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AR15 Barrell Length

Ramon

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Hey Guys looking to build an AR but I wanted to know what am I getting in a twenty inch barrel, a eighteen inch barrel and a sixteen inch Barrel is there major differences in accuracy and velocity? I am wanting to use it as a deer rifle as well as a range gun. My Home defense gun will be my handgun or shotgun in most cases but wouldn't mind being able to use it for that as well. What do you guys think?
 
I like the 16 inch for short range close quarter. However if you are planning on 200 yard shots I would opt for the 18 inch barrel for the increase in ballistic coefficient. You will want all the velocity and energy you can get at that yardage. I don't think you will notice the difference of length in the woods as far as weight and maneuverability. I guess it would depend on what flash suppressor-compensator you run as well. An 18 inch barrel can quickly become 20 inches after a good compensator.
 
I like the 16 inch for short range close quarter. However if you are planning on 200 yard shots I would opt for the 18 inch barrel for the increase in ballistic coefficient. You will want all the velocity and energy you can get at that yardage. I don't think you will notice the difference of length in the woods as far as weight and maneuverability. I guess it would depend on what flash suppressor-compensator you run as well. An 18 inch barrel can quickly become 20 inches after a good compensator.

A longer barrel will not change the bullets ballistic coefficient.
 
The important thing is twist rate. You should get a 1/8 or a 1/7 so you can stabilize the 77gr bullets you should use to take down deer. My $.02, Merry Christmas.
 
A longer barrel will not change the bullets ballistic coefficient.

Just muzzle velocity changes. Not a big difference from 16" to 20". Charts and tables can be found online but it's ballpark 100 ft/s difference (from around 3000 ft/s). I think the choice should be between 16" and 24" if you're really worried about it.

I'm not sure why 1/9 twist barrels are made anymore. They're not bad but the other options seem better. 1/8 sounds best but can't recall anyone having trouble with 1/7.
 
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