What is the ideal AR-15 barrel length?

[@michaelmoran8780]

20" turns range ammo into duty ammo, can't go wrong with that.

[@raywells2858]

I agree and lets face it, most of us probably have a lot more FMJ ammo stashed away for a rainy day than we do expanding ammo. Its just the law of economics!

[@johndecker9983]

​@raywells2858 FACTS after 10 mags I'm all out of the fancy ammo 😂. I figured a lot is better than a little. But a little is better than none? I'll probably never need a single round of it....

[@blondhairblackstrat]

Exactly. Fragmenting M193--velocity is king!

[@neckofthewoods24]

But don’t forget the type of duty matters. My 20” 55 m193 is 3295ftps at the muzzle. At only 125 yards it’s down to 2758ftps which is my 10” velocity at the muzzle. So if we are clearing houses the 10” is gonna be best and we are hitting targets no different than someone clearing a forest at 125 yards. Got targets are getting hit the same.

[@hardlylivin6602]

Range ammo is duty ammo regardless of length. I can’t financially stock up on Speer gold dot or other defensive rounds. Not for the amount I shoot.

[@rotaman8555]

I built a 10.5” pistol with a suppressor attached. I loaded it with 62 grain Gold Dots. I intended it as a multi-purpose urban/suburban self-defense tool. Like all multi-tools, it does no one thing great but it does lots of things well enough. I believe the 10.5” is a good compromise between bullet velocity, mid-distance effectiveness, maneuverability in tight spaces and concealability. Sadly, I lost the weapon when I was involved in a tragic boating accident.

[@DasGoodSoup]

Get an 11.5 barrel and swap it into it

[@AllAboutSurvival]

Personally, I believe a 16-inch barrel strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability and accuracy for most situations. It’s versatile enough for both home defense and range shooting.

[@VBMichael_D]

Then you don't understand much about AR15s.

[@Ryder415x4]

Elaborate ​@@VBMichael_D

[@showtime1235]

@@VBMichael_Ddo you care to elaborate or?

[@RocketsRedGlare23]

If you're talking unsuppressed then yes I believe a 14.5 carbine or 16 midlenght system is a fantastic compromise on velocity and handling. We know that the loss in velocity down to 11.5 is still manageable but those sbr lengths are better suited for suppression. You can't say an 11.5 with a 5" suppressor is perfect for cqc but a 16" unsuppressed is way too unweildy inside lol I have an 11.5 c7 upper with a flash hider and it does everything I need it to inside 300 but my love is my 14.5 carbine fsb "block2 sopmod" build. You can go 20" and push 800 but do you really want 5.56 to be your nearly 1k cartridge anyways? 16 midlength shoots smooth as butter and can do anything 600 and in which is about as far as I want to be shooting at anything with 5.56 personally.

[@G_r_e_y_v]

@@RocketsRedGlare23 I`ve read a lot of shit, that is by far the worst take I have ever read, on literally any topic.

[@scottv8960]

For 5.56, I like the 20" for maximum velocity, however, 10.5 " is a fun flamethrower😊

[@Ju379an]

8 inches for more flashy fireworks

[@thegooddoctor2009]

24-26 inches actually burns all the powder and maximizes velocity.

[@iotaeta-pi2770]

I have 5.56 ARs in 10.5" and 16". I have a flash hider on the 10.5. So I don't experience a noticeable difference in muzzle flash.

[@DasGoodSoup]

11.5 or 12.5 is the way for shorties 10.3 is just too concussive and not enough ass behind the 55gr to frag after what 100yds?

[@Acz87-t3z]

​@@DasGoodSoup like 50 yards

[@matthewlong9369]

The answer is: it depends on your application. If you are plinking out on the farm, even a 6 inch barrel would probably suffice. If you want it for home defence or room clearing, you probably don't want a 24" barrel, you will be telegraphing around every corner and bumping into things. If you are doing long range shooting, a 24" barrel might be nice. There is no one barrel that fits everyone, thus the popularity of the modular AR15. You can have all of the barrel lengths you want just by swapping out the upper receiver.

