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7/19/2008 6:12:14 AM EDT
Any suggestions or comments on building a AR SBR with a 7.5" barrel?
7/18/2008 3:36:30 PM EDT
[#1]
Yes... but I think my opinion may come off a bit harsh.

Based on many studies, by many different groups and individuals over the years, and based on my own experiences... it is my OPINION that a 7" Barrel is very limiting, and borderline worthless. I personally would build that on a pistol receiver, if i was to build one at all.

In truth, I don't really see a need for a stock on something like that, unless it was an HK type side folder. Use the buffer tube as stock or just setup a sweet little K-Gun style tension sling and slap a dot sight on it or w/e. Make a nice little PDW, and use the tool for the job it's intended for. The hammer your thinking about making will not drive screws as some other hammers will, not efficiently anyway... Besides, with a pistol receiver there is no SBR papers and ATF love... no tax stamp... etc. etc.

If you want a legit CQB assault rifle, not a PDW, I would do a Noveske 12.5". It's short enough to be easily accessed in a vehicle or in a small hallway, whatever the case may be. With the 12.5" you retain a good degree of range/accuracy and ballistics within reason. 10.5" is still a bit short for ranged targets, but a 14.5" is too long for most tight CQB work.

Remember, that a 7" barrel is roughly 1/3 the length of the original design. Subsequently a much much shorter gas tube, which alters the locking time of internal parts. This can cause stress on locking lugs, bolt, cam, etc etc.... The reduced barrel length does not allow for maximum pressure build up which causes several things to happen regarding ballistics, and often times leaves some powder not fully consumed. This unconsumed powder creates sparks and falling cinders form the muzzle. Sometimes these sparks like to set bushes and trees and Caswells Shooting range on fire... no joke. Usually need a good 2 or 3 baffle comp to reduce the amazing flame and sparkage...

There are lots of variables to compensate for if you intend to do it right. Will a 7" work if you just slap parts together??? Sure, Probably, who knows, why not... but why do it like that? Gotta do it right if your gonna do it at all. Research the ins and outs of shorty barrels. lots of people have done the work for you already, just gotta read about it and make your own decision.




ACE-OF-SPADES


7/18/2008 4:35:03 PM EDT
[#2]

Quoted:
Any suggestions or comments on building a AR SBR with a 7.5" barrel?


What do you want to do with it?

Strictly fun, strictly business, or a little of both?

7/18/2008 4:58:57 PM EDT
[#3]
If you want it to run reliably, every time, go with an LWRCI PSD.  But, it's an 8" bbl.  
7/18/2008 7:40:34 PM EDT
[#4]
I did a 10.5, but a 7 sounds like fun.  Kudos on your choice of a weapon....SBR ARs rule!
7/19/2008 8:31:19 PM EDT
[#5]
If you do it go with a tight twist at least a 1/7. I special ordered a barrel in a 7" with a 1/6.5 twist and use it as a dedicated suppressed weapon and it ROCKS.


7/19/2008 10:11:50 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a 7" that runs like a top
7/20/2008 5:55:04 AM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
I have a 7" that runs like a top


You mean it spins around and around and then falls over?  
7/20/2008 10:43:17 AM EDT
[#8]
7.5" SBRs ROCK.  Mine is a Diplomat that I have had for about three years now.  I has run 100% since day 1 with anything I feed it including crappy Wolf.  I have used it for local 3-Gun Matches that were primarilly set up as CQB stages and even knocks down 3/4" plates at 100 yards first time every time with 75 gr. ammo.

MadDog

7/20/2008 2:02:25 PM EDT
[#9]
Can't recommend it based on logic, as discussed above, but they're really fun.  Just build one for fun, and you can't go wrong.
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