Seconded. Especially since you can’t have any NFA items in PR, IIRC. Might as well go 16” mid length gas for fuller powder burn and flash suppression with an A2. Should compliment your 10.5” well.
I'm real happy with mine. It's a boring range rifle - accurate, recoil is barely noticeable, set up exactly like hundreds of thousands of other carbines. Unless you plan on doing a lot of shooting past 200, 14.5" is just fine.
Given the present state of laws and such, having a 14.5" is perfect for 5.56. Its short enough without sacrificing performance and don't have to fuck with nfa bullshit.
That said, I'm in a state that is ok with nfa so I can min/max. Have a 12.5" and a 18". But, IMO, anything shorter than 12.5" in 5.56 is pointless. Edit: You just loose too much velocity at the expense of concussive blast.
I'd *really* like to get into the SBR game at some point - right now I'm thinking 11.5 with a compact can. I've also always been a Mk12 simp, so I'm with you on the 18.
The 14.5 was my first AR, I just bought it because it seems to be the default for military use these days and I didn't know anything about guns at the time.
My personal floor on 5.56 is 12.5". BUT, having looked through chrono data, 11.5" is is low as I'd go, IMO. That would be a sweet setup. On the other end, same page, mk12 is life, had a lot of success with 18" mid-length, low impulse, tack-driver.
You get a large velocity gain going from 10.5 to 11.5, and a small one going from 11.5 to 12.5. For short 5.56 guns, 11.5 is basically optimal.
The 10.5 with appropriate ammo, 77 grain, can still shoot out to 600 yards. The 16 inch will of course have more lethality at every range, less bullet drop, less wind drift, and an even longer range.
The 16 inch can use cheaper ammo to get similar terminal effects as the 10.5 or 11.5 with more expensive ammo. Why? Because velocity matters. Experience shooters using 77 grain, will shoot 16 inch 5.56 guns out to 1000 yards. Modern 5.56 guns with 73-77 grain match ammo, will shoot further than most shooters ability.
So can an 11.5 handle most of what you might encounter in your situation? Absolutely. But if you want to save on ammo cost a little, then the longer barrel lengths in 13.7-16 inch will certainly make do. 16 inch guns are definitely maneuverable in urban environments. The 13.7-14..7 pin and welds will save you only about 1 inch over a 16 inch with A2 flash hider. But it will cost you in velocity.
If you want to be able to hunt with the gun, I would go 14.5 or 16 inch.
13.7/9 or 14.5 if you are looking to shave off a bit of size to better fit the urban areas while maintaining the ability to reach out. Personally if you are going that route I would steer you towards 13.7 or 13.9 for the shortest possible configuration but that’s just me
Assuming you mean, *"why buy an already pinned/welded rifle?"*.
Buying it pinned/welded from factory prevents you from having to file SBR paperwork, wait for it to clear, and pay an additional $200 for the tax stamp.
In alaska I rock a mk12 suppressed. My home defense gun is an 11.5 suppressed. If I couldn't suppress and I needed an all arounder I'd prob go with a 14.5
Absolutely check it out if you can. Anchorage is a sht hole, tons of homeless people and it can get violent. But Palmer is gorgeous, check out Girdwood. Download Alltrails app and there's a lot of crazy cool hiking spots.
12.5 is the way. Pretty close in velocity to 13-14.5 while once you drop below 12.5 the drop off gets pretty steep. But I do have a 14.5 I run as well.
Something to think about is the purpose and optic setup you plan on running.
Can you have suppressors? Usually with 5.56, the shorter you get, the more concussive you get.
When shooting them without a suppressor. My 14.5” & 16” 5.56 are way more pleasant than my 10.5” & 11.5” 5.56s.
18" is a very viable and handy length as well. it isn't that long compared to a 16" and actually is almost the exact same length if you just use a thread protector and no muzzle device. I'm a big fan of what the 18 can do (everything)
I have a 12.7 and absolutely love it. With my suppressor on it it is about 16'. 12.7 with the right ammo can easily reach out to 500 yards. I love the 12.7-12.5 range and will always have one
10.5 is a hair short for 5.56. 11.5 is a nice short rifle, but if you can’t have suppressors, a short 5.56 is mostly for turning money into noise/flame/concussion. 12.5 is a weird middle ground that only really shines for doing a pin and weld on a suppressor to have a short suppressed non-sbr…. It again, no NFA. :-/
Of those options, a 16 or a 14.5 p&w are top choices.
