I will be shooting this one between 100 yds to 200 yds most of the time. Some from the bench, sometimes in a class or maybe (if I get enough time to practice) a 3 -gun match. After talking with the great folks at Noveske and here, I’ve decided to go with the SS barrel.
It iwll be topped with a 1-4x scope (likely a TR24 Accupoint)
Having owned an Afghan with a permed muzzle device, I vote Recon. I hate having to destroy flash hiders when I want to change things around. Having a little extra muzzle velocity doesn’t hurt at distance. If you have enough foresight to build the barrel out exactly as you would like and can live with for a long time, the Afghan will buy you a whole whopping 1.2" OAL on the rifle. It wasn’t worth it for me.
Go with the Recon. I’d also suggest getting a scope like a NF 1-4 / 2.5-10 or a S&B. The Accupoint will be the weak link on that rifle.
Well, I’d be saving for a long while for a NF or S&B.
Either with a TR24G will do - I’m a fan of 14.5" units, but the 16" won’t be much different.
Spamsammich makes a very good point. I also retain the felxibility to change hiders/brakes/adapters.
I have a Noveske Afghan 14.5 with a Vortex (pined) and I have a AccuPoint TR24G and I think it is the best setup I have used for a “recce” rifle. You are not going to get that much more accuracy from that extra 1.5 inches. It will make a difference when working in confined spaces, cars, buildings and so forth. I would also look into silver solder to perm attach the flash-hider. That way you will not be destroying it or damaging the barrel.
Ummm…
You are aware that a “Recce” rifle is specifically a 16" barreled rifle, right? It uses that length specifically because the M4 and SPR were not yielding the performance the Navy SEALs wanted. A 14.5" barreled rifle is not a Recce, clone or otherwise. A more accurate name would be an M4gery or M4 clone (however overused both are).
The difference in velocity between a 14.5" barrel and a 16" barrel is ~100FPS, depending on the load. I don’t know about you, but an extra 100FPS velocity for 1.5" of barrel IS a big deal to most people. The only reason to go with a 14.5" barrel is for an SBR, in which case there are better barrel lengths anyway.
The extra 1.5" of space will make a difference? It’s clear that he’s not .mil or LE, as he wouldn’t need the perma-pinned FH. Therefore, he won’t be using his rifle in or around cars, confined spaces or elsewhere. In addition, he doesn’t necessarily save ANY length as federal law requires the barrel to be at least 16". He MUST put on a FH or brake that brings the length to 16". Conversely, a 16" barrel doesn’t require anything and he could install a thread cap to save on space. He’s not necessarily saving any space with a 14.5" rifle.
Ummm…Again 
To get all types of technical the term “Recce” is form the the SADF. They developed the concept and there is no standard barrel length. A Recon rifle is traditionally known as having a 16 inch barrel. I have know idea what you are trying to do with that one. 
If you read is original post he is talking about a 100-200 meter rifle so the 1.5 inches will not make that much difference, especially with the optic that he wants. If WERE that big of a issue than an 18 inch barrel would be the way to go and this question would have never been asked because they would have learned that at a MIL school.
What I was talking about confined spaces are homes and cars. Stuff that we all have, MIL or not. Most shooting classes do a little of both now days. He stated that he wants to do some three gun stuff, if he can. most of those people run some kind of break, so a barrel cap would not meet his needs. Therefore it is a 1.5 inch issue again.
You might think that a 16 inch barrel is the true way to go for all things, I do not. I do think that a 14.5 is better for the build that he wants. I am not sure if you were tying to play stump-the-chump or what but your post was off and borderline rude.
First off, your first sentence is missing a word (or has a misspelled one), so I have no idea what you’re saying in regards to the SADF.
The “Recce” rifle is a rifle with a specific barrel, namely a 16" barrel with a carbine-length gas system. Civvies tend to prefer them with mid-length gas systems, but the barrel is ALWAYS a 16" length. It’s not a concept as you seem to believe - it’s a rifle built with a specific barrel, namely a 16" Lilja Precision blank chambered by Compass Lake.