[@somedude6584]

I have a 16" barrel on mine and my dad has a 20" barrel on his. We were shooting at mild steel with standard 55gr fmj at about 100 yards. My rifle would create nice welts on the steel, but my dad's would make massive bulges and actually crack the plate. I'd have to say the four extra inches make a significant difference, at least at the short distance we were shooting at.

[@neckofthewoods24]

Yes speed kills and at some point turns steel to glass. Based on my numbers a 20” at 100 hits with 998ftlbs while my 16” hits with 894ftlbs. Saw a guy with a 24” ar blow through 1/8” ar500 with a m193 like it was nothing and all we could do was dent it.

[@FraldinhoBJJ]

No no no you’re just being a size queen

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

My 16 inch makes dents and pits on my steel plates. My 20 inch passes straight through it 😂😅

[@92naz32]

That's what she said.😅

[@kentspeigner8738]

Thank you for that input! 20 for me. Longer sight plane.

[@thomasreiner411]

Great to see you making videos again Eric! Hope everything is good

[@Iraqveteran8888]

How did you find this video?

[@thomasreiner411]

​@Iraqveteran8888 it just was in my feed from watching older gun gripes

[@dingle9707]

@@Iraqveteran8888 mashallah

[@Tcgunner]

How did you reply 10 days ago? This just came out today lol

[@rurouniad]

@@Iraqveteran8888 I saw this video hit several days ago but now I realize based on this post I didn’t have Deja vu. It was what felt like middle of the week, so I ignored it for weekend. Then couldn’t find it so I thought I was crazy. But here it is…..today.

[@micahh108]

18-20"... speed kills baby!

[@natedog380]

From what I’ve read, 5.56’s purpose wasn’t to kill but to maim. Logistically, you can have soldiers carry way more ammo than 30-06 and if and when you hit an enemy combatant, the idea is that since you’re more likely to wound than kill over 30-06, more resources and time would have to be utilized to treat the wounded soldiers and in turn would cause a disruption to their supply chain.

[@cardboard_shaft]

@@natedog380fudd lore bs, 5.56 was absolutely designed to kill. cheap 55gr from a 10.5 in your chest will instantly change your mind on that “maim” nonsense lmao

[@waterishdrake8693]

@@cardboard_shaft 5.56 gets its catastrophic damage from the hydrostatic shock caused from the high velocity. Studies have shown that out of a 10.5in 5:56 AR-15 past 50yrds you lose almost all of the drop dead stopping power the 5:56 is known for! 14.5 is the minimum barrel length if you’re wanting to use it at any meaningful ranges.

[@cardboard_shaft]

@@waterishdrake8693 a 10.3 with cheap 55gr at 300 meters is gonna shred you. don’t get super wrapped up in the barrel length argument. a rifle can and will kill, who would have known?

[@natedog380]

@@cardboard_shaft Yes of course any bullet can still kill you, I’m just saying I’ve read that it wasn’t its intent.

[@Dubaroo99]

Looking healthy eric. Always good to see you doing better with every episode. Been watching you for i think over a decade. Thanks for the always good content

[@92naz32]

20" is the ideal length that was meant, specifically for 5.56. Next question...

[@VBMichael_D]

I can get on board with that but 18" will also suffice, since that can run a rifle length gas system.

[@readinessforge]

I know for a fact it's between 3 and 4" depending how cold it is AND how excited I am....

[@r.m.m.1706]

😂😂🤦🏿🤦🏾

[@fanman8102]

😂

[@RS-ec6ik]

Bro 4 is a lot of responsibility

[@Squimd]

underrated comment

[@PileofBrass]

Marines already proved the 20" is fully capable of clearing rooms.

[@lzxray6781]

Yep, Hue City, South Vietnam 1968. House to house and room to room.

[@B-xp8oi]

I can’t wait until I don’t have to sit through Comrade Harris commercials any longer.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

I agree. But also remember that we got more gun control under Trump in 4 years, than we did with Obama in 8. Just saying, dont trust anyone at the top. Theyre all on the same side. Much like Regan made "the economy good" and sponsored the Brady bill that stripped us of majore gun rights. Yet conservatives ate it up cause he was red

[@Cruiser777]

I hear you I get pissed off every time I hear that shit😅

[@Lucysdad66]

Well you better get out there and vote then

[@Southized]

@@Lucysdad66voting does nothing🐑 the winner was selected months ago

[@B-xp8oi]

@@Lucysdad66 I’m on it.

