AR Pistol Barrel Length Questions

[Computalotapus]

So next build on my list is to do a pistol build. I have thought about the overall build and when looking at barrels I know I do not want to go over 11.5", actually 11.3".

I would like to hear the pros and cons of the barrels from 11.3" down to 7.5" barrels.

I am really leaning towards a 10.3" DD CHF barrel at the moment.

[gatordev]

What do you want to use it for? For the sake of building it? Breathing fire? Compact competition gun?

10.3" Colt has been extremely reliable (and apparently the gas port for the DD barrels is a little different than Colt's spec). But my 11.5" gun has been good to go and not quite as "snappy." Personally, I have no use for anything shorter than 10" (and honestly, the only reason I went 10.3 was to build a clone), but that's my use, not yours.

[Computalotapus]

What do you want to use it for? For the sake of building it? Breathing fire? Compact competition gun?

10.3" Colt has been extremely reliable (and apparently the gas port for the DD barrels is a little different than Colt's spec). But my 11.5" gun has been good to go and not quite as "snappy." Personally, I have no use for anything shorter than 10" (and honestly, the only reason I went 10.3 was to build a clone), but that's my use, not yours.

Well I guess I should have answered this in the OP.

I would prefer is not be a fire breather at all, will either use a Birdcage FH or one of the various compensators (VG6 or BCM). Sole purpose of this will be something I can slap in a sling bag for a go-gun. Really looking to get outdoors more (hiking and backpacking). Wanting something super light and compact without worrying about the stamp issue. Will probably have a Law Tactical folding stock adapter on it with a Sig brace. Basically going to be an off body carry setup.

[UWone77]

After my SBR's have slowly been getting approved one by one, I've moved out of Pistols (I think I still have one Pistol Lower) The shortest barrel I used for the most part was 10.5" Those seem to run well for me. I did have an 8.2" Noveske in 300 BLK.

Anyhow, I don't have a problem with running 10.5" uppers because like I said, they have run well for me, suppressed and unsuppressed. Recently, I took advantage of BCM's upper deal and snagged an 11.5" Upper.

BCM has stated that they make 11.5 vs 10.5 as the 11.5" has 40% more dwell time with that extra inch of barrel.

Unless you have another barrel cut down, I don't think anyone makes an 11.3"

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_138/174764_.html

[Computalotapus]

Wilson makes a 11.3" barrel for 5.56.. it is out of stock on their site but you are still allowed to place on order for backorder on it still.

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Combat-Match-Grade-Barrel-556-NATO-SBR-Tactical-113-1-7-Twist-Stainless/productinfo/TR-556SBR11/

The reason I want to stay away from doing an SBR on this is due to the fact that I will be going on backpacking trips out of state and the hassle of that is just not worth it to me. With it being registered as a pistol it wouldn't be an issue.

[UWone77]

Interesting that Wilson will thread the barrel 5/8-24 regardless of caliber.

[Computalotapus]

Would not have thought to even look at the threading would have expected it to be 1/2-28 Threading :(

[Naytwan]

I have a 7.5" pistol I built using a JSE Surplus upper and it runs fine. It's basically a flame thrower. It's a fun toy but I wouldn't do it again. I'm going to build another but it will be probably in the 10.5“ range.

[Computalotapus]

There is always the option of building it in 9mm also.
Sent from my Windows Phone 8.1

[voodoo_man]

Put a pws cqb on it and there will be no fire, I endorse it.

Otherwise, DDs mk18 setup is shortest I will go with expectations of engagements up to 300y.

I have a 11.5 bcm upper and that thing is a hammer, highly recommended.

I am getting a 7.5 upper from pws and would suggest running a piston build if ur going under 10inches.

[Computalotapus]

Ok so I am thinking for 11.5" I would go with 11.5" BCM Barrel, with 11" CMR and I like the look of the PWS CQB. If I did DD 10.3 I would use the SLR Ultra Lite 10" Keymod rail and use the Strike Industries Cookie Cutter muzzle device. Would like to see how the cookie cutter ran at night. Phase 5 Hex2 buffer tuber assembly SB15 brace use a law tac folding adapter to help with making it more compact and giving that little bit of extra length deployed. Haven't decided on a hand stop or angled foregrip yet. Will probably run a Vortex SPARC II and get 3 20 round mags for it. Drop all of that in a sling bag.