The extra 1.5" barrel also makes a huge difference, as he said he’d be shooting from 100-200yds “most of the time.” If you had actually read his other threads, you’d have seen that he said he wanted to, quote, “… be able to shoot groups out to 300 yds from the bench.” With this in mind, the extra 100FPS of gained velocity affects the making of “small groups.” It also means he needs less holdover and therefore will have more repeatability. You mentioned MIL school? Then you should know that the less required holdover, the better for precision and repeatability.
In regards to your 18" barrel, you still miss the mark. The Noveske 14.5 and 16" barrels have similar contours, so there is little weight gain. The 18" SPR barrels add significantly more weight due to their profile, so it’s not simply a matter of adding an extra 2" of barrel.
In addition, you only gain 50-75 FPS going from 16" to 18", whereas you gain 75-95 FPS going from 14.5 to 16". 16-17" of barrel is the sweetspot for length vs FPS.
You brought up his potential need for a brake for 3-gun. You can easily swap those out on a 16" barrel - not so with a pinned brake on a 14.5" barrel. Sure, he could have Noveske pin/solder a brake on on a barrel he’s never used before on a gun he’s never shot before. He’s limited to the brakes that Noveske offers and, of those, only ones that are 1.5" or longer. If he doesn’t like it, he’s going to pay dearly if he wishes to change it out. Or… he could simply get a 16" barrel and swap it out himself.
Last but not least, the 16" midlength is MUCH more conducive to making precision groups due to its softer recoil, especially when coupled with a brake, and is most definitely better suited to 3-gun competitions. The midlength gas system is also easier on the rifle compared to a carbine gas system. It is also inherently more accurate with its longer site radius (if using irons). With all of this in mind, there’s no logical reason for him to get a 14.5" barrel unless he specifically needs a 14.5" rifle.
I don’t think a 16" barrel is the answer to everything. There are certainly better AR’s for precision and much better lengths for CQB. However, it is objectively the best all-around non-NFA barrel-length, especially if you’re limited to one AR. Once you factor in the NFA restrictions if you choose not to SBR your lower, it becomes a no-brainer.
I have both. From the above listed requirements in your post, it is my opinion that either would work. If it is at all possible, locate a retailer/ gun shop in your area who carries both and handle them. I have owned the 16" for roughly two years and just picked-up the Afghan recently. The only real advantage I could see if you plan on taking some classes is that the 1.5" of barrel weighs (according to Noveske’s specs) roughly a quarter pound less for the shorter barrel.
As for the accuracy, in my sample of two, both are very accurate even with just iron sights. I would repeat what some others have said, if you decide on the 14.5" with the pinned flash hider make sure it is exactly what you want.
Also, on the topic of velocity the Noveske 5.56 stainless barrels have polygonal rifling which results in generally higher velocities than a standard chrome hard-lined barrel. Something to keep in mind.
As for accuracy vs. length of barrel, according to Mr. Noveske himself one of his more accurate (stainless) barrels is the 12.5" Crusader. If you have some specific questions or concerns get in touch with Joel. I have found him to be extremely helpful and well informed (he tests many of the guns for the company).
Best of Luck either is a good choice,
SkiDevil
Mine:
14.5" Stainless Afghan Barrel
16" Stainless Recon Barrel
P.S. If you want specifics regarding an example of potential accuracy and representative velocities look-up/ search member Molon’s posts. He has written several pieces where the rifle used was a 16" Recon barrel. He has a 14.5" Afghan but I am not certain if he has used it in any write-up’s here yet or on AR15.com. You could PM him and ask.
16" for additional MV. Accuracy potential and wounding potential become disconnected when velocity drops too low. A 16" barrel just gets you out further.
As for the first line in you post I can tell all I need to complete this conversation. There is nothing misspelled. Look up the South African Defense Forces.