[@codeman3640]

Love that the channel is back in biz. If you ever need a extra camera guy on the weekends let me know. You the man .

[@Salty99]

Most shooters "prefer" a 16" rifle barrel because that's what we are legally allowed to reduce the length to. So that's what 100% of manufactures sell. It's not really an option based on any middle ground between length, velocity, and performance. We don't have a lot of choice for rifles.

[@markdavidson1049]

Well, for years many people have and still do go shorter than 16” legally it’s just that you have to have a brace and angled fore grip. The AR “pistol”.

[@Salty99]

@@markdavidson1049exactly, it’s a pistol and not a rifle. My point is that “we” as the citizen consumer as well as the manufacturers don’t have much of a choice legally. It’s not a preference at all. Maybe a preference given legal constraints which is usually not in our best interest.

[@raaayxsdx3]

i see a new iraqveteran8888 video, i click... plain n simple

[@Standoffmuffin]

And hit like 👍

[@bryananderson3772]

Nobody's ever made this comment before

[@davehein7466]

I'm an Army Veteran that served from 79-88, that 'cut my teeth' on the 'AR platform', 20" M16A1. I currently have a A2 configured 16" AR carbine (A2 carry handle/adjustable sight & A frame front sight), and find it way more advantagous than say a 20" AR, for where I live (I'm good out to about 400 yards). I have other options in case I need to 'reach out and touch someone' further away.

[@dandavis2527]

It’s 16”, thank you for your time

[@neckofthewoods24]

Not suppressed.

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

16 is the most boring answer but the most practical for 95% of uses

[@dandavis2527]

@@farklestaxbaum4945 you’re 100% correct

[@neckofthewoods24]

@@farklestaxbaum4945 hopefully the ATF or NFA is abolished because 95% of people wouldn’t do 16”.

[@Cr0wmagnum]

This is a topic Paul Harrell could talk about for days. I'm glad you are here to cover this topic, especially with all the newer gun owners and the ones who are going to be. As for me, 18-inch in .556/.223

[@jackvandenberg4708]

Its crazy how much healthier you look these days. ive been watching you for years.. its like you're getting younger haha

[@rockerdude8000]

i love 20inch barrels the problem is most companies don't make them and the ones that do mostly make government profile barrels which i hate. I wish more criterion core barrel 20 inch were available

[@dustinsmith2021]

Kreiger barrels

[@aw8577]

Faxon?

[@VBMichael_D]

18" barrels will also work. You can still run a rifle length gas system. Look up the MK12 SPR.

[@julestennisuniverse]

S&W volunteer ?

[@matthewconnor5483]

There's a reason 14.5 and 20 are the dominant lengths. 20 is best for velocity. 14.5 is a compromise but not terrible. 16 is the Goldilocks length. That said a light weight 20" build is one of the most versatile rifles you can have if you are looking for a do all

[@MackTheGovnah]

Pencil barrels are shown to hold up as well as heavier ones as long as the range is standard AR range (+/- 350yds).

[@matthewconnor5483]

@@MackTheGovnahyep, as long as you aren't using you rifle as an LMG you can get away with a pencil barrel for a GP rifle.

[@neckofthewoods24]

Best for velocity yes but depends how far you’re shooting. 10” at the muzzle is equal to a 20” at only 125 yards. 10” at 375 yards is equal to a 20” at 500 yards. If 20’s to long or heavy, even down to 10” we know it’s gonna be affective because you’d absolutely shoot out to 500 all day.

[@VBMichael_D]

There is also a reason that the Navy special ops command chose an 18" barrel for their MK12 Special Purpose Rifle for designated marksmen. 16" is a gimmick in the grand scope of things.

[@takingbacktoxic7898]

It was designed with a 20" barrel for a reason.