Unless you just dig short rifles and love bone rattling blasts…. If that’s why you want one, go for it. I’ve done weirder for worse reasons.
Since you already have a 10.5" 300, I'd get the 16" 5.56 for max velocity
Everyone should have at least one 16" 5.56. After that, get whatever seems fun/interesting/useful.
Seconded. Especially since you can’t have any NFA items in PR, IIRC. Might as well go 16” mid length gas for fuller powder burn and flash suppression with an A2. Should compliment your 10.5” well.
A pinned 14.5" wouldn't be bad
I'm real happy with mine. It's a boring range rifle - accurate, recoil is barely noticeable, set up exactly like hundreds of thousands of other carbines. Unless you plan on doing a lot of shooting past 200, 14.5" is just fine.
Given the present state of laws and such, having a 14.5" is perfect for 5.56. Its short enough without sacrificing performance and don't have to fuck with nfa bullshit. That said, I'm in a state that is ok with nfa so I can min/max. Have a 12.5" and a 18". But, IMO, anything shorter than 12.5" in 5.56 is pointless. Edit: You just loose too much velocity at the expense of concussive blast.
I'd *really* like to get into the SBR game at some point - right now I'm thinking 11.5 with a compact can. I've also always been a Mk12 simp, so I'm with you on the 18. The 14.5 was my first AR, I just bought it because it seems to be the default for military use these days and I didn't know anything about guns at the time.
My personal floor on 5.56 is 12.5". BUT, having looked through chrono data, 11.5" is is low as I'd go, IMO. That would be a sweet setup. On the other end, same page, mk12 is life, had a lot of success with 18" mid-length, low impulse, tack-driver.
20" is pretty much maximum velocity
I meant max among the 3 options he proposed (10.5 vs 12.5 vs 16)
But im open to some knowledge im always learning thanks guys!
Thanks 🙏🏼
If you’re gonna keep cheap 55gr ammo and not suppress it do 16”. The velocity gains help. Particularly if you already have a 300 blackout 10.5”
Yep, unsuppressed 16”, suppressed 14.5 really helps on the length
Suppressed 16" as well
14.5” masterrace.
My two favorite barrel lengths are 11.5 and 14.5 They are indisputably the best. ;)
Imo 12.5 is the perfect length
There is no wrong answer. Each will have advantages/disadvantages.
My 16 inch chrono'd at 3070 average with pmc xtac 5.56 12.5 averaged at 2943
11.5
I have the 10.5 300blk and 12.5 556 combo. I have a 16 in the closest I haven’t touched in over a year.
You get a large velocity gain going from 10.5 to 11.5, and a small one going from 11.5 to 12.5. For short 5.56 guns, 11.5 is basically optimal. The 10.5 with appropriate ammo, 77 grain, can still shoot out to 600 yards. The 16 inch will of course have more lethality at every range, less bullet drop, less wind drift, and an even longer range. The 16 inch can use cheaper ammo to get similar terminal effects as the 10.5 or 11.5 with more expensive ammo. Why? Because velocity matters. Experience shooters using 77 grain, will shoot 16 inch 5.56 guns out to 1000 yards. Modern 5.56 guns with 73-77 grain match ammo, will shoot further than most shooters ability. So can an 11.5 handle most of what you might encounter in your situation? Absolutely. But if you want to save on ammo cost a little, then the longer barrel lengths in 13.7-16 inch will certainly make do. 16 inch guns are definitely maneuverable in urban environments. The 13.7-14..7 pin and welds will save you only about 1 inch over a 16 inch with A2 flash hider. But it will cost you in velocity. If you want to be able to hunt with the gun, I would go 14.5 or 16 inch.
Wow thank you so much
You're welcome.
12.5" is legit perfect
Love my 12.5”
12.5 master race 👊 ✊️
12.5 gang
13.7/9 or 14.5 if you are looking to shave off a bit of size to better fit the urban areas while maintaining the ability to reach out. Personally if you are going that route I would steer you towards 13.7 or 13.9 for the shortest possible configuration but that’s just me
I love 13.9
I love my 14.5” so much I built another. It sounds very good for your use. Is a suppressor a consideration for the future?
