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Old 09-02-2017, 09:58 PM
Geezer with an AR Geezer with an AR is offline
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Default Change to 20" barrel

Being a newbie AR 15 owner I read constantly on you tube and other forums,I have become intrigued with an AR with a 20" barrel.Not soon but in the future.Is it possible to change out my 16" upper with a 20"complete upper,thoughts?
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Old 09-02-2017, 10:06 PM
cyphertext cyphertext is offline
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Yes, it is possible... just pull the two pins and remove the 16" barrel upper, put the 20" barrel upper in its place and push the pins back in.

I would recommend that you get to know the platform very well before you buy another upper... less reading, more shooting... then you will know what you would like in a different upper and different configuration.
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Old 09-02-2017, 10:09 PM
Bob L Bob L is offline
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Welcome to the forum. I am far from an expert compared to many many of our resident experts but you should be able to get a complete upper in your choice of barrel lengths and calibers and swap them any time you feel like it. Just have fun.
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Old 09-03-2017, 01:17 AM
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I have both 16" and 20" barreled uppers. I've seen no improvement in accuracy or reliability with the 20" barrel over the 16" barrel. There may be some improved accuracy beyond 400 yards, but how often will you shoot that far with a .223?

Having shot both, I prefer the 16" barrel. Just my thoughts on the subject.
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Old 09-03-2017, 01:59 AM
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Yes you can buy a complete 20" upper, lets say from Palmetto State Armory and slap it on a carbine lower.
I have both a 16" carbine and a 18" rifle. After owning both my preference is the rifle length gas system.
I pieced this rifle together over the holidays last yr by assembling a lower and buying my upper from psa.
It does shoot sweet. Have fun
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Last edited by Nacho Man; 09-03-2017 at 02:03 AM.
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Old 09-03-2017, 08:39 AM
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I have a 20 inch upper from CBC Industries in .223 Wylde , no complaints
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Old 09-03-2017, 09:34 AM
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All things equal a 20 inch barrel will hit harder due to the increased velocity.
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Old 09-03-2017, 10:08 AM
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Geezer,
Have been watching your posts. All AR related. You sir are plunging headlong down that slippery slope that is all the different things you can do to your AR15.
Enjoy the ride!
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Old 09-03-2017, 10:51 AM
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First,Cypher you are right on,but just curious at this point,no plans on moving towards another barrel.I think I am like a lot of new owners that see all the baubles and say WOW,I can do that?Okie,that is true,but is it a necessarily a bad thing,I don't know.Once again,thanks for all the input guys,later.
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Old 09-03-2017, 11:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
I have both 16" and 20" barreled uppers. I've seen no improvement in accuracy or reliability with the 20" barrel over the 16" barrel. There may be some improved accuracy beyond 400 yards, but how often will you shoot that far with a .223?

Having shot both, I prefer the 16" barrel. Just my thoughts on the subject.
I have a 16" M&P 15 OR and with match ammo have shot a bit over 1 MOA at 300 yards. This is with the stock barrel and a free float handguard.


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Old 09-03-2017, 02:06 PM
cyphertext cyphertext is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer with an AR View Post
First,Cypher you are right on,but just curious at this point,no plans on moving towards another barrel.I think I am like a lot of new owners that see all the baubles and say WOW,I can do that?Okie,that is true,but is it a necessarily a bad thing,I don't know.Once again,thanks for all the input guys,later.
Good to be curious, just be careful... easy trap to get sucked into!

But yes, the AR is modular. Pull two pins, change out the upper, and you've got a different rifle set up for a different purpose. However, keep this in mind. Most people who buy another upper to swap back and forth end up with another complete rifle!
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Old 09-03-2017, 03:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer with an AR View Post
First,Cypher you are right on,but just curious at this point,no plans on moving towards another barrel.I think I am like a lot of new owners that see all the baubles and say WOW,I can do that?Okie,that is true,but is it a necessarily a bad thing,I don't know.Once again,thanks for all the input guys,later.
Heck no! Not a bad thing at all. Unless you don't post up pics for us to drool over here. Have fun!
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