[@stevenmerlock9971]

My formula is double the twist rate + 2 inches not including muzzle devices. Example 1/7 = 16”, 1/8 = 18”, 1/9 = 20”. This has been tested and found effective with the heavier bullets preferring longer barrels.

[@timg7627]

You have it backwards. Heavier bullets need faster twist to stabilize not slower twist. Overall Barrel length has little to do with this.

[@MackTheGovnah]

That’s not a bad formula. Never seen it before. 1/8 twist is understood to be the “do all” twist rate. So 18’ it is!

[@jameswick8358]

62 gr m855 love long barrels

[@Hornet135]

I think you should put some rifling in your muzzle devices for an added boost.

[@VBMichael_D]

No. The MK12 SPR designed by Navy Special Ops, put an 18" barrel with a 1:7 twist on it, so it could run 75 and 77 grain rounds. I have an MK12 clone. It is absurdly accurate.

[@rickross337]

So nice to have you back on a regular basis! 11.5 " unless you regularly have to reach out!

[@Covert_Arrangements]

I agree. The smallest I go with 5.56 is 11.5 inches. Think Colt Commando. 😊

[@Thisisoscar_]

18" more complete powder burn, less flash, more velocity get the most out of the cartridge

[@neckofthewoods24]

@@Thisisoscar_ doesn’t really matter that much.

[@VBMichael_D]

@@neckofthewoods24 Then you have no clue what you are talking about.

[@VBMichael_D]

Plus you can run a rifle length gas system on an 18" barrel. You can't with anything shorter.

[@Speechie11]

Side note, you’re looking damn good man. Glad to see your health and fitness gradually increase

[@ChristianGrest]

Great video brother! Good discussion of the pros/cons for the different barrel lengths. Helpful for new folk...will definitely send them over.

[@donmorris4506]

Had the m16 a2 when I served in the early 80’s. I could nail anything with it. My son was airborne for 7 years and loved the m4. I don’t really get the m4 in open combat.

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

Almost always, the 'ideal' barrel length is the one you DON'T have ;(

[@neckofthewoods24]

@@seeratlasdtyria4584 carry 2 😂😂😂🕺🕺🕺

[@runrun8239]

A 556 bullpup with 20" barrel would be a great choice for both power and mobility...

[@TheRealRustyShackleford92]

Triad bullpup chassis, that's the best one I've seen so far

[@onpsxmember]

Got a 20'' AUG, OAL: tiny bit over 30''. It is not a low drag room clearer but very versatile. The offer was too good to pass on it. Still not sure what internal piston AR to buy, should be quite light but don't want any gas in my eyes or nose.

[@knifelover73]

@@onpsxmemberGod I’ve been having the same conundrum. Seems a light piston AR that’s reliable is a unicorn.

[@onpsxmember]

@@knifelover73 Oh, with internal piston I meant the stoner's type of Di system in the bcg. I already got a piston based rifle but no AR.

[@scottmorgan133]

@@knifelover73T91s weigh just a tad bit more than an AR. Super reliable too

[@rickymiller177]

14.5

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

14.5 is probably the ideal barrel length for most applications, however the extra legal headache is not worth saving 1.5" over a 16 for most civilians

[@user-do1fq8oy9c]

What's funny is, when M16 came, the 20" was considered as a carbine. And.. M193 55gr WAS duty ammo. We cut the nuts off it. M16A4 was the king! MK12 with MK262 is really as good as it gets

[@joshrandall3632]

Top it off with an ACOG and "Every Marine a Rifleman" becomes "Every Rifleman an SDM".

[@walther5027]

Love my 18 inch!! Shortest I go is 16. Still want a 20 inch

[@--SHEPHERD-OF-MOTHER-EARTH--]

This

[@MackTheGovnah]

You won’t lose 100fps going from 20’ to 18’.

[@Meh-2023]

18" mid-length gas is my preferred, "all around" configuration.

[@VBMichael_D]

Why the f#$#2 would you put a mid length gas system on an 18" barrel that can accept a rifle length? Like, wow. SMFH Look up the MK12 SPR, bruh.

[@slaytanic921]

@@VBMichael_D2 month old profile has a lot to say.

