AR Pistol Barrel Length Questions

[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...

[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...

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



Folds up handy too

[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.