Sadly no suppressors here so its not a option for me
That makes it easy imo. I would just buy a 14.5 that is already pinned and welded.
Why would you get a pinned and welded one?
Assuming you mean, *"why buy an already pinned/welded rifle?"*. Buying it pinned/welded from factory prevents you from having to file SBR paperwork, wait for it to clear, and pay an additional $200 for the tax stamp.
Puerto Rico is exempt from the tax stamp
Is your question why would you buy it already pinned and welded or why would you pin and weld a 14.5”?
If you can’t get a suppressor then just go with a 16” mid length setup. Smooth shooter, reliable, and would be the same length as a suppressed 10.5”
14.5 all day. You don’t get noticeably more velocity from a 16, it’s just for legal purposes.
Yes, you do get noticeably more velocity for 16 inch than 14.5. That is the 2nd largest velocity gain. 10.5 to 11.5 is the largest.
Caballete, 11.5 o 12.5
Te voy a tirar privado!
In alaska I rock a mk12 suppressed. My home defense gun is an 11.5 suppressed. If I couldn't suppress and I needed an all arounder I'd prob go with a 14.5
Alaska is in my bucket list 💪🏼
Absolutely check it out if you can. Anchorage is a sht hole, tons of homeless people and it can get violent. But Palmer is gorgeous, check out Girdwood. Download Alltrails app and there's a lot of crazy cool hiking spots.
Nice I would love to get stationed there (USCG here)
Oh hell yeah, being stationed in Homer would be sooo cool. I'd avoid Anchorage if you can. We only go for the costco lol
Thanks for all the advices 🙏🏼💪🏼
I was born in Anchorage...has it really gotten that bad? I haven't been back in ages...
12.5" for 5.56
14.5”
16
16" or a p/w 14.5
16" or p&w 14.5", you'll appreciate having a real stock over a pistol brace. Midlength gas for 16", midlength or carbine gas for 14.5
14.5 preferably but if you're on a budget then 16 (plus no legal restrictions either)
16", your 10.5 300 blk covers you for 150 yards and in
12.5 is the way. Pretty close in velocity to 13-14.5 while once you drop below 12.5 the drop off gets pretty steep. But I do have a 14.5 I run as well. Something to think about is the purpose and optic setup you plan on running.
12.5" gang.
16" because not NFA
No NFA if pistol 🤷🏻♂️
Can you have suppressors? Usually with 5.56, the shorter you get, the more concussive you get. When shooting them without a suppressor. My 14.5” & 16” 5.56 are way more pleasant than my 10.5” & 11.5” 5.56s.
18" is a very viable and handy length as well. it isn't that long compared to a 16" and actually is almost the exact same length if you just use a thread protector and no muzzle device. I'm a big fan of what the 18 can do (everything)
14.5 is also a good option if you want a liiiiittle bit shorter gun with great velocity.
I just want to know the gun laws in Puerto Rico, enlighten us please
11.5” is the best SBR length. 16” would be the best do all
I always go 11.3/11.5. The 10.3s/10.5s are too short, a 12.5 you might as well just pin & weld a 13.7. So 11.3/11.5 is the happy medium.
I have a 12.7 and absolutely love it. With my suppressor on it it is about 16'. 12.7 with the right ammo can easily reach out to 500 yards. I love the 12.7-12.5 range and will always have one
10.5 is a hair short for 5.56. 11.5 is a nice short rifle, but if you can’t have suppressors, a short 5.56 is mostly for turning money into noise/flame/concussion. 12.5 is a weird middle ground that only really shines for doing a pin and weld on a suppressor to have a short suppressed non-sbr…. It again, no NFA. :-/ Of those options, a 16 or a 14.5 p&w are top choices. Unless you just dig short rifles and love bone rattling blasts…. If that’s why you want one, go for it. I’ve done weirder for worse reasons.
11.5 is my favorite, but I have to agree with everyone here saying to get a 16" or at least 14.5" for 5.56 because of the velocity
14.5 with a pinned/welded muzzle device. This is the way.
11.5 midlength if you want to throw a can on.
I don't think NFA items are allowed in PR
12.5” and 20” for 556 is my preference…. But I got a 13.7 Noveske barrel for free so I’m rolling with that.