The Boss Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Hey guys, I'am kind of new to AR's and I want to build a more longrange/target upper for my AR, which is currently a 10.5in. I'd like to build it from scratch. I've been debating on what length barrel to go with. I can get a Rock Creek barrel cut to pretty much any length. I was thinking somewhere between 18 to 22 inches. but I kinda like the idea of a bit shorter barrel. Any thoughts or advice? is 18 inches to short? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dupa220 Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 I really like the 18" with a 1:7 twist. nice compromise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geddieup Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 18" isn't too short. And by the time you put a comp on it, your overall barrel length will be around 20" The 18" barrels are quite popular amongst many. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRE10 Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 18. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saltydawg Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 20 " 1/9 twist... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam86 Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 24" bull or bust Honestly, I may one day end up going to a BHW 18" 1:8 twist. This beast is HEAVY. Good for paper punching and coyote hunting but very hard to lug around and manipulate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Boss Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 (edited) 24" bull or bust Honestly, I may one day end up going to a BHW 18" 1:8 twist. This beast is HEAVY. Good for paper punching and coyote hunting but very hard to lug around and manipulate. Thats kinda what I was thinking Adam. The 22in-24in might be better, but I think I may end up wishing i had the portability of the 18in. barrel. Here's my other question. So say I decide on a 18in. Now the company I can get the barrel from says I can choose the length of the gas system. Do i go with mid-length or Rifle length? and why would it matter? Edited February 8, 2013 by The Boss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Boss Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 And will a 1:7 twist on an 18in. barrel be too much for 55gr. bullets? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLShooter Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 And will a 1:7 twist on an 18in. barrel be too much for 55gr. bullets? The 1:7 is not the best for the 55. A 1:9 would do you better. Look at a 20" standard weight a d forget the flash hider/brake. Why run a 2" brake to make an 18 a 20"? Get the extra 60-75 FPS for free, IMHO. The BHW barrels are plenty heavy and accurate and won't make you feel like Popeye in need of Spinach to hump it around. BTW I have bulls in 20 and 24" and the weight difference is noticeable. The difference between a standard BHW 24" and the bull is more noticeable but I find them good for PD's and targets. For a run and gun 3 Gun rig I would definitely go to the standard weight 20". A comp/brake might be in order there but is in a venue where 0.1's count. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Boss Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 The 1:7 is not the best for the 55. A 1:9 would do you better. Look at a 20" standard weight a d forget the flash hider/brake. Why run a 2" brake to make an 18 a 20"? Get the extra 60-75 FPS for free, IMHO. The BHW barrels are plenty heavy and accurate and won't make you feel like Popeye in need of Spinach to hump it around. BTW I have bulls in 20 and 24" and the weight difference is noticeable. The difference between a standard BHW 24" and the bull is more noticeable but I find them good for PD's and targets. For a run and gun 3 Gun rig I would definitely go to the standard weight 20". A comp/brake might be in order there but is in a venue where 0.1's count. Greg In know the 1:7 twist wont be the best for 55gr bullets. heavier bullets would be better, I KNOW. i've herd alot of people say they have a 1:7 barrel and shoot 55's fine. But im guessing those are 14.5 and 16in barrels. I basically want a barrel that can shoot what ever I feed it (ie. 55gr and up), Would a 1:8 twist 18in barrel be my best bet then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nwatson99 Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 You do know if you change out that upper on your SBR to a target upper or anything longer than 14.5", you will need to notify the B.A.T.F.E. that your registered lower is not longer a SBR right? Or do you have one of those uppers with 10.5" barrel and 5.5" flash hider on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLShooter Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 In know the 1:7 twist wont be the best for 55gr bullets. heavier bullets would be better, I KNOW. i've herd alot of people say they have a 1:7 barrel and shoot 55's fine. But im guessing those are 14.5 and 16in barrels. I basically want a barrel that can shoot what ever I feed it (ie. 55gr and up), Would a 1:8 twist 18in barrel be my best bet then? Given the venue that would be a better choice for you. IMHO. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geddieup Posted February 9, 2013 Share Posted February 9, 2013 You will have more diversity with a 1:8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Boss Posted February 9, 2013 Author Share Posted February 9, 2013 You do know if you change out that upper on your SBR to a target upper or anything longer than 14.5", you will need to notify the B.A.T.F.E. that your registered lower is not longer a SBR right? Or do you have one of those uppers with 10.5" barrel and 5.5" flash hider on it? No and No. I live in Canada. All AR's are classified as "restricted", no matter the caliber or barrel length. I could have one lower and switch it between 5 different barrel length uppers when ever I like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbe Posted February 9, 2013 Share Posted February 9, 2013 In know the 1:7 twist wont be the best for 55gr bullets. heavier bullets would be better, I KNOW. i've herd alot of people say they have a 1:7 barrel and shoot 55's fine. But im guessing those are 14.5 and 16in barrels. I basically want a barrel that can shoot what ever I feed it (ie. 55gr and up), Would a 1:8 twist 18in barrel be my best bet then? For what you are wanting to do, I would say yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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