I have two very solid ARs already, that are capable (or nearly there) of doing anything I need an AR to do. One is basically an M16A4 clone upper on a vastly-improved lower (UBR, MOE+, Geissele SSA), and the other is identical to an LWRC M6SL if it was DI and built by BCM with a lightweight BFH barrel.
There’s technically a third, though–a stripped Noveske with a G&R Tactical LPK and no trigger. Engraved on the side opposite of “Model N4 5.56mm” is my name and location, as I was going to SBR it, but decided against for a few reasons.
I don’t know what to do with it. Can’t sell it, since nobody else in this city shares my name, so I might as well finish it. Any ideas? Do I make a permed 14.5 M4 copy? Do I make a pistol? Do I build a SAM-R or Mk12?
I can only shoot rifles at 30, 50, and 100 yards (those are the only distances any range in 200 miles allows–no more, no less) so my 20" and 16" have pretty much covered all the bases.
Why not SBR it?
Really, an SBR will cover the distances you shoot just as well as the ones you have, and are much handier.
Or, how about a suppressor?
There are some fantastic models out there that are not as expensive as another upper, and suppressed ARs are a f**king hoot.
Unless you have some attachment to the 20" gun (and if I was in your shoes) I would launch the fence-post and get an 11.5 or 12.5 upper and a neat little suppressor.
You might have a good time with another redundant rifle (I am a big proponent of having 2 copies of your primary), but you will never regret getting an SBR with a suppressor if you don’t try to cut corners.
One of the bigger reasons I’m not thrilled with the SBR idea is the velocity loss 5.56 suffers from a super-short (e.g. 10.5") barrel. Sure, there’s .300 BLK, but a new caliber is the last thing I need…
What’s velocity loss matter when your shooting distances are only 30, 50, and 100 yards? My “bases covered” carbines are a 12.5" SBR and 16" stainless barrel.
$200 for the SBR stamp is not much when you think about it.
Cut it down. F2S has said all I was going to say about length and suppression. It is a blast. I promise you’ll love it. And you’ll hate me when you have to start looking for another job to support this habit.
Hey, go all the way and get a f/a lower, you won’t have to sbr. Only take a 10 grand check to cover it and supressor, barrel cut and rethread…
I’d streamline whichever gun you love more. For me, I’d take the 20" and cut the barrel to 18", flute it, and float the barrel. ACOG or low-power variable, then a 2-point adjustable sling and a light. Find somewhere to shoot further than 100 yards, ask farmers, guys who own sandpits, something of that nature. In Oklahoma you ought be able to find somewhere to stretch your range.
At what distances were you planning on using said SBR and for what purpose? I know a few people who have dispatched others at ranges that the “experts” say shouldn’t have been possible using M4’s.
If you use the weapon within reasonable distance and with proper ammo then it should be more than adequate.
In addition to what IG said there are modern 5.56mm loads that are less dependent upon (or not dependet upon) fragmentation to do an effective job. Check out the terminal ballistics thread for some good examples.
