her.

[bwiese]

If all other things are equal, 16" vs 18" on 223/5.56 has zero raw effect on accuracy.

In fact significantly longer barrels for larger calibers may be LESS accurate than shorter bbls due to barrel harmonics.

A longer sight radius DOES help and is one reason for the popularity of "Disspator" rifles w/16" bbls but rifle-length sight radius.