Is there a perfect AR-15 barrel? Well, there are many factors to consider, but let’s look and see. We’ve chosen three main factors (there are perhaps a dozen) to look at: length, twist and gas system.
THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT
Length is pretty easy to get a handle on. You want one as long as possible, to wring as much velocity out of the .223/5.56 cartridge as is possible. Since the .223/5.56 does its work due to velocity, the best is a 20-inch barrel, right?
Ever try to wrestle a full-sized rifle out of a patrol car? It ain’t pretty. Try going down a hallway, through doors or up a stairwell, with a full-sized AR. You’ll think you’re maneuvering an oar.
Well, then we need to go short, right? If we overlook the paperwork requirements for an SBR, we still have the increased muzzle blast (and now 10 inches closer to our faces as
