Which AR-15 Barrel Length Is Best? (w/ Neil McLean) 

10.3” - 11.5” - CQB 12.5” - 16” - general purpose 16” - 20” - longer range application.

20" is 👑 that's all you need to know.

Great video! Neil's insights on AR-15 barrel lengths are spot on.

I’ve got a 16 and a 13.7. I like them both, but really love the weight and balance of the 13.7. Comfortable to hold and shoot. The 16 is set up with a FFP LPVO, 13.7 with red dot. Although I am currently running them like an uncivilized caveman as both are unsuppressed. 😂

Finally someone who speaks realistically about 77gr 5.56.

I like Neil's prospective "there is no right answer" shooter preference says it all.

The thi g about 18s and 20s is that sweet rifle length gas system. My SPR feels like shooting a pellet gun and follow up shots are a breeze

Forward assist was originally came about because of the problems during Vietnam. But it has also been shown if you can keep your rifle clean it isn't needed.

20" is always the answer for 5.56 Anything shorter is a compromise based on necessity of different environments

Forward assist to Eugene Stoner was another point of egress to the upper receiver, complicated manufacturing, and increased the complexity of the rifle thus increasing the possibility of failure.

16 is the best short and long distance simple like that

The forward assist was not in the original design it was added in later versions

I like Neil’s attitude! Spot on! I loved the video but all I got 16” 556 and 300 blkout.

I run a 14.5 and think it's the do all imo.

I think the best all-round performer would be a six-position collapsible stock on an 18" with a top mounted red dot over either an LPVO or an ACOG. Setup 1: Full extension on stock, 18" barrel, LPVO/ACOG - Open field/extended range engagements. Allows adequate equipment for engaging at 250-400 yards, further with a good shot and practice if need be. Setup 2: partial/full extension, LPVO/ACOG. Extra velocity at medium to standard engagement ranges for enhanced terminal ballistics and ease of leading moving targets. Setup 3: collapsed stock, top dot. Barrel length gives enhanced ballistics still, but collapsed stock and higher head position helps mitigate overall size of rifle without major discomfort to user. That's my thoughts on it though

Neil your slings rock. I love mine. Gonna pick up the multicam version next. I would like to see a padded version and then some built in straps so you can fold up the part of the sling that is bigger and goes around your body to the smaller fixed section that attaches the 2 sling points. I just put Velcro cord ties for wrapping up small usb cards and such on mine, works great and makes storage really nice and clean, when you want to deploy, just rip it open.

For the forward assists. Very necessary in a jam, no pun intended

I have had to use my FA several times. They don't stick out more than your charging handle, they add a benefit and have no downside. Then again, I put light weight BCG's in most of my AR's and the don't have a section of the bolt you engage the FA. It is like an optic cut on a pistol, just put it on, if you don't like it, don't use it.

12.5"5.56 suppressed is king unless you're going full 20"5.56

Not having a forward assist makes it easier to rack an ambi charging handle with your right hand.

14.5 to 20 is the correct answer. Ain't no reason to limit yourself to 50-80 meters of consistent wounding.

16 in .556 and 77gr perfect

7:43 hey that’s my 16” AR. The first gun I bought when they only offered their proprietary rail, but mine is burnt bronze. I put a SOLGW NOX-SC single port muzzle brake/device to get keymo attachment. I also have a 13.9” pin & weld with a NOX 3-prong lightweight build with a Ballistic Advantage barrel.

Not only was the original designed without a forward assist, the bolt has a flat cutout in it for you to be able to push the bolt forward with your thumb! The forward assist was a product of the .gov messing with the powder used in the 5.56 in Vietnam to save money and it caused the fouling issues!

I lean towards a shorter barrel for its agility in close quarters, but it's good to weigh the trade-offs carefully.

Wasn't the original AR-15 designed without a forward assist? Like the original Eugene Stoner blueprint?

