AR's in .308 with 16" barrel ?

[Slim Jim]

Why do so many companies sell these versions and why do so many people buy them ? Personally I think the .308 round performs alot better in 18 or 20 " barrels.

[UBFRAGD]

I would never heat up my precious 18" on my LR308, but I am lusting after a 16" upper for plinking fun.

I think I can distinctly remember every time I've dumped a 20-round mag of 308. Top fun!!!

[acaligunner]

Easier to handle, less weight (), Most shots are under 3-400 yards-- So you don't need all that (18-21") barrel, Still retain most of the terminal ballistics of a longer barrel.

I've heard that 16" LMT's & LaRue's are still hitting at long range, sure the rifle/round system is better with a 18-20ish barrel, but the 16 is still good to go.

acaligunner

[-hanko]

Why do so many companies sell these versions and why do so many people buy them ? Personally I think the .308 round performs alot better in 18 or 20 " barrels.

I like 16" barrels on the FAL as it's a little lighter, is easier to get to while in the truck and it still shoots well out to as it needs to, which is usually 2-300 yds.

What matters is how far you're shooting and your skill as a shooter.

-hanko

[misterjake]

You lose 200 fps from a 20" to a 16" .308.

That's still 2,550 out of the muzzle and enough energy to blow a grapefruit size hole in your torso. You also gain less weight in the front for faster draw and easier handling.

Just dont make it something it's not and that's a long range shooter.

But for close quarter battle? It will shine.

[cprieto]

I have an 18" on my build and am thinking of picking up a 14.5 with a pinned flash for fun... "Why" some may ask... Well... "Why not"!

[TayR_1911]

^^
That's the same thing I'm about to do for mine!!

[FeuerFrei]

I'm in the process of completing my first dpms ar10. I chose to run a 16" hb upper for the first upper.
My intention is to have something that won't weigh too much and still do the job.
Longer barrel may still be in my future.

[sholling]

To each there own but I'd go with 18" which is a good compromise between handling and ballistics.

[PolishMike]

Look at the Larue's. They are pretty much THE most accurate semi auto 308 you can buy. Accuracy does not change between barrel lengths. Theoretically the longer barrel will become LESS accurate because of barrel flex. All it gets you is a couple dozen FPS. Unless you are pushing the 308 round to its extreme max its not going to matter.

Look at what all the pros are shooting http://www.sniperinfo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1047

16 or max 18

[jyo]

16" barrel and .308= LOUD!! REALLY LOUD!