Quote:
Originally Posted by Boris B
So, I am wondering what everyone thinks are the pros/cons of one over the other... or simply if anyone has a personal preference for whatever reason...
Be interested to hear what you think... And I am only asking so I can learn from you're input...
If you were buying a new AR, and had that choice, which would it be...
A 16 or 18 inch barrel.. and why...
and before you ask the obvious....it depends what you are using it for question.. stop... we can cross that bridge later..
Lets hear pros/cons if there are any to hear..
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1. For sight picture with open sights and not a scope? 18" bbl with a midlength or rifle length gas system will give a better sight picture.
2. For absolute performance? The extra 2" of barrel give a few more FPS because of the increased pressure developed/ less gas pressure vented out the barrel unburned.
3. For those looking for maximum muzzle flash reduction; the longer the barrel, the more complete the combustion, and the less muzzle flash. (It means a lot if you hunt at night. First pull, the blast blinds you.) A true flash hider works better on the 18".
4. Overall maximum accuracy. Nobody........ and I mean NOBODY is competing in the Presidents' Challenge with an AR with a 16" barrel. No one. There is a reason for that. No one..... NO ONE is competing at 1,000 match shooting with a 16" barrel. There is a reason for that. (At 1K, they are pretty much 100% using optics, so sight picture is a non issue.)
5. Carry ability; The 16 IS better than the 18. Especially if you would expect to swing the rifle a lot, or climb in and out of a vehicle with said rifle in a hurry.
I wish I had the option for a Sport barrel from the factory in 18"- I would have paid extra for that.