10.5 vs 11.5 inch AR

[precision1]

its all good brother .we are same people arguing for no reason.

Love you man

Just as every one else on here .we argue but we are to much alike for rest of the world.sorry I said anything.i get it trust me

 

[dantiff2]

Im leaning more to the 11.5in. While the 16in and a suppressor is still not that bad was kicking around a shorter one just because. Speed wise with a 50gr bullet will still expand enough at the distances i intend to use it. I might get lucky and have 100 yards. But not often unless i plan on going to a more open area then im taking a bolt rifle anyways. Ill do some more thinking before i do anything.

You "should" be just fine since you have such strict parameters. I have a couple 10.5" guns with 9, 9.5 and 10" handguards. I had to trim about .100" off the end of the 10" guard to get my suppressor to clear. Keep that in mind if you are getting a handguard length that is close to your barrel length. Also, I find that with my support hand, i'm grabbing the handguard at the very end, with the 10" model. I don't care for a handguard any shorter than that. Something to consider. That will be your personal preference.
Dan

 

[USMCsilver]

I talked to suppressor company. As long as not mag dumping will be fine. If mag dumping might burn up first baffle

Did they also tell you that you're significantly upping your chances of baffle & endcap strikes?

I'm still baffled (punny?) that you're still considering this for hunting purposes... Lookin' cool doesn't matter in real life, it just needs to happen on the interwebz.

 

[JB10]

Did they also tell you that you're significantly upping your chances of baffle & endcap strikes?

I'm still baffled (punny?) that you're still considering this for hunting purposes... Lookin' cool doesn't matter in real life, it just needs to happen on the interwebz.

At what point did i ever mention looking cool? I can not believe some of the comments that are being made. People have their own opinions on what they wanna do. How would this not be effective to hunt with? Here in Az we have whats called a HAM hunt for javelina. Handgun, Archery, or Muzzle loader. Would i take a pistol hunting? No but guys her do ever year and it works. My father in law used to hint deer with a 223 and it worked, not my first choice. I dont see how a 11.5 in barrel would not effectively kill a coyote with a 50gr bullet. I was just woundering on pros/cons to eather length. For functioning of the firearm.

 

[USMCsilver]

At what point did i ever mention looking cool? I can not believe some of the comments that are being made. People have their own opinions on what they wanna do. How would this not be effective to hunt with? Here in Az we have whats called a HAM hunt for javelina. Handgun, Archery, or Muzzle loader. Would i take a pistol hunting? No but guys her do ever year and it works. My father in law used to hint deer with a 223 and it worked, not my first choice. I dont see how a 11.5 in barrel would not effectively kill a coyote with a 50gr bullet. I was just woundering on pros/cons to eather length. For functioning of the firearm.

So, your point here is to utilize the weapon as a "pistol," correct?

Then, serious question -- why not go with 14.5?

3" isn't going to make much difference in your ability to handle/maneuver it, or at least it shouldn't. If it does, then I'd honestly suggest just using it more and adapting to the miniscule increase in size.

 

[dantiff2]

So, your point here is to utilize the weapon as a "pistol," correct?

Then, serious question -- why not go with 14.5?

3" isn't going to make much difference in your ability to handle/maneuver it, or at least it shouldn't. If it does, then I'd honestly suggest just using it more and adapting to the miniscule increase in size.

I think he's pretty well set in his choices.
I shoot a 10.5" AR almost daily and I will say that it's a sweet spot for sure with a suppressor on the end of it. It's just plain handy!! Especially slung over the front of you while walking with a tripod or holding something. It lays nice and handles/maneuvers very well. It's definitely why the military went to the Mk18. Anyone who toys with one will quicky agree. I'm sure 11.5" is close in handiness but the 14.5 would not be. I've toyed with a 16" enough to know that my 10.5 gets 99% of the usage these days. Each length has it's advantages as well as disadvantages With the parameters given for his needs, the shorter option would be just right.
Dan

 

[JB10]

