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Ar-15 accuracy vrs Barrel length

hughes1hughes1 Member Posts: 274 ✭✭✭
edited January 2007 in Ask the Experts
I like the 16" barrel length for an AR, but what am I giving up on the accuracy side vers a 20" barrel? Does that 4 inches really make much of a differance?
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Comments

  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    Barrel lenght has very little to do with accuracy. You will lose a small amount of velocity, but not accuracy.
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  • iwannausernameiwannausername Member Posts: 7,131
    edited November -1
    Maybe a tad sight radius since the sights are closer together - this can affect how well you can put the accuracy of a rifle to work. Affect velocity which may affect accuracy with very heavy/light bullets and extreme twists. Probably never know a difference in a AR15...
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  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have AR's with both 16" and 20" barrels. They are equally accurate with the same ammo.

    One thing you might keep in mind is if you use a scope with a BDC (bullet drop compensator) like the Trijicon ACOGs I use on my rifles the BDC is calibrated for a certain round with a certain barrel length, usually 20".

    If you use the scope on a shorter barrel it will be off a little at longer ranges.
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  • Old FoolOld Fool Member Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As long as you are going to use optics, there will be no differance, if you plan on using the iron sights the 20" tube will give you a longer sight radius, making it easier to fire accurately.
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