16" to a 14.5??

[CK_32]

Im thinking of makeing that leap to have my barrel cut down from a 16" to a 14.5..

Is the risk worth the reward? Or would you guys so just stick with the 16"??

BCM 16" M4 Carb upper 1:7.
On top of a Mega lower..


Also if yes I should shop her down would it be easier and cheaper to just replace the barrel.. Or have a smith cut down the 16". Never been to a smith so I don't know the average going rates.

 

[ORD]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

If it is done by a competent smith who has experience with the AR platform, it shouldn't be a "risky" move for the most part. Several issues with doing it though...

1) by going under 16" in barrel length, you will have to either register your lower as an SBR, OR permanently attaching a muzzle device (brake/FH) to take your 14.5" barrel back over a total length of 16";

2) you will lose some MV which will effect your max range, but if the smith does a good cut, thread and crown job, it shouldn't effect accuracy. (I mean seriously...it isn't like you'll be using a 14.5" barreled AR-15 for making precision, long-range shots anyway).

3) you can go either way in terms of buying a 14.5" barrel or chopping yours down, but understand that you will most likely need a smith to permanently blind pin/attach your muzzle device.

4) price wise...if you have someone close to you, you can save yourself some S&H costs on work like a cut, thread and crown job along with the muzzle device work. If not, I have used several different smiths in the past and recommend Steve and the guys at ADCO. They will cut, thread and recrown your barrel, as well as permanently install a muzzle device of your supply for <$100. They also stock a wide variety of muzzle devices that you can buy if you don't already have one that will be long enough to get you back to 16".

 

[Guest]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

I see only 2 (GOOD) reasons to do a perm FH on a 14.5":

1) The upper/barrel you want is not made longer than 14.5". One example would be a 416 for non-NFA guns.

2) You admit it is for aesthetics only and are doing it because either: A) you are doing a clone/repro and want to keep it non-NFA. or B) the 16" w/ flash hider just looks "goofy".

Other than the above, a perm FH is a pain in the ass. You need a pro to do it right so it doesn't look like shit. This will cost time and money. And you are now limited to what modifications you can make to the barrel or handguard assembly without having to dick with removing the FH or changing barrels.

Note I said nothing in regards to CQB or muzzle velocity/range. If these be your concerns.....you have other issues to sort out.

 

[CK_32]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

Hmmm.. Good points thanks guys..

Yea this is my CQB training/home defense gun (If the time ever comes...) Which I do not wish to happen.. (too much paper work )

Yea I forgot about how much a pain the pinned muzzle is going to be.. And this isnt made to shoot past 200 yards anyways..

Ive just heard its better on your inner workings with the lowered pressure and I was thinking for CQB application 2" might make a huge difference. Also heard you get less recoil.

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

Only reason for a 14.5" barrel is CQB and it's usually military ( though sometimes LE) and they don't have to worry about paperwork.Most times us civvies do it ( without SBR nonsense)is to make a clone.....I did it to make an M4 clone and it looks cool and shoots nice.Recoil is about the same ( minimal) but blast and flash go way up....and it's harder down the road if you ever need to switch out a barrel as the muzzle device will have to be cut off/turned off.If you're making a clone go for it just be aware of the downsides....

 

[smokshwn]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CK_32</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hmmm.. Good points thanks guys..

Ive just heard its better on your inner workings with the lowered pressure and I was thinking for CQB application 2" might make a huge difference. Also heard you get less recoil. </div></div>

Get an adjustable gas block and problem solved.

 

[5RWill]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

I have a 14.5 mid with a PWS SM556 Perma welded on the end. I did it because i honestly wanted shortest i could go, since i can't file for form 4 for another year. The 2" in length makes a difference to me because i bought it for HD and i want the shortest overall length so i can have the best manipulation. Thought when i get Form 4 filled out i'll more than likely start off by building an 11.5"

 

[Red_SC]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

I don't have a 16", but I do have a 14.5" and an 18" and have shot plenty of 16's. Honestly, I don't think it would be worth the money to cut one down and then have to permanently attach the flash hider. The difference is pretty small for the price you'll pay. Plus, it's a pain if you decide to install or change your freefloat tube, as you can't get the gas block off without cutting off the flash hider or going with a bolt-on gas block. If you really do want the shorter barrel, though, swap out barrels with a shorter one so you can sell the 16" to recoup some of your money. You should come out a good deal cheaper that way.

The primary problem with a 16" is they are overgassed. That can be fixed with an adjustable gas block, and you can peen the threads on the adjustment screw to ensure it doesn't move if you're worried about that.

 

[Drifter™]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

If you decide to do it, ADCO is often recommended for the work:

http://www.adcofirearms.com/shopservices/

 

[CK_32]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

Alright it seems really one sided. I doubt I'm ganna go through with it now. I wasnt ever too huge on it just all my buddies have been talking about how much better it is and all are talking about making the switch. And have seen a lot of high end ones (Novesky,LWRC,KA Custom builds) almost always go 14.5.. So I figured it had something behind it.

 

[splean]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

I doubt there will be much difference between a 14.5" and a 16" in either manipulation or performance. Unless you "just want one" (which is as good a reason as any) there isn't any real advantage. Just my two cents. Good luck.

 

[CK_32]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

I think its cooler cause its more authentic to the M4 rifle.. but honestly other than that I don't really care.

 

[HOOFER]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

if your gonna go short for a cqb gun go short 10,11.5. with sbr obviously. otherwise stick with 16. for the money you would spend to take 1.5 off its just not enough gain. if youve ever handled a 10 or 11 inch gun inside a room or in a vehicle. you will appreciate having a short rifle.

 

[TigOlBitteez]

Re: 16" to a 14.5??

I have done quite a bit of research on this. There really isn't much of a difference performance wise, but I like the idea of being able to change out the FH on a 16. That is all.