Choosing a 16" vs 14.5" Pinned/Welded Barrel

This is an editorial discussion on selecting between a 16" barrel vs a 14.5" barrel with pinned and welded muzzle device. The purpose of this discussion is based primarily in relation to personal or custom rifle builds.
I also discuss the reasons why it is necessary to purchase high quality rifles from reputable companies.
In short, here is the point of the video:
-If you are building, choose a 16" barrel.
-If you want a 14.5" pinned/welded barrel setup, buy a built upper from a reputable manufacturer
-If you want an SBR type rifle, get a legitimate SBR. A pinned/welded 14.5 is not an SBR substitute.

[@tyleraustin33]

Abolish the ATF.

[@Reedo302]

+Tyler Austin Let's start with repealing the NFA

[@jeffrodemando]

Well that's a big plan for someone who isn't sitting in a congressional seat...

[@timmysummer7464]

Jeff it's a big plan even for someone who is sitting in a congressional seat

[@timmysummer7464]

But it needs to be done

[@meh6953]

Amen.

[@3dudesinacanoe]

Every time I want the 14.5" with the pinned and welded muzzle device I watch this video and am brought back to a logical reality. Thanks.

[@JayClarkTheShark]

I have 14.5 pinned and welded - runs flawlessly. bought it from PSA made by FN. basically bought the 14.5 because i liked the look. not ashamed to admit that.

[@jonasp4161]

Same boat here lol crucify me. I have a bcm and I just didn’t like the look of the 15” mcmr rail

[@scottarle]

This actually answered two of my questions and gave me something to watch for when I start running my first build. Thank you for posting this!

[@ddmirolli]

Clear and concise response to a question we've all been asking. Thank you!

[@usmarine889]

I've been searching for a video like this, great comparison between barrels. Good opinions and knowledgeable advice. Thanks SD!

[@edwardnelson3304]

Excellent advice and great video. I know many of you love to build and I think that's great, most people are building these days. I personally prefer the 16 inch over anything else and only buy complete full setup's from quality manufacturers.

[@RedLegs13B.]

I was honestly planning a build with a 14.5" barrel, with a pinned & welded muzzle brake. You changed my mind about the whole thing, and I think i'm instead gonna go for a proper SBR sized barrel. Thanks, great vid man.

[@nsmturbo5902]

Love my Faxon 14.5" barrel, gas block fits over my muzzle brake.

[@jam34786]

0:07 dudes so jacked when he said bench session I was like "shoot is this a workout vid?"

[@Spooner4040]

Thanks, it solves pretty much what I was thinking already. Just gonna stick with 16" barrels. Great vid.

[@Thumpur69]

After listening to your presentation I went got myself a Daniel Defense M4 16" barrel. Thanks for the information!!!

[@paddywonka]

What about dwell time? The mid length was designed to give a 16 inch carbine the proper amount of dwell time (the time the gas [with proper pressure]is tapped off the barrel till the bullet exits the barrel). Colt designed, thoroughly researched and tested the carbine 14.5 barrel, along with a machine gun bolt carrier and buffer system to work & work well. The mid length is an answer to the 16 inch having a longer dwell time, causing more pressure for a longer time than needed . Easy to research this on the net. Admit I like the looks a lot, but there is much more to the story. A 14.5 pinned flash hider most closely mimics what Colt designed so well.

[@austinporter9232]

In terms of reliability what would work better? Are there differences since the 14.5 was designed for a full auto m4, and the 16" designed for a semi auto ar15?

[@compoundlml7156]

I know this comment is old af, but there is a good video on KZbin called i believe... The truth about carbine mid-length and full length gas systems. Apparently what you're talking about is a common misconception. I'm not saying that it is, but that's just what that video explains.

[@qjames0077]

Checked out your stuff, looking forward to your new material with a lot of anticipation.

[@DG-xj7pm]

I like this dude. Straight to the point, no bullshit, and little to no rambling. Subbed.

[@darylfarmer5411]

Thanks I was thinking on 14"ar15 barrel but changed mind when watching this video helped a lot thanks again

[@MrTactiCALi]

Truth be told brother. Very well said. Thanks for your time! Grind Hard, Stay Humble.