[@PEETY666]

Thanks!

[@WokeByTrump]

Hey Erik, love your show. Hey, I was disappointed that you left out the requirement of the mission. Is it a truck gun, home defense gun, DMR, hunting rifle. 99% of civilian engagement is going to be under 100 yards in fact most civilians train with their AR under 100 yards. The mission is super critical if it’s a truck 7 1/2 inch barrel. If it’s a defense gun 7 1/2 inch barrel, if it’s a backpack 7 1/2 inch barrel. I’m not sure optimal bullet performance or ballistic performance is as much of a factor in a civilian weapon.

[@neckofthewoods24]

DMR guys will tell you, you only use a DMR.

[@KevinOLeathlobair-u6t]

I am a firm believer in the longer barrels.. just for the higher velocity alone. I’d say 16”-20” inch and you’re getting the most out of your ammo.. I get the need for close quarters combat lengths.. but I don’t see most of needing to clear houses and buildings in the wars to come.. we are going to be facing other scenarios.

[@fgreen411]

The ideal length in my opinion is 16" . No NFA paperwork, no BATFE changing their minds on what is a pistol or SBR. And an A2 birdcage works just fine, while adding only about an inch overall.

[@VBMichael_D]

Also, no option to use a rifle length gas system on a 16". What you meant to say was that 18" is the ideal length.

[@Scoutsquad45]

20inch - for a mountain gun fight 10.5 - clearing houses 14.5 - duty size/truck gun

[@staywoke2198]

Clearing house or truck use would be a shotgun.

[@neckofthewoods24]

@@staywoke2198I wouldn’t want a shotgun for a truck gun. You’re on the street with a truck gun and you’d be limited on ammo and distance if you needed it.

[@themkjs7391]

@@neckofthewoods24absolutely

[@Southized]

@@staywoke21988 rounds of buckshot vs 30 300 blackout. Your pick

[@T-SwiftsMaritalAid]

@@Southized 300 BO blows

[@ribbit1964]

I’ve been stuck in this quandary since I started my latest build last year. Every time I come up with one answer, I come up with many more questions

[@JG_1998]

For home defense I use a 6.75 inch 300blk MCX virtus, with a surefire SPS300 can tucked under the rail, 110 grain barnes load. It's 2 inches shorter than a MK18 with a full size can (it's 13.9 inches with an 8 inch can on the 3 prong), but it still has the same muzzle energy and it's quieter even with supers. It also folds and isn't really gassy because of the piston system (compared to a MK18 which is putting out a lot of gas into your face even with a flow through). Highly recommend this type of build, only issue is that it's heavy especially in the front.

[@dandantheman9960]

I've always appreciated the way you're able to discuss these kinds of topics without sounding pedantic and while accommodating personal preference

[@toddw14]

The "ideal" length is what the 5.56 round was designed for - 20" barrel w/ rifle length gas system. I have a GM 20" A1 & its a lightweight, tack driver as is my BCM A4.

[@Dudley-q1j]

I break down the use cases for 5.56 cal. firearms like this: 10-20" barrel firearms are good for rifle tasks, pick the correct one for the situation, less than 1-" barrel firearms carry similar energy to magnum class handguns and are useful for pistol tasks. Remember, even a 5" 5.56 carries similar energy to a lower end 357 magnum round, so they are definitely NOT 22 magnum class tools, think of them are high-capacity semiauto handguns, check the ballistics before speaking.

[@todorkolev7565]

Came back to the channel after many years. Glad to see you still kicking and I have a suspicion that you might have joined a gym!

[@patbrown463]

He done some lifting videos.

[@ice111110]

That is always my preference too, full 20" is the way to go. Unless it's for something very specific like SWAT or specifically room clearing.

[@raywells2858]

The velocity loss on a 14.5 vs 16 inches with 5.56 is negligible. If I have to have a pinned and welded muzzle device to avoid being an SBR, i might as well go 16 inches on the barrel. As such I think the 16 inch barrel gives me the best of both worlds on a gun thats short enough to be handy and maneuverable in snug quarters but will still reach out effectively at any distances I need to be shooting things, especially with M193 or M855 ammo which depends heavily on velocity to "do its thing".

