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Posted: 9/8/2019 9:54:40 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote History |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 9:55:24 AM EDT
[#2]
I like all of them from 10.5-12.5
Next will be a pinned 13.7 with a NOX |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 9:56:33 AM EDT
[#3]
I know there is a difference in ballistics and dwell time is a thing. But this bitch just runs and runs and runs.....
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Posted: 9/8/2019 9:58:29 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 12.5 is the best length |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:02:46 AM EDT
[#5]
I have no clue, other than it’s for looks. Even then, it’s only an inch. It’s hardly noticeable by 99% of people. But, since people take more glamour shots of their guns than shots at the range, it has to look just so.
My anecdotal experience? My brother in law built a 10.5 (he wanted that extra inch for cool factor) and I built an 11.5 after looking into dwell times, ammo interchangeability, etc. He has had a lot of problems with cycling and ejection - has to use one specific ammo. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:06:23 AM EDT
[#6]
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:06:42 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Probably because it's similar to the military's Mk18, which has a 10.3" barrel. Also supposedly if you go shorter than that, 5.56 rounds start having trouble maintaining acceptable velocity out to common engagement distances. And about as short as you can go on a carbine gas system before introducing major issues. Of course, there are shorter gas lengths than carbine available. But I suspect a pistol-length gas system on a 5.56 carbine would introduce its own host of issues. I really wish 11.5" uppers were more commonly available from places like Palmetto, if only because that puts the overall length of the rifle above 26" from end of bare muzzle to end of buffer tube, therefor allowing you to legally put vertical foregrips on it without having to weld the muzzle device in place. But also because of the whole "40% more dwell time for only an extra inch of length" thing. Your wish has been answered! 
I have two 10.5 PSA and one BA 11.5 and a BA Hanson in 11.3 I am building. I like the bit of extra velocity and ballistics, but also, the uncorking pressure is easier on cans, little more powder burnt up to not sand blast the cans as much. I usually run brakes on them to help too. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:10:46 AM EDT
[#8]
Finally found a pic of my setup from back in the day 11.5 barrel.
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:11:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Shortest you can go on a carbine gas system.  Attached File |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:12:31 AM EDT
[#10]
When I converted this from 10.5" to 11.5" it's been flawless, however my 10.5" pistol has been 100% so far but only about 4-500 rounds so far.
 Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:15:52 AM EDT
[#11]
Where are all these 'issues' with 10.5" barrels.
I know mine doesn't have any.... its a smooth shooter with an A5 buffer system |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:20:34 AM EDT
[#12]
I have one 11.5" I love it. Price of 10.5 barrels is so absurdly low though, I cant stop from buying them over the more expensive 11.5 barrels. Its the center one in the pic.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:21:33 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Shortest you can go on a carbine gas system. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 10:29:18 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Au contraire 10.3" is the shortest. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Shortest you can go on a carbine gas system. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 11:04:26 AM EDT
[#15]
I have two 10.5 no issues with either.
I’ll get a 11.5 one day but it’s not a priority. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 11:27:22 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I really wish 11.5" uppers were more commonly available from places like Palmetto, if only because that puts the overall length of the rifle above 26" from end of bare muzzle to end of buffer tube, therefor allowing you to legally put vertical foregrips on it without having to weld the muzzle device in place. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 11:40:17 AM EDT
[#17]
In which caliber?
My .300 has a 10.5" barrel and runs like a Swiss watch, suppressed or nah. My 5.56 has an 11.5" barrel, and also runs fine (although I did have to put in a heavier spring and buffer to get it to run right suppressed). For what most of us do with our rifles - short range outings, and posing them for glamour photos - either one will work just fine. Just make sure that you've run it enough to know that it'll be reliable when you need it. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 12:53:15 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I like my 12.5. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 3:51:19 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have no clue, other than it's for looks. Even then, it's only an inch. It's hardly noticeable by 99% of people. But, since people take more glamour shots of their guns than shots at the range, it has to look just so. My anecdotal experience? My brother in law built a 10.5 (he wanted that extra inch for cool factor) and I built an 11.5 after looking into dwell times, ammo interchangeability, etc. He has had a lot of problems with cycling and ejection - has to use one specific ammo.
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Posted: 9/8/2019 3:56:57 PM EDT
[#20]
There is no difference in reliability, IME. Don’t buy garbage parts and you won’t have problems.
FWIW, I think the shortest possible barrel makes the most sense when used in conjunction with a suppressor. If I didn’t have them, I’d probably stick with 11.5”-12.5”. ETA: I’ve owned probably 4-5 different configurations of 10.3”-10.5” barrels and all of them ran great with all ammo types, suppressed and unsuppressed. Still own 2 of them (10.3” Colt and 10.5” PSA CHF) and they both keep chugging along. |
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Posted: 9/8/2019 4:07:26 PM EDT
[#21]
Go small or go home?