[@ericj6636]

I built a 14.5" 9mm with a QC10 barrel and Kineti-tech muzzle brake + blast forwarder. It's absolutely great! The barrel nut fits over the muzzle brake so it's not lost any sort of functionality. 9mm is a blowback not direct impignment so I don't have to worry about any sort of gas pressures and such for reliability. I went for 16" for my .223 wylde.

[@ronsisk3181]

Great info. Thank you for posting info relevant to the non-technical AR customers.

[@John_BP]

This is a must watch for anyone building a rifle. You listed all the reasons why I went with a 16''

[@jhm3110]

This is a great video. Would love to see you make more!

[@tonydowd8566]

Very satisfied with my 14.5 Aero Precision complete rifle. Building a 11'5" pistol. Lot's and lot's of fun. Great advice. Great video. Thanks for your time.

[@Jetmech1085]

Tony Dowd I’m currently thinking of making my 10.5” a aero precision 14.5” . Glad to see it’s been good

[@byjoeforjoe]

Cant argue with his sound judgement. Good vid!

[@duckhunter4660]

Thanks for this video friend. Been kicking around the idea of a 14.5 pinned and welded FN-15. Even though I have built several rifles, it didn't even click in my head I may want to remove the flash hider some day. Duhh, thanks for knocking me out of my stupor. Good video!!!

[@james-ei7ku]

Thanks for the video. Almost purchased a 14.7, and glad I watched your video and did not waste my money.

[@mark13407]

great video man. i've been in the market for a while to get an upper for my first AR lower build. I was leaning toward putting a bcm upper on my stag lower. I was thinking of that 14.5 but after watching your video im definitely gonna go with the 16 inch barrel with confidence. Thanks!

[@forkedroad]

Thanks for the video, definitely answered my muzzle device question. Planning on a 16" upper next year, bcm may be it.. :)

[@MrBlacksmithrob]

great information man ,thanks for this,i was on the fence as to which barrel length to go with for a buildi am currently doing ,subscribed ,thanks again

[@hawkins71]

I am in the process of buying a BCM Recce and have been pondering the 14.5 or 16 versions and since I already have a DD that is 14.5, I have been leaning towards the 16. This video has made me lean further that way, also the 16" version cost about $100 less which helps... Thank you for proving some good insight.

[@abstractapproach634]

I'm happy with it, mine is standard (government) profile but BCM offers others. Definitely assemble or build, if you buy a "rifle" on the 4473 you can't turn it into a "pistol"

[@oleironhead1367]

Great video. Outstanding points you presented. Thanks a bunch.

[@3budlite]

Wow.. wished I'd watched this before I bought a 14.5" barrel. Lots of great info! Very good job!!

[@joshuanicklin3441]

answered ALL my questions. Great vid. thank you

[@wiryone1]

Excellent information. Just what I was looking for. Thx

[@ckezer1]

Answered every question I had thoroughly. Thank you.

[@DrewJ79]

Great advice sir. I just ordered a BCM MK2 16" ELW upper. The 14.5" didn't make sense to me with having to spent the extra $50.00 to have it pinned and welded and only be a 1.5" shorter. When I get my shorty it will be a BCM 11.5" and Ill just use a good brace so I don't have to worry about a tax stamp. I just subscribed to your channel, it looks like you have some good info.

[@skuttsupreme8351]

thank god. I've been looking for a video like this for a while.. 16 it is.

[@lorenzollamas2975]

My bcm 14.5 mid length gas. Eats wolf and tul 55grain 223 steel case with zero issues. I’m running a Vltor A5H1 buffer setup. Super smooth.

[@Reedo302]

BCM has modified some of their tolerances over the years to be more compliant with commercial ammo. Commercial ammo has also gotten a little more consistent. The one positive has always been that a lighter buffer has been the only thing needed if there was a cycling issue with lighter ammo.

[@23Markanthony]

Finally someone on KZbin who knows what they are talking about. Subscribed!

[@jjskate4l1fe]

This is why you have multiple rifles. I have two 16 inchers One 10.5 in One 11.5 in And now my 14.5 P&W BCM that’s on the way. Never going to betray my principles and apply for an NFA item. I don’t register my weapons, ever. Happy shooting!

[@meh6953]

Thank you for the informative video brother. This helped a lot.