[@joshrandall3632]

I definitely like the idea of a 14.5 P&W but you give up a lot when you do that. No swapping gas blocks or flash hiders etc. I'll take that 16"bbl all day because that extra length isn't a big enough con to negate the pros.

[@MrApiiinr]

Good to see you back at it man! Awesome video as always!

[@Aaa-n4s4q]

Love this channel for whatever reason the only gun tuber content I could put on the house TV when I lived with my parents that they didn't demand to turn off but actually be very interested etc. Your gift of gab /;orator skills and or good energy is noted.*:)

[@sgtmacsalty1282]

I built a 7.5" AR intending it for use as a bedside gun, but after a few range trips I realized how silly that was and mostly keep my P365 Macro for that instead.

[@p51mustang24]

11.5” for compact maneuverability and/or suppressor host, 14.5” for general purpose, 18” for long range SPR type stuff. I would only do a 10.3” for a folding backpack gun, ballistics on 11.5” are so much better. Have never particularly liked the 16” (just do a 14.5”) or 20” (just do an 18”). There’s a reason they all exist though.

[@Acz87-t3z]

12.5 does everything the 11.5 and 14.5 do in one package

[@p51mustang24]

@ Mostly, yes, but the 11.5” and 10.3” make for good bag guns and maneuverable CQB guns, where the 11.5” is already a length compromise in order to get much better ballistics vs the 10.3”. The 14.5” is already a velocity compromise in order to get a GPR in a smaller package than a 16”+ So arguably the 12.5” does *nothing* as well as shorter or longer options. Although I still think 12.5” makes for a good general purpose suppressor host.m, it doesn’t stand out for any particular purpose.

[@MichaelKMorris]

I have a 12.5" that chrographs Winchester white box at 2800fps and a 14.5" that gets the box rated velocity of 3100fps, so thats my sweet spot. Easy out of cars still and 95% of potential velocity.

[@ratsniperslugs]

I run a Maxim PDX in 5.56 for sub 100 yard engagements…she shoots 62gr M855 @ 1960 fps for 530 ft lbs - still giving 400 ft lbs @ 75 yards. For everything else I have my 16” 5.56 shooting M855 @ 2930 fps. PDX has a CGS Helios and the 16” has an AB Raptor 6 👍🏻 Great video! 🍻

[@JohnnyDogs1978]

Haven't seen you in quite a while, i stopped watching KZbin for a couple of years, thought I was looking at someone else until i heard you talk. You look different without the glasses.

[@traumahawk517]

I think the Ideal barrel length would be 20"

[@phillhuddleston9445]

An 18" barrel is a good compromise.

[@VBMichael_D]

I'm glad others understand this. 16" barrels IMO are gimmicks. I love my 18" barrel, rifle length gas system, MK12 SPR clone.

[@Rebel-Forces-Earth-007]

12.5 for a 556 AR. It's the right amount of length and shortness, the sweet spot. It's the shortest I would ever go, but obviously 16"-20" is the best usage of the ammo.

[@jamessammann9183]

20 inches can do anything

[@shooter31m]

That’s not what she said!

[@silentiumsky]

except fit through a door sideways..

[@neckofthewoods24]

@@silentiumsky😅

[@Southized]

Except vehicle work.

[@shooter31m]

@@Southized tell that to the Marines in Iraq. 🇺🇸🤣

[@skylerwhite8482]

Okay it's been awhile since I've seen one of your videos but man isn't weird seeing you without the glasses

[@Phoenix_Defense_Solutions]

11.5 SBR for CQB to mid-range applications is my jam

[@AKFF320]

You miss the point of the video gomer!!

[@scarbarber2129]

Gomer over here…

[@neckofthewoods24]

@@AKFF320I’m still watching but he’s not wrong. A 10” clearing a house has the same velocity as a 20” barrel at 125 yards. 125 yards is a pop shot but still kills therefor so will a 10” clearing a house and neighborhood

[@Thebeesknees1234]

Everyone should have a long medium and short. For me it’s 20, 16 and 10.3. The answer is not a one size fits all.