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Posted: 9/8/2019 4:36:39 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
There is no difference in reliability, IME. Don’t buy garbage parts and you won’t have problems. FWIW, I think the shortest possible barrel makes the most sense when used in conjunction with a suppressor. If I didn’t have them, I’d probably stick with 11.5”-12.5”. ETA: I’ve owned probably 4-5 different configurations of 10.3”-10.5” barrels and all of them ran great with all ammo types, suppressed and unsuppressed. Still own 2 of them (10.3” Colt and 10.5” PSA CHF) and they both keep chugging along. Actually, I suppose you could technically say I have five - if you count the unassembled Colt 10.3" and another DD 10.3", lol. Did I mention I like 10.3"? Quoted:
I have no clue, other than it’s for looks. Even then, it’s only an inch. It’s hardly noticeable by 99% of people. But, since people take more glamour shots of their guns than shots at the range, it has to look just so. My anecdotal experience? My brother in law built a 10.5 (he wanted that extra inch for cool factor) and I built an 11.5 after looking into dwell times, ammo interchangeability, etc. He has had a lot of problems with cycling and ejection - has to use one specific ammo. 
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Posted: 9/8/2019 4:42:05 PM EDT
[#23]
I have both. I reach for the 10.3(Mk18) way more than the 11.5(KAC). If I'm trying to stretch out for range/accuracy the 14.5 Socom profile(Colt/SOPMOD) gets the job done better than either. I have noriced no reliability issues in the 10.3 vs. the 11.5.
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Posted: 9/8/2019 4:46:32 PM EDT
[#24]
I like 11.5
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Posted: 9/9/2019 8:53:02 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not quite. Colt Canada 10" rifle used by snow Mexicans and the Brits. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/200145/87E137F1-960C-4E89-A9F3-0B1AA7932995_jpeg-1083137.JPG https://specialopstactical.com/product/9-2-nitride-premium-siphon-agp-w-nickel-boron-carbine-length-barrel/ |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 8:53:18 AM EDT
[#26]
It looks sexier
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:05:40 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This. I've currently got three 10.3s (two DD 10.3", one Andro/BA "Crane Spec" 10.3") and they all run perfectly with any ammo I want to use, suppressed or unsuppressed. Actually, I suppose you could technically say I have five - if you count the unassembled Colt 10.3" and another DD 10.3", lol. Did I mention I like 10.3"? You're assuming you can't do both. I take glamour shots all the time; I also have 14k through the gun in the photo below. http://wkd.site.nfoservers.com/CQBR/CQBR.072219.Old.Ranch.Door-RS-08.jpg The glamour shots are all the same thing, guns posed on "outdoorsy" or "tactical" or "military themed" backgrounds. It's just the weird mentality of showing off guns on social media - yes Arfcom is social media. Would you take that picture of your gun and walk around your city showing the picture to random people? Asking them if they like it? |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:10:01 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I feel like it's much like the myths surrounding the M4 Sherman that say it's a bad tank. Someone said at one point "yeah 10.3/10.5 sucks and is unreliable" and everyone just went with it. If you actually look at the numbers, you're losing what, ~200 fps? And in what way, exactly, is it "less reliable?" Now there is one guy in the home build forum with issues but he dropped it off for an FFL to put together who seemingly knows little about ARs. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:13:00 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have no clue, other than it’s for looks. Even then, it’s only an inch. It’s hardly noticeable by 99% of people. But, since people take more glamour shots of their guns than shots at the range, it has to look just so. My anecdotal experience? My brother in law built a 10.5 (he wanted that extra inch for cool factor) and I built an 11.5 after looking into dwell times, ammo interchangeability, etc. He has had a lot of problems with cycling and ejection - has to use one specific ammo. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:16:08 AM EDT
[#30]
Never had an issue with any of my 10.5" builds.
Also in Communist Maryland I need 10.5" in order to legally build an SBR so every caliber gets that length barrel. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:17:56 AM EDT
[#31]
My 10.5 LMT runs great on M855.
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:37:03 AM EDT
[#32]
Best length for a carbine gas system is 14.5. The actual orginal carbine design was based on that ( or so I understand).
I built one like that years back with a fixed extended A2 flash hider as short as possible legal rifle. So when I built a pistol I went 10.5, because there isn't much difference between 11.5 or 12.5 and 14.5. Buy decent parts and they seem to work fine at 10.5 and up. Build what you like, it's a black bun paradise out there right now. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:40:07 AM EDT
[#33]
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Posted: 9/9/2019 6:41:45 PM EDT
[#34]
To the guys running suppressed.
