SBR barrel recomendation?...

[sgreen3]

I'm looking to build a 5.56 upper for my SBR, what barrel length would everyone recommend. Want it reliable as Id like to use this for my carbine courses. Not sure if Ill suppress it or not but will more than likely buy a QD mount for it just incase I decide to.

 

[phylodog]

I'm fond of the 12.5" barrels. Noticeably less abusive than the 10.3 or 10.5 but retains the handiness.

 

[M67]

Before I was using a 8.5" 300blk barrel I had a 10.5" Rainier Arms Select barrel. Standard weight buffer, standard gas block, the thing ran like a champ and I didn't notice recoil with a suppressor or a linear comp.

 

[milton]

I'm partial to my BCM 11.5, but I think anything above 10.5 from a reputable brand will be good to go.

ETA: My 11.5 is my duty gun, and it is also suppressed. I picked the 11.5 because of the thread from BCM about dwell time and their reasoning for not offering a 10.5 option through their company.

I'm about 1200 rounds in suppressed, and about 500 unsuppressed and I've had absolutely no problems whatsoever. It's an awesome rifle.

 

[tacticalmaster45]

I agree with milton, my 11.5" BCM upper has been fantastic.

 

[Bfish]

^^ I'm with both of these guys^^ I personally don't own an 11.5" BCM but it's the next on my list. I've got a 10.5" in 5.56 and it's fine but I wouldn't go shorter (10.3" obviously an exception I guess). I've shot an Alpha Shooting Sports 11.5" upper though a good bit, and I seem to like it quite a bit.

 

[sgreen3]

Thanks fellas, looks like Ill be looking at 10.5-11.5" offerings.

 

[Grimmis]

From what I understand 11 inches is the shortest barrel you want to go with on a 5.56. On a 300 blk optimal performance is an 8 to 10 inch barrell.

 

[Sling10mm]

If you ever plan on suppressing it, I would check with your preferred brand of suppressor and see what the minimum barrel length is that they will honor the warranty for. Most likely it will be 11.5" or longer. If you aren't going to suppress it, I would still go at least 11.5" for the reasons others have mentioned above.

 

[craigkim]

I went through this same decision tree a month or so ago. It seems like 12.5" is the sweet spot, but I wanted my setup including can to be the same length or less than my 16" rifles, so I went 11.5". My Omega suppressor with direct thread attachment will add 5.4" length, putting my total length at just below the length of a 16" barrel using a shorter flash hider or comp.

 

[sgreen3]

Yea Ill ready shhot 300blk suppressd using an 8.5" barrel, my can has a 10.5" limit on the minimum barrel length. So I guess that may just answer my question.

 

[THE BIG SITT]

I've got a 10.5" barrel on one of mine. It is still long enough to use a carbine gas system as opposed to a pistol length gas system. That coupled with a KX3 type muzzle device should keep your rifle running flawlessly, assuming you do your part.

 

[rvb]

I'm fond of the 12.5" barrels. Noticeably less abusive than the 10.3 or 10.5 but retains the handiness.

I really like my 12.5"

-rvb

 

[sgreen3]

I've got a 10.5" barrel on one of mine. It is still long enough to use a carbine gas system as opposed to a pistol length gas system. That coupled with a KX3 type muzzle device should keep your rifle running flawlessly, assuming you do your part.

yea I'm really leaning toward the 10.5 I think. Ill probably end up using a YHM QD flashider though incase I want to put my can on it.

 

[bmbutch]

I'm going with 11.5", either BCM or Ballistic Advantage. Will be using Silencerco ASR Flash Hider. Eformed Form 1 late June, so buying parts as they go on sale. Main items outstanding are barrel & rail.

 

[sgreen3]

Mine will be a budget upper, but will probably end up with a Faxon barrel.

 

[rkwhyte2]

I really like my 12.5"

-rvb

+1 on the 12.5" barrel mine is a kino configuration.

 

[phylodog]

+1 on the 12.5" barrel mine is a kino configuration.

Mine started out as a Kino upper.

 

[Bfish]

I'm going with 11.5", either BCM or Ballistic Advantage. Will be using Silencerco ASR Flash Hider. Eformed Form 1 late June, so buying parts as they go on sale. Main items outstanding are barrel & rail.

I'm trying to get a build together and I'm also missing a BA barrel and a BCM rail. If you aren't subscribed to Ballistic Advantages emails make sure you go get put on the list... Sadly the barrel I'm wanting was the barrel of the week and I missed it!

 

[bigelowe]

Waiting on my 10.3 Hanson barrel from BA. It was between thar and a 11.5 BCM.