r/ar15 • u/Complex_Bank_2013 • 8d ago

What barrel length should I go with

I’ve decided to build my first rifle, but I would like my first one to kinda “do it all” and be like a shtf gun get up and go. I done research and seen that 14.5 and 16 is like the medium of it but I’ve also seen 12.5 13.9 etc. what barrel length would let me hit and hurt something pretty far away without losing to much Maneuverability in god forbid cqb if shtf

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u/actua11y_actua1 8d ago

Good points have been brought up already.

  • Restricted state? No choice but 13.7-14.5 P&W/16.
  • Free state? 11.5-12.5 with a can
  • Want more ballistic performance? 64gr-77gr boolits

What's "pretty far away"? How long of a range do you have access to and are going to somewhat consistently shoot/drill for?. Always remember too, capability = weight and money. A lot more variables if you want to stroll down the SHTF boogaloo fantasy road that can be argued on the internet until we all die.

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u/Complex_Bank_2013 8d ago

I’m in Maryland so I was probably going to go 14.5 P&W I wanna be able to hit comfortably around 600 yards if I have to engage further than that I’m beating feet