If your gas ports are at 0.070" does it get over gassed when the suppressor goes on the gun? I have a Micro MOA govnah on my 11.5 and the ejection pattern definitely changes when I slide the plate. It goes from about 1 o'clock to about 3:30 on the smaller setting. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 6:47:25 PM EDT
[#35]
11.5 master race checking in. Need to put my new muzzle device on it. Waiting for my Form 1...
@NYshooter thanks for the barrel bud, its fantastic!  Attached File |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 6:50:40 PM EDT
[#36]
Palmetto 10.5" kits are way more common and cheaper. Their 11.5" uppers are barely in stock.
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Posted: 9/9/2019 7:48:12 PM EDT
[#37]
I’m a fan of 11.5
If I get another ill go 12.5 - seems to be the best balance of length/range if you want something short. Doc Gary was asked what ammo for a 10.5 and he said well get 11.5 if you could. So I did. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 7:58:30 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Some of these guys and their reliability issues...I wonder if they are factory guns or home builds, or if it is just stuff they hear. I’ve built 15-20 ARs from 4.75” to 20” and had precisely zero reliability issues. Now there is one guy in the home build forum with issues but he dropped it off for an FFL to put together who seemingly knows little about ARs. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I feel like it's much like the myths surrounding the M4 Sherman that say it's a bad tank. Someone said at one point "yeah 10.3/10.5 sucks and is unreliable" and everyone just went with it. If you actually look at the numbers, you're losing what, ~200 fps? And in what way, exactly, is it "less reliable?" Now there is one guy in the home build forum with issues but he dropped it off for an FFL to put together who seemingly knows little about ARs. A guy asked me for some help with an AR he had put together from a stripped receiver and a plain brown box of parts (no indication of who made them) that he had bought at a gun show as a "just add your stripped lower receiver" kit. When he tried to put the upper on the lower, the pivot pin was difficult to push in, and the takedown pin wouldn't budge. Tried a couple of my uppers on his lower, and both pins needed some effort to push them in, but they did go in. Tried his upper on one of my lowers, and the takedown pin wouldn't go in. His pins were a hair oversize, and the upper receiver was out of spec on the spacing between the two pin holes (aft hole was off). I told him what we could try, he agreed, and his AR finally went together with the aft pin hole in the upper receiver slightly elongated. I cringed at the thought of what else could go wrong when he took it to the range to try it out, but he didn't ask me for any more help with it, so I guess it worked well enough for him. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 8:11:52 PM EDT
[#39]
I personally think 11.5 is the sweet spot
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Posted: 9/9/2019 8:19:45 PM EDT
[#40]
PSA basically flooded the market with 10.5’s
They could do the same with 11.5’s if they wanted to |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 8:30:17 PM EDT
[#41]
11.5 is best .5 because it’s supposed to be 10.3 not filthy peasant 10.5
The answer to the question is both |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:17:39 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
11.5 is best .5 because it’s supposed to be 10.3 not filthy peasant 10.5 The answer to the question is both |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:32:31 PM EDT
[#43]
11.5 is master race.
10.5 is fake news. 10.3 is ok but 11.5 is more betterer |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:39:00 PM EDT
[#44]
Ballistics advantages with 11.5" makes me wonder as well
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:48:41 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why the chin weld? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why the chin weld?  1.93 isn't super high
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Posted: 9/9/2019 9:56:29 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: PSA 11.5" 5.56 NATO 1/7" NITRIDE UPPER WITH BCG & CHARGING HANDLE Your wish has been answered!
I have two 10.5 PSA and one BA 11.5 and a BA Hanson in 11.3 I am building. I like the bit of extra velocity and ballistics, but also, the uncorking pressure is easier on cans, little more powder burnt up to not sand blast the cans as much. I usually run brakes on them to help too. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 10:14:55 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Shortest you can go on a carbine gas system. |
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Posted: 9/9/2019 10:25:14 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Back in the day everyone started to get a 14.5 in barrel M4, operators went to some local shop and asked "How short can you make this barrel?". The guy with the hacksaw said, "I guess I can cut it off about.. here". The operator said, "do it" and the rest was history. the short barrels started during the Vietnam war. years later the 14.5" was developed 
 after Vietnam...14.5"Colt 653  
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Posted: 9/9/2019 10:30:56 PM EDT
[#49]
Dunno. Love my 10.5 and it runs perfectly suppressed and unsuppressed.
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:28:25 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'll see your 10" and drop it down to 9.2" https://specialopstactical.com/product/9-2-nitride-premium-siphon-agp-w-nickel-boron-carbine-length-barrel/ Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Not quite. Colt Canada 10" rifle used by snow Mexicans and the Brits. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/200145/87E137F1-960C-4E89-A9F3-0B1AA7932995_jpeg-1083137.JPG https://specialopstactical.com/product/9-2-nitride-premium-siphon-agp-w-nickel-boron-carbine-length-barrel/ |
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