What're your opinions on barrel length for AR pistols

[jmt476]

Hey guys, just curious what everyone's thoughts and experiences are regarding barrel length for AR pistols. I love the look of a pistol with a 7.5 upper, however, I've been told that 10.5 is a better choice...just not sure why. Is the accuracy really that bad? I mean, either way, it's a pistol...def a short range weapon. Thoughts?

 

[pop-gunner]

10.5 should use a carbine length gas system which is usually more reliable than the shorter options for a number of reasons.
You will also find more choices in handguards in carbine length.

 

[5cary]

Hey guys, just curious what everyone's thoughts and experiences are regarding barrel length for AR pistols. I love the look of a pistol with a 7.5 upper, however, I've been told that 10.5 is a better choice...just not sure why. Is the accuracy really that bad? I mean, either way, it's a pistol...def a short range weapon. Thoughts?

My $.02... There are alot of differences, but I would primarily focus on velocity. A 10.5" barrel is what *I* would consider the minimum useful length for an operational AR. Particularly in an SBR. My "go to" carbine is a 12.5" SBR. Even 10.5" was too short for me there. But you are talking about building a pistol, not an SBR. Usually pistols are meant to be short - so mine is a 7.5" (Noveske Diplomat). It'll kill you dead at 10 yrds. But it's not a carbine.

What are you using it for, and what's important to you? For my pistol build, shortest length and portability weighed far more than extended velocity. I went short. I also realize mine is largely a range toy (with few exceptions).

 

[jmt476]

Thanks guys. I guess my primary purpose, other than using it as a range toy...lol, would be a high power pistol that is light weight (for what it is). That said, I would like it to be accurate beyond 10 yards...lol

 

[rouchna]

My $.02... There are alot of differences, but I would primarily focus on velocity. A 10.5" barrel is what *I* would consider the minimum useful length for an operational AR.

This. I had a 7.5" AR pistol and got rid of it. It was a fun (and loud) range toy but other than that, it was impractical. I have since built a 10.3" SBR which is more than just a range toy. Best of luck.

 

[Pmbspyder]

10.5" is shortest I would go for something "useful". 11.5" to me is the perfect marriage of length and velocity.

 

[5.56blaster]

I have 10.5 it does what I figured it would do.

 

[DutchV]

The Colt Commando is 10.3", for what that's worth. That seems to be the minimum length before 5.56 loses too much velocity.

Accuracy is not affected by barrel length.

 

[outrider58]

I have a 10.5 on mine. Zero is the same at 50yds. as it is at 100yds. Not shire about energy at that distance.

 

[hogarth]

I have a 10.5 on mine. Zero is the same at 50yds. as it is at 100yds. Not shire about energy at that distance.

Does it hit high at 75 yds? Because otherwise that should be an impossibility.

 

[Sticky]

Shorter than the more common 10.5" barrel causes a significant increase in concussion to the shooter and anyone nearby. You also pretty much have a flame thrower as well. I built a 7.5" in 556 and was able to tame it, but I traded that barrel, stuck a 10.5" barrel on it and I like it a lot more. My goal wasn't to build the shortest bbl'd pistol I could, for that I'd opt for a pistol caliber AR pistol, but... I did trade that 7.5" 556 barrel for a 7" in 7.62 x 39. It barks... and is accurate to boot... lol

 

[outrider58]

Does it hit high at 75 yds? Because otherwise that should be an impossibility.

Haven't shot it at 75. I do shoot it suppressed.

 

[jmt476]

As appealing as a 556 flamethrower is, it sounds like a 10.5 is prob the way to go

 

[5cary]

As appealing as a 556 flamethrower is, it sounds like a 10.5 is prob the way to go

And this is *with* a KX5.

Pulled from calguns archive...

 

[Bisondice]

I went with 10.3 after holding a 7.5 and realizing I wanted more arm room for comfort

 

[jmt476]

And this is *with* a KX5.

Pulled from calguns archive...

That's bad ass. Lol

 

[DutchV]

With a 7.5" barrel you might want a handstop to keep your hand from slipping out in front of the muzzle.

 

[outrider58]

As appealing as a 556 flamethrower is, it sounds like a 10.5 is prob the way to go

My 10.5'' throws a pretty big fireball out of it. Don't be misled by what you AREN"T reading here.

 

[outrider58]

Does it hit high at 75 yds? Because otherwise that should be an impossibility.

Here is a group shot @ 100 yds using an Eotech(I have a problem seeing double at times and in the case of my Eotech, an elongated red dot which the first two shots, I was aiming from the wrong 'side' of the dot). The zero was the same @ 50 yds.

 

[hogarth]

Here is a group shot @ 100 yds using an Eotech(I have a problem seeing double at times and in the case of my Eotech, an elongated red dot which the first two shots, I was aiming from the wrong 'side' of the dot). The zero was the same @ 50 yds.

Congrats! You've defeated gravity!