What is the shortest PRACTICAL barrel length for .223/5.56 AR

BSA1 said:

@FL-NC 3" can make a lot of different in a close quarters situation but your comment goes to the heart of my question. 10.5" barrel with along blast deflector (2"+) is getting into SBR territory for me. A SBR in that length makes more sense than leaving it as a handgun. But I don't want to deal with the paperwork and paying $200.00 fee for a SBR.

Essentially a AR-15 makes for a poor handgun.

Click to expand...

The "difference" is relative. 3" less barrel (a 7.5) not only results in a rifle that is generally less reliable, but a rifle that will generally have less rail space to both hold on to the front of the weapon as well as space to hang vital equipment like lights and such- a major consideration in a CQB situation. Not to mention the loss in muzzle velocity, as the barrel becomes shorter and shorter- you mostly pay for this as range increases. The purpose of the shorter barrel uppers issued for the M4 and similar weapons in the DOD is twofold- first, to have a more compact weapon for situations where a "lower profile" is desired, as well as for use with a suppressor, which keeps the overall length to a "minimum". A standard issue Knights QD suppressor is 6 1/2" long- add that to a 10.5" barrel, and suddenly the overall length of your weapon is about 16"- or 1.5" LONGER than a standard M4 barrel with only a FH on the front. My personal preference is a 11.5" barrel, I always felt it offered the best in terms of balance when running the weapon "loud" as well as a "workable" overall length when the suppressor is on. I agree that the AR makes a poor handgun. There is always the option of a pistol brace, and putting the $200 and paperwork to make it a SBR later.

I have a 7.5" 5.56 AR with a Loudener. I LOVE to shoot it at an indoor range! The blast and noise the Loundener puts out is out of this world! Instantly clears the shooters to both sides of you!!!

20 inches.

get a 10.5'' and call it a day.

mcb said:

How about a 2-inch AR-15. You can see if it loaded cause the bullet is sticking out the end of the barrel. Seems reliable...

Click to expand...

HAHAHAHA!

I read that and laughed out loud. Thanks!

My plan, once High Roaders clarified ATF rules for me, was to keep the pistol brace and upper around for all subsequent builds to provide photo evidence that every AR was originally configured as a pistol for the sake of versatility, then buy an Aero rifle/mid length upper and stock for that lower.

At roughly $460 for the short barrel upper, cost recoup wasn’t really on my mind. I like it though, and you may too, given a good set up. Poor platform for a pistol or not, it facilitates a common platform for the family and will allow those of slighter stature to carry a “rifle” (we know it’s a pistol, they won’t).