My take on the barrel length: 16+ for regular use beyond 100m, otherwise 12,5. Anything less than 12,5 could be replaced by a .300Blk rifle and would probably be better suited

Twenty inches for the win.

Suppressed bullpup feels like it solves all this. Something like a IWI Tavor or DT Wolverine both seem to be good options. You get the shorter overall length for CQB work and then at the end of the day can reach out and touch someone for a longer shot. Get those rifles in 308 suppressed with a 16" or 20" barrel and you get probablt the closest you will get to an all around performer.

I think it is very important to note that not all barrels are the same. When talking about barrel length, it’s important to note that we are really only talking about what barrel length is the most efficient without sacrificing too much on length. There’s barrels out there that fit this role substantially better than other barrels at the same length.

the easiest answer... it depends first off is what ammo are you using. for 9mm i would say a 10.5" barrel is most ideal. for 556, if youre looking for CQB i would say 14.5. for longer range i would go with 18. i dont believe 20 is worth the extra few FPS for 2 inches. for 300 blackout i would go with 12.5-13.5

5:03 What the heck is the terminal ballistics like out of an 14.5 at 1200 yards?!

forward assist is not meant for obstructions in front of the bolt face. anyone who says that youre jamming it further by using it, doesnt know when to use it.

The question for me is usually what gas system do I want for my rifle. Carbine, mid length or rifle? That narrows my choices down and I make my selection from there.

I personally like 16". I find that is the best compromise between barrel length and ballistic performance, and is the minimum non NFA barrel length. I never cared for short barrels on any rifle. It's way too loud if you don't shoot suppressed and it's wasted performance. They are mostly good for making a big muzzle flash and lots of noise. I also have a BCM 20" upper in my collection.

I live in the desert where is wide open and flat, so I prefer to run an 18" on my 5.56. I'm gonna try something short for my 8.6 b/o build though.

You can just use your thumb to push the carrier forward instead of a forward assist.

When it comes to rifle rounds obviously the longer barrel is always better for velocity and kinetic energy on target. But depending on what the mission is dictates what gear you run. If you’re in and out of vehicles in an urban environment shorter is better to a point. If you’re in the mountains and your shots are going to be 200-1000 yards you’re going to want a longer barrel.

I would say 16 in. 5. 56 x45 wit 62 gr that's it

The only time I have needed a forward assist was on an AR that didn’t have one.

The shortest barrel that can get the job done _!_ ( also considering the type of ammo ).

Who needs Clint when these guys are here

way back when, 78-82, 20" was standard. But getting to shoot both 10.5" and 11.5" were fun.

16in is my goto. I've never used my forward assist, however it's there if I ever need it. I'm not going to buy or not buy a firearm based on it having forward assist.

How does that mk18 have zero recoil what is it tuned with????

At 556 11.5 v 12.5 is less than 100 fps difference so I’d say they’re pretty comparable. I’d probably only consider a change in length if it’s netting 150-200 FPS per inch or so. At 11.5/12.5 to 14.5 it’s probably 100-150FPS at most. 10.3 is really the minimum you should go but you gain a lot at 11.5/12.5. 13.7/13.9 is just for pin and weld purposes primarily. 16 is just for NFA purposes but I’ll always choose 14.5. 100 fps or less difference? Probably not worth it when ammo can play a bigger factor.

Someone's been hanging out with them Q folks too much 🤣

Another Great Show guys 💯💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

Earliest I have been to a CF video!

20” barrel gives better velocity and accuracy to the 5.56 round. Today’s combat scenario happens mostly in urban areas from ranges. From 4 to 500 yards instead of 800. Although, at that point I’ll prefer the AK in 7.62 instead of the M4. For 700 to 800 yards 308 or 6.8 is best although, that means heavier ammo and you will carry less of it. Let’s not forget Vietnam, when fire fights happened in ranges of 3 to 400 yards. Those heavy caliber rounds were not effective as we hoped. It was about who can put out the most rounds quicker while the rest of the group can out maneuver the other and shoot them up. One reason why it is a mistake for the military to switch from 5.56 to 6.8.

