16" vs 18"

[Tomcat]

I am thinking of adding a new AR to the stable, probably a Noveske.
Trying to decide 16" or 18" want to use it some for my local competitions and some shooting probably out to 600. But not exclusivly long range - what does the added 2" get you versus the manuverability of a 16". I guess the 18 will get a few more feet per second and some more kinetic energy out to distance...

Does anyone have any strong opinions on 16 versus 18?

 

[deersniper]

Re: 16" vs 18"

AR15 or AR10 type?

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: 16" vs 18"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am thinking of adding a new AR to the stable, probably a Noveske.
Trying to decide 16" or 18" want to use it some for my local competitions and some shooting probably out to 600. But not exclusivly long range - what does the added 2" get you versus the manuverability of a 16". I guess the 18 will get a few more feet per second and some more kinetic energy out to distance...

Does anyone have any strong opinions on 16 versus 18? </div></div>

Well, you'll get higher velocity, and that may mean a bullet going to a greater distance nose-on. Of course you could extend the argument to 18 vs. 20, then, the longer sight radius and finer iron sight graduations will improve even more long distance results.

 

[Tomcat]

Re: 16" vs 18"

Its going to be Noveske AR15 platform. Sterling - you're spot on - where does the diminishing returns stop?

I already have a 10.5, 14.5, and a 16. I want to get some competition accuracy - so I'm thinking why not a 18" ?

What the big loss or gain of a 16 v 18 or even between a 16 and a 20? Is there that much a difference?

 

[Tomcat]

Re: 16" vs 18"

Sterling - if you were going to be shoot out to 700 with a Nightforce 10X scope would you feel under equipped with a 16" if you could have a 18"?

 

[HiCapMag]

Re: 16" vs 18"

18 = rifle length gas system.

Its just right IMHO

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: 16" vs 18"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sterling - if you were going to be shoot out to 700 with a Nightforce 10X scope would you feel under equipped with a 16" if you could have a 18"?</div></div>

No, with proper bullet, it will not likely be meaningful. But, remember physics is what it is. A heavy pencil shaped bullet traveling at hi-speed will get nose-on to a greater distance, as well as take less wind favor getting to where aimed.

 

[Scottyman]

Re: 16" vs 18"

Taken from POF website. Only goes to 16.5".

62 grain Wolf - .223
Rifle Description Low Avg. High

7.25" P415----- 2120 2302 2417
9.25" P415----- 2242 2387 2487
14.5" P415----- 2575 2629 2697
16.5" P415----- 2806 2845 2898

 

[smokshwn]

Re: 16" vs 18"

If you are talking about more of an action shooting/3 gun competition then it is really hard to beat an 18" gun with a rifle length gas system. It is really easy with an adjustable gas block, muzzle brake and a lightened carrier/buffer to make the gun just sit there with very little movement during recoil. This in turn makes the gun very fast.

I actually have gone back to a 20" gun simply because I did not notice much difference in maneuverability based on length and I opted for the extra velocity. I did drop my profile a little to save weight and balance the gun a little better.

 

[scotharr]

Re: 16" vs 18"

I'd stick with 20" for shooting out to 600. I traded in my 16" for a 20" and prefer the softer rifle-length gas system and it is quieter. You said you have a "stable" of ARs. In that case, get a 20" upper for match shooting and any other upper you feel you need.

 

[bglimpse]

Re: 16" vs 18"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HiCapMag</div><div class="ubbcode-body">18 = rifle length gas system.

Its just right IMHO </div></div>

This, I would run the 18" given your situation.

 

[Wuzup101]

Re: 16" vs 18"

I'd go with either the 18 / rifle length gas or just a 20 inch rifle setup (given what you want).

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 16" vs 18"

If I was not doing any "shoot house" type stuff, then I would go with a 20".

Then again I am not a 3-gun champion either, so look at what they are running.

I am also assuming that you are talking about a .223/5.56mm barrel and not a .308 (Noveske makes both in 18" and 16")

 

[1911nbmore]

Re: 16" vs 18"

My 16 inch Noveske Barrelled AR get me out to 750yrds all day with 77gr SMK.
750 yard shooting

 

[scotharr]

Re: 16" vs 18"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911nbmore</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 16 inch Noveske Barrelled AR get me out to 750yrds all day with 77gr SMK.
750 yard shooting </div></div>
It depends on what you are trying to do. If you are shooting at a large steel plate in windless conditions at 750yd, the 16" can work. However, if you are competing against other shooters for score while shooting at a 3" target at 600 yards in shifting winds, you may come to a different conclusion. We've had plenty of people show up for matches with 16" ARs. They don't score well and those who continue competing get 20" or longer barrels on their 223s: whether bolt action or AR. 28" barrels are common on the bolt actions. Depends on what your standard of accuracy and performance is.

So, Tomcat, since you mentioned wanting to compete, here is a really popular place to get competition uppers from:
http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/

Get the WOA 26" match or varmint upper and you will have the best possible option for long-range shooting with a 223 AR. $672 is a pretty darned good deal.

Compass Lake is the other place to look for. They do a lot of work for the AMU....nobody better.
http://www.compasslake.com/space.htm

They will both customize stuff to your liking.

 

[rljatl]

Re: 16" vs 18"

FWIW, The Navy SEAL MK12 is 18".