I have been doing some reading here and there but I am looking for some input on the SBRs from 11.5 - 14.5. Is there some magic sweet spot for barrel length, handling (medium weight brl), velocity, and reliability that is that much better than an 11.5?
TIA
If going short then go short. 11.5 or less. 14.5 is too close to 16 in my opinion. You can always get another upper in 14.5 later if you want.
I like 10.5" it can be finicky’er to get to run correctly, 11.5-12.5" run a little better. To me the $200 tax isn’t worth it to go from 16" to 14.5".
I’m partial to the 11.5 myself. Agree that 14.5 isn’t worth the tax, although I could see putting a 14.5" upper on a gun that’s normally a 11.5".
If you’re planning to suppress it, figure out now what suppressor you’re going to use.
Surefire or Ops? Use an 11.5"-12.5"
AAC or YHM? Use a 10.5"
It depends on what your wanting to do with it…
For me, 14.5 is the optimal general purpose length. And from a home defensive perspective… 11.5 is the cat’s ass as far as handling and compactness, but I wouldn’t want to fire an 11.5" barrel outside without ears on let alone indoors if it became necessary for Home D.
But kind of agreeing with rob_s… if I were SBRing it, I’d go 11.5 and have the option of running a 14.5" if I wanted as well.
In my opinion, it is not worth it to permanently attach a flash hider to a 14.5" barrel. Your better off registering it as an SBR.
By the time you buy a long FH, send it off for welding, and pay shipping both ways, your damn near close to paying for a tax stamp.
I agree. Not being able to remove a muzzle device is unacceptable to me.
Sounds like YOU need an MRP 
When you’re all referring to the various barrels lengths above, does that include the flash suppressor or not? Thanks.
NOT! (just the barrel, Daryll!)
Thanks.
I dont think the tax stamp is it for a 14.5". One SBR photo thread and you’ll wish you’d gone shorter.
11.5" or shorter
Anything above 10.5 is good.
I’ve been looking at the 12.5" Noveske Crusader for my first SBR AR.
Do it…you will not regret it.
+1
If I were limited to only one of my AR’s it would be my SBR’s 6721 with a 12.5 Noveske. That lenght is the perfect length as far as compactness and effectiveness. Some say that barrel chronos about the same as a Colt 14.5" barrel. I know one thing, that particular barrel is accurate as sh*t. It is my most accurate AR, and no B.S. rivals some of my BA rifles.
Agreed. I’d put the 12.5 up at the top of the list as the “do it all” SBR.
Ive had the 12.5 for awhile now. going on 2 years…it goes and goes.
The other rifles in the safe are jealous…
Current config with midlength rail:
Here’s a pic of mine.
BTW, nice paint job Derek.
What cans are the two of you sporting on your Crusader uppers?
Nice boom sticks!
mine is a kac, and it looks like hootie’s is a AAC, m4200?