Long-Barreled AR Build Recommendations?

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  • Mreed911

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    Okay, so I've got my Texas Flag lower coming and since everything is bigger in Texas and I already have paperwork on an SBR (likely to end up 300Blk) as well as a carbine-length flat top, I'd like to build a long barreled .223.

    I've read about 20" barrels and read less about 24". Thoughts on barrel, rifle length gas system and free float handguard? I don't need quad rail but I'm not against it. I want it to be long enough that folks notice the length, but also want to get the shooting and sighting benefits of the longer sight distance, barrel, etc.

    Thoughts?
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    T-FAST

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    No experience here, but all Ive read has said that anything over 20" on an AR is really only adding weight and not helping that much in regards to ballistics.
     

    Mreed911

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    Ammo availability since I don't reload... but why the recommendation? Tell me why long makes you think of this caliber? Genuinely interested.
     

    azkcr

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    I've got a 26" 308 RRA.
    Not too sure about the 223. I wouldn't go longer than 20-24" though.
    Just my opinion though, no real world experience.
    It would seem to me that a 24" barrel would be more capable than the 223 round can deliver at 600yrds
     

    BuckySWT

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    Ammo availability since I don't reload... but why the recommendation? Tell me why long makes you think of this caliber? Genuinely interested.

    Just made me think of long range.
    6.5 fits that bill.

    I'm seeing this caliber at academy in regular supply.

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    PhulesAu

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    Which 6.5? Grendal or Creedmoor? because CM will be needing a AR 10 lower. But like you I've been seeing both, I've read that the Hornaday is tested with a 24". I would think if you averaged 4 - 5 tested lengths, you'd be able to find the sweet spot.
     

    Wiliamr

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    A 24" would be fine if you are going to shoot military long range match gun matches. The only advantage is it gives iron sights a longer sight plane . For practical use say just blazing away, no real advantage. I had a 24 " match gun but changed it to a 20", much easier to hold on target at the 200 and 300 yard targets
     

    1slow01Z71

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    Since dont reload stay away from the grendel. Ammo isnt too crazy expensive but can very hard to find at times and you wont get the most out the cartridge without reloading. I went 20" for my long barrel build. 24" is the optimum for 223 but you dont lose too much going 20" and its lot handier. Plus I shoot with a can 100% of the time and didnt want a 32" barreled AR. Make sure to go with a stout upper receiver like a vltor mur to keep down on flex. With my handloads I can keep 10 shots under 1" with my WOA barrel.
     

    Mreed911

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    I'm really curious to know why you care that other people notice? What?

    There's ALWAYS talk at the gun range... "What is that?" and the like.

    Given that this Texas Flag lower is a limited run, having a piece that drives someone to start a conversation - a fellow shooter I might not yet know - is a nice bonus. Making something useful but not see often is a great way to have someone come over and do just that... ask.

    I don't need bling... I'm just appreciative of the ability to a) build something and b) have something that someone would consider worth inquiring about. Maybe it's because I shoot at a members-only range, it's a decent way to get introduced to other local folks with similar interests and provides that "opening point" for a conversation.
     

    Saltyag2010

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    If it were me I'd rather look for match barrels for the ar platform and see what the best sellers are. It's gonna be heavy and anything over 20" might be harder to keep on target shooting standing.
    As far as getting noticed just buy a fluted match barrel from the manufacturer you would be jealous if someone had. Fluted barrels are hot bro - straight gun porn logic.
    Next step would be having a Wylde chamber and selecting the best loads that group the best for you and getting good glass.
     

    40Arpent

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    There's ALWAYS talk at the gun range... "What is that?" and the like.

    Given that this Texas Flag lower is a limited run, having a piece that drives someone to start a conversation - a fellow shooter I might not yet know - is a nice bonus. Making something useful but not see often is a great way to have someone come over and do just that... ask.

    I don't need bling... I'm just appreciative of the ability to a) build something and b) have something that someone would consider worth inquiring about. Maybe it's because I shoot at a members-only range, it's a decent way to get introduced to other local folks with similar interests and provides that "opening point" for a conversation.

    I guess I can understand your point, if you're not the type of person who is comfortable just walking up to someone and simply introducing yourself to start a conversation.
     

    1slow01Z71

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    If youre looking for pretty, its hard to beat the WOA SDM barrel and its a hammer too. Very happy with my purchase after I got the load dialed in for it.

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