[@beardly0121]

You make some solid points and just talked me out of a 14.5 pin and weld even from a company like BCM. I already have some of their 16 and 20 inch guns and they're very nice. But sometimes stuff breaks and you have to replace it. I will probably just register an sbr lower OR go in the complete opposite direction and make an M16 style rifle clone.

[@kulyon]

Thanks for this vid. I was just toying with the idea of building a 14.5 upper and that idea is now in the trash

[@superfails8338]

Really good information, good reasoning, much good.

[@ascarta]

good vid, good info! Doing a build now for my wifes rifle and we are really trying to cut the weight for her and i have been considering the 14.5 but the more and more I look into it I am just going to stick with a 16in mid. I keep looking into the weights and some setups the 14.5 can be more lol others its about the same, a few its just a wee big less. I really liked your point about the flexibility of the muse device, that was one area I was concerned with in a 14.5. Keep up the good vids!

[@bigballa3354]

Phenomenal video, you helped me make a choice for sure

[@p51mustang24]

Has to be noted that some muzzle devices allow for removal of the gas block over them, such as the VG6 Epsilon SL (SL for slimline presumably)

[@Underground308]

Thanks for the great advise brother. You have me convinced.

[@deplorabledave1048]

This is a really good video! This man brings up so many great points.

[@Jnb21]

I noticed that with a 16'' barrel and a carbine length gas system, extraction is just a tad bit more violent and has chipped the finish off the shell deflector, when I replaced it with the 14.5'' barrel and a permanent muzzle device, the shells started to hit the deflector square in the middle and just leaving brass marks instead of chipping off the finish. Was surprised such a small adjustment could have such an effect.

[@tailgunner8124]

Get yourself a pack of brake deflectors. They're cheap, affective, protects the deflector's finish and your brass from deformation.

[@rodog504]

im not knowledgeable in ars at all but when I was wanting to get one or two my logic was get a standard 16 and if you want something smaller make it short enough to where it makes sense like a 12.5-10.3. Glad to see my logic makes sense to someone who is more in the know.

[@ChillyWilly72]

Cliff notes version...I love it...where have you been all of my youtube life...I spend almost every video thinking "STFU, STFU...JUST ANSWER THE FLIPPIN QUESTION"...seriously, thanks for not holding me youtube hostage.

[@alexmitchell7083]

Jerry Lugo not all hero’s wear capes. Some have cliff notes.

[@SeeTeeTee]

This man knows his shit.

[@GUARDIAN.13]

Just an fyi for anybody thinking about pinning and welding their own build. A 14.5" barrel with a 1.5" muzzle device does not equal 16" due to the two parts being threaded together. Just grab a 2" device and go to town

[@adtattedup]

I have a 11.5 inch heavy profile barrel I'm not a short barrel fan so that's my reason for attaching a long device permanent it'll look cool and I'll actually be able to use It otherwise the barrel may sit forever

[@toki89666]

Great info, I liked everything you had to say except right at the end "get the full monty 16 inch" the full monty is the tried and true 20". :)

[@Reedo302]

It’s not the size that matters. It’s how you use it.

[@dash4262]

Great info! I'm LE in Ohio and I'm on the fence about keeping my 16'' or go to the 14.5 for my everyday carry at work.Thanks for the good ideas. Keep up the good channel!

[@Reedo302]

Do you have the option of getting an SBR?

[@dash4262]

Yea, If we really want to carry one we can. However I'm issued a HK mp5 which personally if I'm going really tight work I'll go with that rather than shell out the 2 bill to get the tax stamp.

[@Reedo302]

Hard to beat for close range. Horrible at long range, but good for close range work. Our Mk18s and HK416Ds are both pretty close in length to our MP5s with extended stocks. That is, until we swapped to AR receiver extensions on the MP5s.

[@ymcldaytrader7604]

Great info. You answer a lot of my questions. 16" it is...

[@Mikey5-O]

I literally just placed an order for the 14 inch BCM and canceled it just after watching this video! Subbed!

[@graingerdean]

Good point. I was going to do the 14.5 pin a weld but your thoughts were spot on. Thanks. I will do a 12.5 SBR.

[@jorgeserrano246]

Awesome... i live in nj and i was torn between a 14 and a 16... also i have been stalking the BCM website and i think i have made my decision thank you 💪🏻

[@keliishaine]

New sub here. Great honest info!! I work for the Honolulu Police Dept and I will be telling my beat partners about your channel. Awesome stuff brother!!