[gatordev]

I'm not knocking BCM, but another option that you may want to consider is a Centurion Arms 11.5. It's a LW profile and has a great weight. While mine is a 12.5, I've continued to be very happy with mine and it's been very accurate if I'm not an idiot on the trigger. Since you were looking for a lightweight weapon to throw in a bag, figured I'd put that out there. I can't remember if BCM has a lightweight short barrel, but if they do, never mind.

One catch on the CA is that I'm not sure how much inventory is out there right now since Monty moved from CA to IN.

[Computalotapus]

Oh I like the idea of a LW profile barrel, I am pretty sure the DD and the BCM are both government profile barrels.
I have time, just putting my options on paper right now and getting an idea for the budget I will need.
Sent from my Windows Phone 8.1

[Gaspipeshooter]

Oh I like the idea of a LW profile barrel, I am pretty sure the DD and the BCM are both government profile barrels.
I have time, just putting my options on paper right now and getting an idea for the budget I will need.
Sent from my Windows Phone 8.1

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Standard-11-5-Carbine-Barrel-light-weight-p/bcm-brl-s-11lw%20std.htm

[Computalotapus]

Thanks totally didn't see that there. Like I said just getting ideas down on paper and getting a rough feel for what my budget is. Looking to be between $1300-$1600 as of right now.
Sent from my Windows Phone 8.1

[dcbiii]

I have a 7.5" upper that was a custom build. It is a novelty, with the intent of having a "suitcase gun" that I could keep in my car. In practice, it is near impossible to keep on target as the recoil is daunting on rapid fire.

I have been looking at new barrels (preferably 10.5-11.5), and will probably end up with a Sionics, Aero, or BCM barrel on it when Black Friday rolls around.

[WHSmithIV]

I want to build the stripped lower I have into a 7.62x39 but am still very undecided on what barrel length to use. I was thinking 8" but it would likely end up then being a real flame thrower and I don't want all that flash. I'm wondering what the minimum length barrel would be to keep any flash down to something reasonable.

[Ride4frnt]

Ok so I am thinking for 11.5" I would go with 11.5" BCM Barrel, with 11" CMR and I like the look of the PWS CQB. If I did DD 10.3 I would use the SLR Ultra Lite 10" Keymod rail and use the Strike Industries Cookie Cutter muzzle device. Would like to see how the cookie cutter ran at night. Phase 5 Hex2 buffer tuber assembly SB15 brace use a law tac folding adapter to help with making it more compact and giving that little bit of extra length deployed. Haven't decided on a hand stop or angled foregrip yet. Will probably run a Vortex SPARC II and get 3 20 round mags for it. Drop all of that in a sling bag.

Unless you want a really long LOP, I'd advise against the hex2 and law tactical folder. The hex 2 gives a pretty big lop already for a pistol IMO, and the law tac folder will add 1+ inches to that. The regular phase 5 pistol tube would be awesome with the folder since you could push the brace on farther.

[CarbonScoring]

I built my first pistol using a 10.5" Aero Precision barrel and I've been really happy with it. I haven't gotten to put a ton through it yet, but I've had 0 problems so far.

[Uffdaphil]

Agree Law folder works best with brace mounted full forward for non-gorilla arms. I notice the Phase5
standard tube is 1.25" OD. An in-spec tube will save you some sweat. From the Sig site:
"Made from high-quality, elasto-polymer, the SB15 is manufactured to close tolerances and fits all pistols
equipped with an AR-style buffer tube 1.0” – 1.2” in diameter."

For full forward I prefer the BCM 1.2" tube. $10 cheaper too.