[@RavenTwoActual]

7" is all fun and games until you're standing beside the person firing it in a small space without a suppressor...

[@apexaustriae9973]

And then put a JP recoil eliminator on it... makes it three times worse.

[@adamrodgers2377]

W H A T !!!!!!!!!!!

[@MavHunter20XX]

What!? I can't hear what you're typing!

[@johndecker9983]

​@@MavHunter20XXyour eyeballs are still jiggling. It's very common. Should come and go. Wouldn't recommend repeat exposure to barrel lengths less than 10.3 inches 😂

[@justfrickingreat]

Front row seats to the fireworks show sounds fun to me. Hope you brought your earplugs 😂

[@-John-Doe-]

Listen to Remington & Colt regarding the cartridge & rifle, respectively. Remington designed the .221, .222, and ultimately .223 for different barrel lengths. under 14.5” is .221 territory, parent case for the .300 blackout. when Colt designed the M4, they also designed the Colt MARS and 5.56x30mm for shorter barrel lengths. _(similar to remington’s .221)_

[@MrMandytorres]

13.5 with the right load could fill that gap between the use that 16" gives and the CQB aspect of an 11.5

[@KenCobbs-v3k]

It's good to see your back hopefully everything's going well for you looking forward to more your informative videos videos thanks for everything

[@ashtonwilliams3330]

16"-20" for forested an open areas and 11.5"-14.5" for urban an indoor areas.anything under 11.5" is useless an a waste.

[@FactoryFugitive]

Just remember, M193 out of a 20 inch will go through steel plates.

[@fattigla]

Good to see you back making videos!

[@Stargazer80able]

The barrel that allows full burn of powder is the ideal barrel length.

[@neckofthewoods24]

But velocity is velocity.

[@mikecollins8241]

Powder is burnt in 3-4", but pressure continues to be applied to the bullet until it leaves the barrel. That is why a longer barrel has a higher velocity (to a point).

[@knightcustombuilds6988]

I just gave my son a 20" hbar to hunt deer with. Paired with 77 grain OTM at 100 yards it seems to be very affective. Hes only killed one deer so far with it but she didn't go 20! Shot placement is critical, also very easy at 100 with 20" AR.

[@stevegee218]

When Canada did the Special Forces C8 (Colt Canada) trials, they wanted more velocity than a short 10.5" c8, but wanted more maneuverability than the 20" C7. They finally went with a 15.7 (350mm) barrel over the 14.5" (c8), but also have a 10.5" uppers for CQB needs. The C7a2 is a 20" flat top with a carbine adjustable stock. You can run 20" uppers on a carbine lower.

[@richardgong7222]

Great to see you back brother.

[@squirrellordsgaming2772]

I think 18 or 20 inch barrels is in the sweet spot zone for me. 16 inch is good for close range work, but I’d rather have the greater accuracy of a longer barrel.

[@paulmoss7940]

One of each works for me. 18 rifle length gas is my go to.

[@VBMichael_D]

Indeed! I've an MK12 SPR clone with just that!

[@danrichards3969]

My AR is custom built and I have a chambered in 350 legend with a 16 inch barrel that I use for hunting

[@The78CJ5]

I really like the 10.5 inch barrel AR pistol set up. for all my needs. Great info as always Eric.

[@ramonbenitez4093]

Thanks always love your videos. Keep them coming

[@MADMAX839]

It’s one of two answers: Either 1) Depends on your specific application or 2) 16 inches. NEXT……

[@VBMichael_D]

16" barrels are gimmicks. Please stop.

[@DropItLikeItsScott]

Great information, very well articulated.

[@voteholyk]

Hey bro, glad to see you back.

[@keatonbeer9674]

Many people think a fireball is cool but fail to realize all of that is unburnt powder, which results in a significant loss of velocity. Also, glad to see you back!

[@trynsurviven2440]

Where to find a 14.5” barrel for 5.56? All I find is for 6.5 Grendel.

[@trynsurviven2440]

@@brandonlalande-mu6zx Thanks for the info.

[@dependablekit5500]

I'd say a 14.5 still has good velocity and pin and weld easily without the B.S. tax great video as always!!!!