[@Reedo302]

Thanks much. I have had a lot of stuff on my plate lately, but I have a new series in the works. I am working with another training group and will hopefully be putting out some new stuff in the future geared towards LE rifle use with the DMR platform.

[@keliishaine]

Awesome brother, I'll be standing by...

[@low87dawg86]

pinned and welded my own 14.5. it's easy to do. easy to reverse to and looks so much more badass than a goofy 16"

[@bobbyraejohnson]

Bond Lohden I agree it looks better but if you go mid length on 16 it looks better.

[@7curiogeo]

I like my true 16" AR. Also want a 20" bbl upper.

[@loudmouth_racing1991]

Great video. I totally agree. I had a pinned setup but now with my 16" i run my battlecomp but can easily run suppressed for practical rifle or training classes. I would love to hear what you think of a 14.5 carbine vs 16 carbine.

[@byjoeforjoe]

Im going with an 18" SS Noveske spr barrel on my next build. Cant wait!!

[@Aleks9x19]

Glad I watched this before making any serious decisions. Thanks! Subbed

[@Reedo302]

Thanks for the sub. I am working on some new content after a long work-related hiatus. I may wind up going over to Full30 as part of a collaboration with another channel.

[@jeffgoetz6885]

Strictly his own Opinion about the 14.5" AR/M4 Barrel, do your own research on the 14.5" Barrel's because everybody's got they're own Idea what works best. I personally like most the 14.5" & 16" Barrel's but I also have a 10.5" SBR and the weapon just shoots great with the M193 55Gr bullet and not so much with a m855 62Gr bullet, do your own homework before you buy and or decide on what you want because the sky is the limit when playing with this weapon system. The US Military "ARMY" uses the 14.5" Barrel on the current issue on the M4 Carbine Rifle and I carried one for 12 years and it's a proven weapon system and as long as you PMCS your weapon it won't let you down. And this is just my Opinion

[@hblegal8309]

Well said and to the point.

[@MrFreakazoid24]

I live in CA, Bought an Aero 14.5 inch w their VG6 EPSILON 556SL pin and welded. It allows me to still remove the gas block if needed. I also feel the gun has lil more control, its not night and day but I like it more than my 16 inch build. Im sure if I buy a top of the line 16 inch upper I may like it more but I cant shell out more than a thousand for a single upper just yet.

[@Reedo302]

No, cosmetic blemishes are not an issue so long as the hard coat is still impregnated into the metal. That 16" barrel I have on there is mounted on a Noveske Gen2 Chainsaw lower, and the upper receiver is a BCM blemished demo upper. Both are excellent quality. Noveske is one of the best brands on the market, and I would not hesitate to buy anything they make. I actually like their chainsaw stuff better.

[@Reedo302]

If you want a piston AR, the LWRC is a good option. I don't have experience with the IC, but I do with several M6A2's. They're pretty good quality rifles, they're reliable and well-built, and LWRC is doing a lot better than they used to. You will pay to play, but it's worth it if you can afford it. In terms of the "premium" piston ARs, they're a better option than the HK MR556A1.

[@LL-fi4rr]

Thanks dude! This helped a lot.

[@magna-mogg6598]

Put almost any buffer and spring, gas system of your choice and add an adjustable gas block, then tune your gas system to your parts. Easy.

[@hekkenschutz]

I watched this for a minute before I realized you were discussing only ARs. I was curious about doing this to my AK

[@Reedo302]

+Jon H AKs function a lot differently due to their long-stroke gas piston system. If

[@gonzaar243]

what about a 16 inch carbine set up from BCM? particularly a socom upper?

[@MustangGuru]

I have a Radical firearms 14.5” with pinned muzzle break to make it 16”. It’s awesome

[@Mrsonicslash5]

I bought the faxon integral flash hider 16inch barrel, I do like it.

[@Reedo302]

The 16" and 14.5 P&W are GP carbines. The point I made was that if you are buying a rifle for CQB use, go to a dedicated platform like a 10.3-12.5". They're in different categories and must be judged differently. For CQB use, my preference is to use 11.5" or shorter, but 12.5" is the longest I'd ever want. As for 18" w/ rifle gas, it's not going to do anything for reliability, but it makes for a good precision platform. My Rainier XTC video rifle uses that setup.

