AR barrel length?

[nsginc]

Does anyone run a 14.5 inch barrel? If not than what do you run and why? Thanks everyone

[SuperSet]

Hey man,
Since you posted this question in the Competition forum, I'm assuming that you mean for 3-gun. I used to run a 14.5" + permanent muzzle brake CMMG upper when I first started competing back in Feb '07. I liked its lighter weight and pointability. And to be completely honest, I was just more comfortable with a 14.5" upper from my Army days. Now that I've got a little bit more 3-gun experience, I can see why everyone likes the rifle length gas system (18" or longer). A little heavier but less felt recoil, smoother impulse and more reliable than the carbine gas system.
Hope this helps.

[3GunFunShooter]

Also some times 55 gr. ammo with not make power factor with even a 16" barrel. One reason most shooters go with 18". At major matches they do chrono your ammo.

[nsginc]

Thanks guys for your input. I will be ordering tomorrow.

[gose]

Also some times 55 gr. ammo with not make power factor with even a 16" barrel. One reason most shooters go with 18". At major matches they do chrono your ammo.

I'm guessing that most factory ammo will make 2728fps even out of a 16", so that shouldn't be a problem for USPSA matches, but the majority of 3gun matches seem to be run under IMGA rules so as long as it knocks down the steel it's good

I was out breaking in my 16" CTR-02 today and with the UL carrier and the adjustable gas system, it was very smooth and it handles better than my 18". Will be interesting to put it through it's paces at some of the local matches in the future

[cal3gunner]

what are you ordering?

I use an 18 inch with rifle length adjustable gas and forearm.
It started life as a 20 inch barrel and was cut down and rethreaded for a brake.

I wouldn't want to give up that much velocity with a 14.5 compared to an 18 especially when it comes to the long range stages.

A lighter weight 18 inch barrel can be very easy to maneuver through the tight courses. I messed around with a heavy weight 18 inch barrel and I really appreciate the light weight barrel now.

[ar15barrels]

I personally run a 17" rifle gassed upper for 3gun.
It's the absolute shortest I recommend on the rifle gas system.
I run it with a JP LMOS carrier and my own low mass buffer.

[grywlfbg]

I was out breaking in my 16" CTR-02 today and with the UL carrier and the adjustable gas system, it was very smooth and it handles better than my 18". Will be interesting to put it through it's paces at some of the local matches in the future

Gose, doesn't your 16" have a mid-length gas system? That'll be smoother than a carbine length but not as smooth as rifle length. And yeah, the adjustable gas block helps a lot.

I run a JP ultralight 18" with rifle-length gas system. Nice and light and still get the velocity and accuracy of the longer barrel.

However, unless you're shooting beyond 350yds a lot, you won't notice a difference between 16 and 18.

[nsginc]

Ordered a 16" JP CTR LMOS today. Thank you everyone for your help. Look foward to meeting you guys next year.

[ar15barrels]

Ordered a 16" JP CTR LMOS today. Thank you everyone for your help. Look foward to meeting you guys next year.

mystery mountain in march.
send in your application this week as they close the entries on the 13th of this month...

[nsginc]

Where is mystery mountain? I should everything ready to go by then.

[ar15barrels]

Where is mystery mountain? I should everything ready to go by then.

http://www.smm3gun.com/

Rio Solado Range, Mesa AZ.
The Mecca of competitive shooting.





Are you man enough for Ironman?