I think most people are aware of the AR15 market being stagnant for quite awhile. With the advent of the new SBR and Can freedoms, what do you think the next evolution is that we will see in firearms development, especially in the AR15 world.
I would imagine we are about to see a rush of what was formerly considered “2 stamp guns”. Cans under hand guards, regardless of how hot the rails get, or how bad the cans are. The cheaper the better is my guess.
I can’t imagine many, if any, pistol manufacturers will keep bare muzzles, and honestly there isn’t much reason for them not to thread their barrels.
I see the HK MP5SD becoming king of social media, never mind how absolutely filthy they get or how difficult the cleaning is.
Lastly, I forsee the rise of ultra short barrels becoming popular. By ultra short, I mean 5.56 guns with barrels less than 10.5”.
The guys who want to do it right will also have some sick ass integrally suppressed uppers to buy at some point.
If we ever see Federal +Peak case technology released in 5.56/.223 for civilian sales it will be tough not to want a 12.5” suppressed carbine that can yeet 77gr stuff at .22-250 velocity with an 80K psi cartridge. It will require specialized porting though.
When I built my SBR I did a bit of research first and got a 12’1/2" inch barrel that I am really happy with. I’ve seen the limitations under 11’1/2"and avoided it.
Yeah I would agree there will be a lot of ugly very imperfect SBR things showing up via “Bubba at the Gunshow” and likely in a wide variety of colors.
There’s not a lot of reason not to thread every barrel going out the door anymore is there?
A lot of what happens depends on Mid-Terms.
I want to see a decent expansion of practical suppressor offerings and a drop in ammo prices. I wish Griffin would make K versions of their GP5 and GP7. Now that suppressor aren’t difficult to get, throwing several direct thread cans onto rifles is as easy as anything. Especially when hub adapters and muzzle devices are a third the price of a cheap can.
I am building a 12.5 now and sent a 16 inch mid gas barrel off to John Thomas at Retro Arms Works to cut down. He received it yesterday and shipped it back out today- I should get it Friday. I think this is what we will see more of- carbines optimized in the 11.5-12.5 inch lengths.
ETA: probably see more integrally suppressed firearms, which I have always found interesting.
Speaking only for myself my opinion is ultra short barrels will become popular because people who wouldn’t have previously wanted to do a tax stamp (be it $200 or $0) will finally get a short barrel upper. Many of them will select barrels below 11.5”.
If we see civilian marketing of legacy cartridges with +Peak steel alloy cases at 80K psi short barrels don’t give up much performance. This will also make them more popular especially with knowledgeable users who select purpose built high pressure uppers that are appropriately gas ported. I think a 12.5” will be about perfect for this application and will be nearing .22-250 velocity with equal bullet weights between the two. Who wouldn’t like a 5.56mm NATO carbine with a 12.5” bbl that can launch a 70gr to 77gr bullet at 3,000 fps safely?
Notice Federal has only offered two cartridges with their +Peak alloy cases. The new 7mm Backcountry and the 6.5mm Creedmoor, both predominantly bolt action applications, and both new enough to rule out older weaker actions and metallurgy.
I would love to see 80K psi 5.56mm NATO rounds on the shelf, but I have to wonder what the liability lawyers have to say about it. We all know those will give semiautomatic weapons that are not designed for those port pressures a lot of problems, and they’ll possibly cause issues in things like old break action single shots etc. All the warnings on the box still won’t stop bubba from using them in firearms that are not up to that performance level and bolt face thrust.
I don’t think ultra short Barrels will be very popular with anyone but the "Ultra Bubba’s* and these mutants will be found at Gun Shows for the next two years.
The smart move would be to produce a package deal of both or either of for an 12’ !/2 Upper Suppressor ready with or without a Suppressor, Quality Stuff at PSA prices and it would be like printing your own money.
I am hoping this makes most cans come down in price. I am a avid hunter, thats the only reason/need for a can. Hopefully that will make more near the lower end. Once dialed in, they see maybe 3 rounds a year, why spend $800 for a can when a $200 dollar one will be just as good for the little it gets shot.
A internally suppressed 5.56 upper with a 20” barrel would Ideal for hunting.
I hope this is a lot of guys. I know it was me. Common sense… No one ever cared about SBRs and Suppressors around here. They are just to common. I got caught up on F1s a few months ago for range toys since it was actually easy to do and no tax.
This is so true. Cans that aren’t 3d printed should be $400 and under. I hope the solvent trap kits come back. I have a hollow kit that I never got baffles to finish. I don’t need it and probably wouldn’t shoot it much, but I’d like to finish it.
Past the initial playing “gee whiz” phase that’s pretty much going to be it with centerfire rifle cartridges. There are people who enjoy muzzle blast and recoil though.
9×19 super short barrels can make more sense. Surprised me, but according to ballistics by the inch, longer barrels don’t add a lot to 9×19 like other cartridges and if a red dot is getting used the sight dustance is moot.
Here’s what happens directly with me if NFA gets staked in the heart such that I don’t have to worry about State level prosecution in WA or any state I might pass through in my travels:
Shame to undo a John Thomas masterpiece, but I have my shim-pin-weld job he did on my M4 done. Mil-Spec 14.5” with an unpinned A2.
C.’s C8 gets its barrel reduced to a correct 15.7”.
12.5” ASDW-PIP and 10.3” Mk 18 Mod Gremlin both stay pistols, so they can be kept loaded in vehicle or carry-bag without any harassment from WA Fischengestapo about “Loaded ‘Rifle’ In Car MUST be poacher REEEEEEEEE!!!” May have rifle stocks available for Home D, but generally will keep their pistol braces.
‘Desmond,’ the onvertible Ruger .22 Charger, stays a convertible rather than becoming an SBR. Rifle stock retains its “MIN BBL 16IN” warning.
Cans start getting consideration, esp for Home D shorties.
I’ve gone back from 14.5 unsuppressed to 11.5 with a can for Home D now. I limit my range time with any suppressors for health reasons, but for the house I’m back on board the suppressor train.