I will no longer hijack this tread by going down a road with you that you are not well schooled on.
I apologize to No Bananas for going down this road and straying off topic.
Back on topic:
Both 16 inch and 14.5 inch barrels are good for what you want. The one thing that you should know is that with a Noveske barrel (what ever barrel length) you are going to get better accursed than most barrels so you either choice will suit your needs.
i have a 14.5 afghan with a pinned acc blackout on it that if we are close you are welcome to come and shoot to make your choice
imho i like it better than my 16 in guns i do not have another afghan in that length just a knights but the 14.5 is a better rifle for me and am taking shots out to 550 yards with it no problems with ssa 77gr sierra OTM hitting steel everytime
you thinking that 1.5 inches of barrel is going to make you a better shooting is crazy and you should take some great schools ( i can recomend both tigerswan and magpul dynamics)
the advise i have received on this forum is fantastic and has helped me very much i found it on my last deployment and it helped me make choices about my load out and to buy gear that worked while in combat
i will be taking the 14.5 inch afghan on a contract i have that im leaving on very soon that im packing for right now just waiting for new plates to come in and a second upper so i can take a spare also a 14.5 in afghan the accuracy you can get out of this barrel is fantastic it is my choice for my go to rifle in hostile situations and my shorter nfa rifle and longer 16-18in rifles will stay in the safe
sorry for any misspelllings that might make anyone have a seizure
SkiDevil,
I think you’ve got the right idea. That is…get both:D. Wish I could. Lots of good discussion here. I really appreciate the input. I wanted to ask what Leupold optic you have on your rifles, and how you like it?
I also wanted to ask how the rifles balance out with the CTR stocks. I like the CTRs (have em on my SBRs), but I was thinking of a SOPMOD or UBR to balance out the barrel.
To get all types of technical the term “Recce” is form the the SADF.
Sorry, but that sentence makes no sense. I actually tried to figure out what it meant for about 5 minutes before simply having to disregard it. I’m not sure if the word “form” is actually the word “from,” or if the two uses of “the” are the same word accidentally used twice, or a second misspelled word. Try proof-reading before copping out of a discussion where you’ve misinformed the OP multiple times.
I’m not interested in going off-topic. What I AM interested in is the OP getting the info he needs. With people like you telling him that a 14.5" gun with a pinned brake is the best of his choices for 3-gun and that 14.5" rifles are Recce rifles, it’s simply misinformation. Period. Having owned multiple Noveske rifles, I’m well aware of the advantages and potential abilities of each length and your advice is simply personal preference supported by BS.
I have to say that I’ve never had so much fun trying to decide:D. Everyone’s advice and opinion is welcome, and I thank them for it. I am leaning more toward the 16.1", but the Afghan is not a bad option at all…and it wouldn’t be the first time that I leaned one way to decide the opposite:p.
Why go 14.5" and then make it 16" when there is a 16" option already on your list?
At over 2lbs for either barrel, they do not balance out well with a CTR at all. SOPMOD, EMOD, ACS, or UBR would be a better choice for adjusting overall balance. If you choose the Afghan, I suggest you go with something like a DD Lite rail in case you ever feel the need to change rail lengths. All you have to do is pull the rail off and swap the new one on. I tried several lite rails before settling on the 10" for my Afghan based upper; 14", 12", and 10". I didn’t have to take too much of a bath on the rails I didn’t like when I sold them off.
+1. The Noveske stainless barrels have a distinct heavy-to-medium contour unlike the government profile M4 and pencil-barrel profiles. They are MUCH heavier and muzzle-heavy. At a minimum, I’d recommend an ACS for the stainless barrels up to 14.5" and a UBR for 14.5" and up.
You know… if you already have SBR’s, why not get a stamp for another? Noveske will sell SBR’s directly provided you fax them your approval paperwork. $200 is nothing to the overall price of the Noveske, plus they’re engraved at the factory. You could get an NFA 14.5" or shorter and wouldn’t be limited to the 16" OAL.