[Gaspipeshooter]

Agree Law folder works best with brace mounted full forward for non-gorilla arms. I notice the Phase5
standard tube is 1.25" OD. An in-spec tube will save you some sweat. From the Sig site:
"Made from high-quality, elasto-polymer, the SB15 is manufactured to close tolerances and fits all pistols
equipped with an AR-style buffer tube 1.0” – 1.2” in diameter."

For full forward I prefer the BCM 1.2" tube. $10 cheaper too.

I've got the Phase 5 Tactical Hex-2 buffer tube on my pistol build. Getting the Sig Tac brace on wasn't real easy, but it is definitely secure. Waiting on my Midwest Industries handguard to get here this morning to put it on. If I get it done in time, I'll post a picture of it next to another rifle to show LOP and what adjustment I'm on for the rifle stock LOP.

[Gaspipeshooter]

OK, so while my photographic expertise is from the Polaroid age, I did manage to show the Phase 5 Hex-2 pistol buffer alongside one of my beater carbines with the stock extended to show the length of pull. The pistol buffer and brace definitely gives some length of pull...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL609/13465559/24585238/410053562.jpg

[KevinBLC]

OK, so while my photographic expertise is from the Polaroid age, I did manage to show the Phase 5 Hex-2 pistol buffer alongside one of my beater carbines with the stock extended to show the length of pull. The pistol buffer and brace definitely gives some length of pull...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL609/13465559/24585238/410053562.jpg

That looks really good. Thanks for the comparo.

[Stretch1130]

Thanks for the input. I have a pistol lower and have been looking for the right upper. Good Barrel length was a major unknown for me. Has anyone ever purchased anything from radical firearms? They have a 10.5" 300blk for 279. I know, you get what you pay for but this would be more of a fun gun.

[Stretch1130]

PSA has the sig brace for 110 right now also if anyone is looking for one.

[Ride4frnt]

Thanks for the input. I have a pistol lower and have been looking for the right upper. Good Barrel length was a major unknown for me. Has anyone ever purchased anything from radical firearms? They have a 10.5" 300blk for 279. I know, you get what you pay for but this would be more of a fun gun.

I think you can do better than $279 for a .300blk barrel elsewhere.

[Uffdaphil]

Thanks for the input. I have a pistol lower and have been looking for the right upper. Good Barrel length was a major unknown for me. Has anyone ever purchased anything from radical firearms? They have a 10.5" 300blk for 279. I know, you get what you pay for but this would be more of a fun gun.

I'd file this under too good to be true. Break down the component costs for a minimally adequate (not to my standards) railed upper.
Upper: $60
Rail: $100
Gas block and tube: $35
What does that leave for the barrel and labor cost? About $85, which screams POS to me. And describing as "law-enforcement grade" is pure hype for low-information buyers. That said, it may work just fine for a range toy. But not for me.

[Kopis]

I run a noveske 7.5" with sig brace, extended buffer and law tac folder. Never had an issue

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/Papachristou/2014-08/1EAE1587-5F78-4C38-95F0-B15240FE3E13_zpsal7hzrqx.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/Papachristou/media/2014-08/1EAE1587-5F78-4C38-95F0-B15240FE3E13_zpsal7hzrqx.jpg.html)

Folds up handy too

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/Papachristou/2014-09/80E2096F-D226-4A5C-8423-B44B24C5AC3B_zpszu6rvdh6.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/Papachristou/media/2014-09/80E2096F-D226-4A5C-8423-B44B24C5AC3B_zpszu6rvdh6.jpg.html)

[GOST]

That maybe one of the most expensive pistol builds I've seen.

[Kopis]

You may be right about that. Id be scared to add it all up. It's been an ongoing project though. I may try a JP low mass buffer in it. I just like tinkering with them during the winter went i cant enjoy my other bad habit... Track days on the motorcycle.


I would add that it was easier than all the SBR hassle and i can travel to see family with it in the car without notifying the ATF.

[GHOSTMAN]

Did anyone but the 10.5" stainless barrel in 223 wylde from classic firearms? Going for $89
I was wondering if it was a decent barrel, says 1:8 twist .