I think he's pretty well set in his choices.
I shoot a 10.5" AR almost daily and I will say that it's a sweet spot for sure with a suppressor on the end of it. It's just plain handy!! Especially slung over the front of you while walking with a tripod or holding something. It lays nice and handles/maneuvers very well. It's definitely why the military went to the Mk18. Anyone who toys with one will quicky agree. I'm sure 11.5" is close in handiness but the 14.5 would not be. I've toyed with a 16" enough to know that my 10.5 gets 99% of the usage these days. Each length has it's advantages as well as disadvantages With the parameters given for his needs, the shorter option would be just right.
Dan

Thank you, thats the kind of info im looking for

 

[USMCsilver]

My last $0.02 --

If my aim (literally) was to dispatch anything smaller than a human at distances over 100yd, I'd still steer clear of shorter barrels. I mean -- on vermin, I don't much care for ethics, but I still care for consistent accuracy.

I think I know a tad about AR barrel lengths, as Saturday was a "confirm they're still on paper" day at the range.

As far as the MK18 comment goes, wasn't the whole justification there for urban and in-house conflicts? I'd say that's far different than shooting critters in a field.

 

[dantiff2]

My last $0.02 --

If my aim (literally) was to dispatch anything smaller than a human at distances over 100yd, I'd still steer clear of shorter barrels. I mean -- on vermin, I don't much care for ethics, but I still care for consistent accuracy.

I think I know a tad about AR barrel lengths, as Saturday was a "confirm they're still on paper" day at the range.

As far as the MK18 comment goes, wasn't the whole justification there for urban and in-house conflicts? I'd say that's far different than shooting critters in a field.
View attachment 1639253

Nice spread, we have similar taste Just a reminder, we're all in this together and your answer my be good for you and mine may be right for me but this world would not be any fun if we all did the same thing The 10.5" barrel is just as lethal out to distance as a 14". I have NO issues putting accurate rounds on steel at 3 and 400 yards with a short barreled AR. My kids ring the 2 moa plates at distance. Certainly "goodnuff" for critter control. I would personally not chose the choices given but that certainly doesn't make me any better than the OP. I would build several and enjoy them all! : ) I would go for 6mm or bigger but it's not my money HAHA
Dan

 

[USMCsilver]

Nice spread, we have similar taste Just a reminder, we're all in this together and your answer my be good for you and mine may be right for me but this world would not be any fun if we all did the same thing The 10.5" barrel is just as lethal out to distance as a 14". I have NO issues putting accurate rounds on steel at 3 and 400 yards with a short barreled AR. My kids ring the 2 moa plates at distance. Certainly "goodnuff" for critter control. I would personally not chose the choices given but that certainly doesn't make me any better than the OP. I would build several and enjoy them all! : ) I would go for 6mm or bigger but it's not my money HAHA
Dan

Thanks!

True & true...

I've never even attempted 3-400 yds with 10.5" (which I do own, BTW). Glad to know it works.

And, yes, build several because one's never enough!

Lastly, my 8" 300BO is one of my favorites -- simply because it's so awesome suppressed!

 

[dantiff2]

Lastly, my 8" 300BO is one of my favorites -- simply because it's so awesome suppressed!

Have you ever tried a 9mm suppressed with subs? That's so much fun you'll need straps to keep your britches on!!

 

[USMCsilver]

Have you ever tried a 9mm suppressed with subs? That's so much fun you'll need straps to keep your britches on!!

2nd from the left is a 6" 9mm AR.

Dead center is a suppressed HK "MP-5."

I still prefer the 300BO because it gives harder impacts.

 

[dantiff2]

2nd from the left is a 6" 9mm AR.

Dead center is a suppressed HK "MP-5."

I still prefer the 300BO because it gives harder impacts.

I don't want to hijack this fella's thread post so I won't go on any more (after this) since we've given him enough I cannot Private message for some reason. Something with my computer.
Yes, I absolutely agree with you the 300 BO hits harder! I didn't even notice the little MP5 you have hiding out in the middle of your picture. That's just awesome! One day I may own one but for now I just have AR9mm's. If you ever get a chance, stretch them(300bo and 9mm) out to 300 yards with some subs and that will put a HUGE smile on your face! I shoot 245's from my BO and 160gn from the 9mm's. We have a 12" plate at my local range that me and the boys can put consistent hits on at 300 yards. Never tried any farther that that with subs because my scopes don't have near enough adjustment in them.
Dan

 

[SecondsCount]

My last $0.02 --

If my aim (literally) was to dispatch anything smaller than a human at distances over 100yd, I'd still steer clear of shorter barrels. I mean -- on vermin, I don't much care for ethics, but I still care for consistent accuracy.

