I am new to ARs and was wondering what others thought is the best length for a general purpose AR? I am considering the 10.5", 14.5" and 16" length bbls. I am planning to use the AR for shooting at the range, HD and possibly competitions. I am not planning on using the AR for long distance shooting at this time.
I was also wondering what manufacturer makes the best AR rifles? Or who should I go to for a semi custom rifle? I am looking for a rifle in the $1500- $1700 price range. I do know this is a lot of money but I am willing to pay for a good rifle since it will be my only AR. I do not want to put my own rifle together at this time, but I do want a rifle that is reliable and accurate and fun to shoot.
All opinions are welcomed. Remember I am new to this forum and ARs so be nice, if I am asking the wrong questions help steer me in the right direction.:eek:
16" mid-length
18" mid-length
18" rifle-length
Any of these would be good all around from my 1st to last choice.
What is the difference between an 18" mid-lenght and an 18" rifle length AR?
About 3" of gas tube. 
i really think 16" is the best on a 556 gun… unless you are trying to make a SUPER lightweight gun…
for general purpose… a midlength 16" has enough velocity without becoming annoying in overall length…
but every person will have their own choice… 
How significant is the 3" of gas tube? Do I lose pressure or gain pressure with the 3" of gas tube.
I live in the NOVA area and I just looked up your company and wondered if you or your company could help me through the NFA paper work if I ever decide to buy an SBR?
Rifle length gas systems are the softest shooting (lowest gas pressure). That said, I would still chose it last, just like in my list which is why it’s listed last.
You mentioned competition, I find for some competition that 16" ARs are pushing it to minimum make power factor with 55gr (USPSA rules 3gun). 18s always make minimum power factor with 55gr ammo.
You also mentioned HD use. In that case I’d recommend at a very minimum that you use a MP tested bolt and check for proper carrier key staking (if not restake), properly assembly and a pinned FSB or gas block and buy known good magazines (BCM mags, Magpul P-mags) That said for complete rifles I’d recommend Colt, LMT, Sabre Defence…RRA (with some upgrades) or S&W (they need very little fixes/tweaks lately).
As much as I wish we were, we’re not a NFA dealer but I can give you a little advice and point you to a local VA NFA dealer.
16" middy
IMHO if you want to do something at a range that the 16" is not good for - get a larger calibre.
Exactly.
Concur; a 16" barrel is the most versatile choice in 5.56mm and a mid-length gas tube is the best option with a 16" barrel.
16" midlength could handle just about everything you could need a 5.56 carbine to do, along with the smooth cycling the mid gives you.
Guess all I can add is a ditto.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to add their input to this thread. Now I have additional questions. What is the best ranges for a 16"bbl? What I mean by that is what ranges does the 16" bbl have the best performance? Would a 14.5" bbl with a flash suppressor perform just as good as a standard 16" bbl? Someone mentioned going to a larger caliber. Would a .308 be the best AR caliber? From what I have read the .308 has more range and more knock down power, I am not sure that is the right pharse so forgive me if I am mixing phrases. :rolleyes: Maybe I should have said terminal performance.
Do I need to go through and NFA dealer if I buy a 14.5" rifle with a flash suppressor to make the entire lenght of the rifle 16"?
Magnetic partical inspected
Staking esnures your carrier key does not come lose and you end up with a single shot AR
If you have a perm attached FH/Brake - that meets 16" then it is not NFA.
Grant can build you a 16" middy if you’d like with all the high end parts.
Adding a longer FH to make 16" will do nothing for your velocity BTW
Unless your liking the Mforgery look - the 16" middy is a better platform for non NFA work.
7.62x51 and the AR platform – well I have two - but not counting on them for much more than range fun…
6.8SPC is a cartridge with more terminal potential - but realistically - unles syou got a lot of cash to spend on ammo - your better served with 5.56mm
My 0.02
'What is the significance of Magnetic partical inspected parts? Since adding a FH doesnt do anything for velocity should I just go for a regular 16" bbl?
MPI is done to detect internal flaws in the metal.
I put another vote in for thw 16" mid-length! IMHO, it’s just perfect for the 5.56…
Who is Grant and why would l want him to make me a semi custom AR?
and why would l want him to make me a semi custom AR?
Because he uses good parts and puts out a good product at a competitive price.