I have been doodling with the idea of an AR-15 recently. Something that puzzles me is the 11.5" variant with the long 5.5" suppressor permanently mounted, vs. 16" barrel. What is the appeal of this? Why make those trades to stay NFA compliant when your overall length is the same and at the cost of lower velocity and more flash/bang?
Is it just for the looks, or is it to drop weight out front for a faster handling carbine at the expense of the above? Or am I missing something obvious?
I mean, I guess I could see the value of an 11.5" barrel for a SWAT team or similar in tight quarters, but what does the civilian not planning on assaulting urban targets get for using 11.5" + suppressor vs. regular 16"? I'm not knocking it - just curious to what the more experienced minds here think (actually, I am considering it).
Is it just for the looks, or is it to drop weight out front for a faster handling carbine at the expense of the above? Or am I missing something obvious?
I mean, I guess I could see the value of an 11.5" barrel for a SWAT team or similar in tight quarters, but what does the civilian not planning on assaulting urban targets get for using 11.5" + suppressor vs. regular 16"? I'm not knocking it - just curious to what the more experienced minds here think (actually, I am considering it).
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