Ultimately the longer the barrel the better the ballistics. 5.56 is not the cartridge to go with if you are trying to build a super compact rifle. Something that chucks a heavier bullet works better out of a short barrel.

Originally designed without the fa.... was an army thing

20” AR is king. For CQB I fix bayonet.

I have built two different 10.5 inch with different optics 1 16in 18in dmr 223 wylde

You think silencers are selling like crazy now? Take them off the NFA and hold everyone’s beer!

You guys got to give me at least a week of prep before you got daddy MC on because my balls get tired fast

I prefer the 16 inch, mainly for legal purposes, but the more you use it shorter it feels

Why not choose one (or more) of each?

Military did tests. 14.5 was the sweet spot for maximum velocity at atypical ranges. With that said, 16 is my personal

The forward assist was implemented by government contracts. Was not part of stoners original design.

If I have to have 1AR15 it'll have a 16 inch barrel with a 1to 8 twist

I wish 6.5 grendel was cheaper more range then 556

Ask Kyle if you need a forward assist.

There is no one best length. 20” in CQB is going to suck, and a 11 or 10” is going to suck for reaching out across a field in Ukraine. Likewise the optics and load out ls for different engagements are completely different. Build a dedicated lower, build two uppers, and then use what you need when you need it.

I like my (2) 20” Colt Hbars!

Nothing about twist rate and bullet grain❗️

12.5" and 16".

Even stoner was wrong on forward assist. We don't all live in a world of full battle and racking slides load and proud some like slow and forward assit especially with wildcat calibers and handloads hunting and home defense.

build or buy all different lengths 😎💪🏽

run two uppers a 10.3 with suppressor then 18 inch with suppressor take 5 seconds to swap.

11.5 or 16 babeeee

I prefer 16 inches as it offers both long and short distance accuracy. 💯💯😬😬😁😁

Was Neil eating hot cheetos before the shoot?

20" was standard in the Army in the 90's

Go buy an Armalite M153GN18 you won't be disappointed

16 inch with a K can

I have 10.3 , 14.5, and 16.. 14.5 all day for me..

😂 "what about twist rate"

20” is the best,it’s a long range

Does barrel length matter?... Ask Gunvira 😂

I’m a simple man, Glock 19 & DDM4v7

20" ar15a4 truck gun all day

AIN'T NO METRIC SYSTEM IN HERE YA HEARD?

OK Jason, a M# Grease Gun has a dust cover who cares!

Forward assist? I don’t care either

its better to have it & not need it, than to need it & not have it! forward assist all day everyday!

No forward assist for lefties

I choose all of them.

1000 other videos state that 10.5 is just fine. 14.5-16 is just fine. Move on and punt Kaya.

37"

16 is king

I have two theories on this, 5.56 was designed for a 20" barrel so honestly 10.3" to 18" is all the same, and I run dedicated suppressors on all my SBR's, so I don't want to be welding a firearm as long as a Civil War musket, so I prefer 10.5" with a suppressor.

Over 17 minutes of talk as informative as a weapons selector on a video game. Not one mention of ballistics, grain weight, twist rate, dwell time, gas systems, buffer weights; in other words NOTHING about what barrel length actually means.

Kyle Rittenhouse had to use his forward assist. M-14 has a fixed to the bolt carrier charging handle that can be used as a forward assist & many others can be used that way too.

Rittenhouse used his forward assist. Just sayin'.

This is a huge gun channel and these guys talk guns for a living. They don’t know the history of the forward assist on a ar 15.

These Classic Firearms guys are nit wits!!! Neil doesn't seem to know much about AR's either!

🤘 😁 🤘

Forward assist sucks for lefties

Lmao i stopped watching when jason started talking