I think I know a tad about AR barrel lengths, as Saturday was a "confirm they're still on paper" day at the range.

As far as the MK18 comment goes, wasn't the whole justification there for urban and in-house conflicts? I'd say that's far different than shooting critters in a field.
View attachment 1639253

I don't see any Knights stuff in there ‍

 

[USMCsilver]

I don't see any Knights stuff in there ‍

There are at least two sets of KAC rails...

Overpriced, and overhyped. I cannot keep up with today's fanbois.

 

[SecondsCount]

... I cannot keep up with today's fanbois.

I guess not

 

[troupe]

JB10, get what you like best. It is your money. You will do very well with a 10.5 or 11.5. Both will satisfy what you are wanting to do with it. It will hit at longer distances and from 100 and in, it will be nice. Especially when you need a follow up shot. When I used to get the chance years ago to go out groundhog hunting, I used my work gun on a couple of occasions. It was a lot of fun. You have covered what you need to know, get yours built and please keep us posted as how you like it. Looking forward to hearing about your outcome and when you get a chance, stretch it out at distance. If you can get mid length gas, it would be a better setup and add a hand stop or finger stop, can save the burnt fingers.

 

[dellet]

Pretty late to this party, but a few things that may still help that aren’t covered already.

For carrying, you’re not likely to notice the extra inch of barrel length. If you’re that worried about it, split the difference. Something else to consider is that you’re math was off for overall length, you lose 1/2” for threads. 11.5” barrel, 6” suppressor, 17”.

You’re concerned with noise and shooting pretty close, coyotes have pretty good ears. The difference in muzzle blast probably won’t make a difference, the difference in ejection port noise can be substantial. If you use the longest gas tube possible, fastest powder, adjustable gas block and consider an enhanced bolt carrier that delays bolt unlock time, you can cut that noise to a minimum with either barrel. The 11.5 will be noticeably quieter.

Ballistics are easy. These are round numbers.
With a 16” barrel, 50 grain bullet, MV of 3000 fps. Run your bullet choice into a calculator at that velocity. You lose 100 fps per inch of barrel, plenty of ballistic by the inch tests available for reference.

Drop down your chart to the yardage that matches your muzzle velocity. 2500 fps for an 11” barrel around 125 yards, at 200 yards velocity has dropped to to 2250. What that gives you is expected impact velocity of 2250/2150 fps of 11” and 10” barrels at 75 yards. 22 Hornet velocities.

That gives you an idea of what to look for in a bullet. At those speeds you’re not going to get the explosive effect of a varmint bullet, but it will expand well. Pick your bullet accordingly.

Moving from a 16” barrel to a 10” you lose about 150 yards in effective range.

If noise is the biggest concern, use the longer barrel and do everything you can to delay the bolt opening, while burning the highest percentage, of the least amount of powder possible.

Within 100 yards, the inch of barrel won’t be a huge difference ballistically, probably not in convenience of transport, muzzle blast is a maybe, port noise at the shooters ear is definite. And at the short distance you’re talking about shooting, it will help on target.

Just some other things to consider.

 

[Stugots]

I had a 10.5" suppressed and sold it. I am now shooting a 12.5" with mid-length gas system suppressed and love it. Cycles and groups well with handloads.

 

[padom]

These will likely not work. nor will 69's.

I also tested smks in both 223 and 300blk for expansion and they didn't expand at all. Just bowed like a banana and stayed together.

But, TMK's on the other hand are nasty. 224 60TMK & 77TMK and 300blk 125 TMK expand like crazy.. this is why black hills uses them in their defensive ammo...


I have 10.5, 11.5 and 12.5 AR's in 556.. I prefer my 11.5" with the SLR piston kit shooting 77's suppressed. Such a smooth shooting good.

Accuracy is going to come down to the barrel and has nothing to do with the length... I have very accurate AR barrels in every length...