18 Inch AR’s: The Barrel Length that God Forgot

[Talyn]

Not concerned about soft-shooting, as per the article, but I have one with an 18" which is handy in retaining velocity & energy in my AOPs. It's a good middle-ground length between the traditional 16s and 20's. It shoots well.

18 Inch AR’s: The Barrel Length that God Forgot

 

[HansGruber]

My SPR clone is a favorite; 18” Rainer blackened stainless barrel in .223 Wylde and 1:7 5R rifling; 300 yard, 2” groups with 69gr SMK’s all day long.

 

[djthumper]

I remember when 18" was the norm and the shorter barrel was more specialized.

 

[HansGruber]

I remember when 18" was the norm and the shorter barrel was more specialized.

18” was never really standard; 20” was, though...16” has been the standard carbine length, outside of military, which is 14.5”.

 

[Talyn]

18” was never really standard; 20” was, though...16” has been the standard carbine length, outside of military, which is 14.5”.

+1 Ditto.

 

[djthumper]

I don't know why I thought it was 18". Of course, I haven't handled an M16 in quite a few years.