[@gearandloathing4057]

The answer is always 20” as god and Eugene Stoner intended.

[@onpsxmember]

*Leroy James Sullivan.

[@marine0331inf]

I miss my 20 inch A4....

[@dccarsonmusic]

It all depends on the purpose. For CQB, While I like 16, but 10.3 is effective, maneuverable and can act as a concussion grenade. This factors in you having ear pro on.

[@terrarecon]

How likely is someone going to don ear-pro at home when SHTF? Not very likely. Too much going on.

[@dccarsonmusic]

As a former cop and retired military, I get it your point Nevertheless, ear pro use is possible. It all depends on the situation. If you have some type of early warning system, you’ll have time. It also depends on your plan and how you train.

[@terrarecon]

@@dccarsonmusic I too am a former LEO and Marine. I have thought about those scenarios. I didn't say it wasn't possible. There will be those who can execute ear-pro just fine in these scenarios, but for most people this is going to be unlikely, even with training. At the end of the day, everything depends on the situation, and often times there will be elements of the unexpected. Training mitigates those elements, but may not always completely eliminate them. Thanks for your service on both counts. Have a blessed day.

[@dccarsonmusic]

@@terrareconyou too! Stay safe out there! 🫡

[@Sherrodja]

The right size barrel for my personal use is 16" in my PSA M4. I find it ideal for close quarters home defense. Plus, I'm running .223 JHP's from 30 round mags with 556 FMJ's to back those up, both in 62 grn bullets. It comes down to ones personal needs. And if all else goes to hell in a hand basket, I fall back to my safe room and a 12 gauge Remington 870 with an extended tube mag and 00 buckshot.

[@Averagegunenthusiast]

I would think if you go with a 10 inch barrel it would be best to change to 300 blackout.

[@xtreamar1550]

Hey Eric, longtime subscriber here. I’m glad to see you doing videos again, but we would really love if you and Chad could get together to do a video again that would be awesome. We would love to see it.

[@apocoperative7443]

Hes back boys ! Love to see the new videos!

[@Charlie-s9c]

Wouldn't the best barrel length depend on the round NOT the gun?

[@frankopanklaric]

I don't know why everyone ignores this fact.

[@rogerray7820]

I own a SP 1 and it is great for outside work on the farm, but not so much for inside use. A 20" barrel is in my opinion the right way to go with 5.56. as for AR pistols, not my cup of tea. They are not well balanced for one handed operation and are definitely way heavier than a regular semi-auto pistol. I prefer my Colt 1911 or CZ 75 for home defense. But to each his own.

[@p99t0013]

Barrel twist is also a very important factor on these AR builds, esp with various .223/5.56 loads. Hope you will do a followup video covering that!

[@phillip6919851]

Every barrel length is ideal for 556. Doesn’t matter if barrel length for 556 is 5.5” all the way to 20”, each barrel length has its purpose. 556 in a 5.5” barrel is just as deadly as a 4” 9mm handgun.

[@briankorneff5604]

20” for the fragmentation w 55 gr.

[@cardboard_shaft]

vmax ammo is just not that expensive bro

[@briankorneff5604]

@@cardboard_shaft meh

[@Zona-dw9rp]

The 5.56 was designed for a 20" barrel.

[@BrooklynNick718]

* FMJ 5.56 was, it's 2024 not 1964. Bullet designs have advanced

[@CF.]

Good to know.

[@Zona-dw9rp]

@BrooklynNick718 But it was still designed for a 20" barrel.

[@BrooklynNick718]

@@Zona-dw9rp FMJ was not newer rounds. Keep up kid

[@skydivingcomrade1648]

Yes, but Stoner did it because of overkill from the military brass. He knew the most common engagement distance was 400m due to the ability of the naked eye. He gave them what THEY wanted, not what we want.

[@ThisHandleIsntAvailableTryANew]

I went with a 13.9 p&w with a full-size can. Puts me around 19 inches

[@civicsr2cool]

20” supremacy

[@almostontimehero5415]

Eric and Chad here. ;_; Take me back, to the good dope days.