[@Reedo302]

Thanks. The weight difference is negligible between the two barrels. If you have time to wait, wait for the BCM keymod 10" rail. The rail itself is 7.5oz.

[@ltzchat]

Great information!!

[@swashington942]

Good explanation!

[@5RWill]

A lot of that pressure argument is due to the gas port as well. .062 is mil-spec IIRC, paired with an H2 buffer Wolf (or any low pressure) will short stroke plenty of mil-spec middy 14.5 or 16 ARs. I've had wolf short stroke in my BCM 14.5 middy that is permawelded with a SM 556, about to change it out to a griffin armament M4 SD II, so i can relate to everything your saying about changing barrel components, i'll have to send it somewhere most likely ADCO. That said i've shot PMC, and some cheaper brass .223 and not had an issue. I only have BCM ARs but generally if they're going to specced for high pressure ammo like 5.56 that's what i run with. Though this is all personal opinion. Good video, subscribed. I wish i just went ahead and went the NFA route i know what i ultimately want, which would be a 12.5/13.5 setup. Maybe a 11.5 as well. You add a 7" suppressor to these setups and suddenly an SBR is a full size rifle. Of course it isn't permanently attatched. That said i'm not the type to do my own gunsmithing when it comes to changing brakes. Sounds ridiculous but just see myself not getting the thing 100% centered. FWIW i stick with my decision for a 14.5" i agree it's not changing much but it's one less inch when i add a 7" suppressor this coming fall and i just wanted as short as i could go without the ATF/NFA. Though that will change eventually. What do you think about the new AR pistols with that "brace" as they call it.

[@mongothedestroyer88]

Great video thanks!

[@GUERRILLACOMM]

HAAAA! You just cured me from a bad case of buyers regret. Good video that answered alot of my questions. Do you have an opinion about the Windham armory 16 inch HB with carbine gas tube length? Thats what I purchased for a fun gun. also have an H2 carbine buffer with it. have not fired it yet but soon.

[@Reedo302]

Getting a carbine gas system will work just fine more often than not. Sometimes they do require a heavier buffer, but it depends on who makes the barrel. The advantage to the midlength is the softer recoil impulse. It's basically whatever fits your flavor.

[@abstractapproach634]

But But but, 16 no middy = *no bayonet* . Unacceptable.

[@blanejohnson9045]

with ak due respect, I'm not sold on 16" vs 14.5". I like my 14.5 pinned with a surefire sfmb556 supressor adapter/brake. If I want to go canned, I'm good. the barrel will go bad long before the brake. mine is a mid length system, I just finished running a case of steel wolf and not 1 single issue. not cleaned once other than running patches thru the barrel. so again, I'm much happier with the savings for my uses.

[@bahhumbucker]

You have hit the nail *SO* on the head with ALL your comments. My son and I just built mid-length 14.5's to save the weight out at end, and I wish I had seen your video first - because it is not worth the hassle of having the permanent muzzle device. My son went with a BCM upper and it shoots great, low recoil, using a normal spring and standard 2.9 ounce carbine buffer. I went with a PSA upper, and mine is way overgassed and kicks way too hard. The only difference in the two rifles is the barrel. We both prefer standard pinned F-marked front sight blocks because they are so rugged. In his case, with the BCM, all is good. In my case, I'm sure that the gas port is too large. Now I need to get the sight block off so I can put an orifice in it to fix the overgassing, But that is going be tough, might ruin the barrel, and the orifices have to be selected by trial and error. it would be so much less of a hassle with a 16". Anyway, I learned the hard way. You hit the key points. I hope people pay serious attention to your comments, because you will save them money and hassle - even if they decide to go 14.5" against your recommendation, they should consider the BCM because it is gas-ported correctly and will run like a mid-length should - soft and sweet. Great job on the video... nice to run across someone that actually knows *exactly* what he is talking about!

[@Reedo302]

I would recommend getting a Syrac or JP adjustable gas block as an alternative if you want to turn down the gas. Another option would be to increase the buffer weight to an H or H2, as well as getting heavier buffer springs from Wolff Gunsprings. The increased weight options work well for slowing the timing, but they don't do anything to cut down on the gas blowback to your face. Charging handles can do this to some effect, but still not a full fix. An adjustable gas block is a more cure-all, but you have to be aware of the ammo you are using and what you have your gas block set at. Just my opinion though. Thanks for the comments.

[@bahhumbucker]

SentinelDefense Thanks for your comments. I am familiar with both those adjustable gas blocks. But, like everyone else, I have my preferences. I really, really like pinned F-marked front sight blocks, and that's what I use on my ARs. No free-floating handguards for me. I know that people say the free floating design is more accurate, and believe it is... but for ruggedness in field conditions, you just can't beat a big ugly pinned FSB. As for the buffer and spring changes, I'm aware of those and will play with them. There are some differences between round wire springs and flat wire springs that might be useful, but I haven't done the work yet. I do know that if you have a carbine buffer and an H3, you have three steel weights and three tungsten weights - so you can make up an H (1 tungsten, 2 steel) or an H2 (2 tungsten, 1 steel) without buying them. The money does add up. I am running a BCM medium gunfighter charging handle (which is actually the VLTOR), which I like because it's easier to grip with gloves but not too huge.... didn't really think about it in terms of the face blowback. Regarding the ammo, I have been using lake city 855 and 193, but after seeing your video on penetration, I will be playing with a few of the ones off your chart. Thanks again for your obviously well-thought out recommendations.

[@josephperez9795]

Good opinions and information. What are your thoughts on if I already bought a LMT 14.5" upper with plans to pin and weld it but now I would rather just have a 16" for some of the reasons you mentioned? At the time I was kind of going for looks but now realize function is always number one for me. Anyways, would you stick with the 14.5" or try and swap out for a 16" upper? The 14.5" upper is unfired and I want to stick with LMT for the upper. I could always just buy a new barrel to. Thoughts?

[@xxbryan715xx]

I really dig the pat Rogers poster man.

[@Reedo302]

ST buffers seem to be well-liked. I've never used them personally, but would not be against it. The ST-T2 might be too heavy for a 14.5" middy, but it could work with 5.56 spec ammo. 14.5" mids generally will have either a standard or H buffer, so if you were looking at an ST, perhaps look at a ST-T1. The 15" Troy would look pretty cool on that setup. Just be sure to keep your hand away from the end so you're not getting gassed in the hand.

[@Reedo302]

Yes, Daniel Defense is on par with BCM in terms of quality. There are numerous top tier companies that use components made by DD. I also personally feel that DD makes the best carbine barrels and rails, but that's just my opinion. Every CHF barrel I've installed and used from DD has been sub-MOA accurate and very durable.

[@abstractapproach634]

I don't think BCM offers CHF, I believe they're all button pressed. I don't have a comparison, but I like my BCM

[@Reedo302]

@@abstractapproach634 BCM BFH barrels are CHF and have been around for about 15 years. BCM BFH and standard barrels are made by FN, while their SS410 barrels are cut by Krieger.

[@xoticgunnut]

Great video, couldnt agree with you more!

[@elemental3252]

Very good informational video. I have a question, I am building an AR with 16" .750 barell, BCM low profile .750 gas block, mid length tube, and Spikes tactical ST T2 buffer, will I run into any problems there?

[@dabloodhoundviking]

thanks man. great vid.

[@colbyc.6698]

great video thanks

[@Harry9852]

Very informative vid

[@pogmarinefps]

Your work bench looks like mine after a project lol

[@davidsayreii3555]

I got a 14.5 mid length bcm complete upper and I shoot "low power" ammo all day no issues. Bcm knows what they are doing. I do run it with the lightest buffer for low power ammo.

[@That_dude_who_knows_some_stuff]

Well said sir.

[@DMFL22]

Good info! Thanks for taking the time to explain your reasoning! U gotta sub bub!

[@paullowell3342]

All of the muzzle devices I want are almost 2.5”. With a 13.7 barrel I’ll be at 16”. I’ll be 18.5 with a 16. That’s significant to me.

[@Reedo302]

Yeah, but if barrel length is a significant consideration, then consider an SBR or pistol. This video was made years ago when AR pistols weren’t a thing. If you’re in a state where you can have either, that is. If not, then pinning and welding works as an effective option in that case.