308 build 16in vs 18in

[Hooch364]

I have owned AR-15 platforms and shot in a variety of barrel lengths. I am now in the process of ordering an AR in 308 and am leaning toward 16in barrel. For those that may have one or the other...any reason I should pic one barrel length over the other? Would like some opinions on experience with both lengths before laying down money for the build. Thanks.

 

[bhart89]

What distance do you typically shoot? What position do you normally shoot from? (prone, bench, offhand)

 

[ArmyJerry]

I just pulled my 16 and put a 18 CBI on it, shoots better groups but is heavier.

 

[Name Enough]

I have owned both and currently own 4 18" 308s. I have 2 bolts one LWRC and an M1a Scout. Sold my 16" because the 18" shoots softer and get a full powder burn.
Just one man's opinion.

 

[800mZero]

For field use I'll take a 16. For the bench I'll take 18+

 

[Hooch364]

Thanks for the replies. As for me...I plan on typically shooting anywhere from 300-750 but most range time is limited out to 500. I typically shoot prone and I do plan on shooting from bench. I am putting an order in for a JP LRP-07. I prefer the 16 but not set in stone if an 18 is a better shooter. Thanks.

 

[jevan126]

I have talked with a lot of professional shooters and they all seem to agree that an 18" barrel will fill your every need plus it will be a little softer on the recoil. With that said I got the 18" barrel on my JP LRP-07 and love it. Just wait until you get it, the first thing that you will notice is the Quality that oozes from the rifle, then it only gets better. Have fun and enjoy

 

[b00000sted]

I just finished my 16" 308 build and prefer it over my 18". I think this has mostly to do with my 16" setup having a rifle buffer system with heavy buffer and flat wire spring where my 18" has a milspec carbine setup. Both my rilfes have rifle length gas systems and will out shoot me almost anyday. When i built the 18" i landed on it because of internet research. I really wanted the 16" because of better handling apects, weight, length and look. If you want a 16" get it!!! I highly doubt you will be dissapointed, dont let everyone else tell you that 18" is way better both of my rifles perform the same out to 600 yards which is the longest range local to me.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

OP,

Longer barrels provide the opportunity for a longer sight radius, meaning iron sights will have a finer adjustment increment to allow for more precise zeroing. The longer barrel will likely produce higher velocity which will get a bullet to a greater distance nose-on. In other words, what's the advantage of a shorter barrel. What are your needs? What is most important? I'd go with the longer barrel, the reality of it suggests there is no downside.

 

[KevinB-KAC]

For the ranges the OP is taking about the 16" is more than capable -- use a rifle length gas system -- the recoil will be much smoother...

 

[tylerw02]

For your application, the 16" would be fine.

Mine is an 18". I had struggled between going for portability of a 16" (with a carbine stock) and the velocity of a 20" (with a PRS stock). I shoot from point blank to about 1k, so the added velocity would be welcomed.

I chose the 18" with a PRS as a compromise. While I have not chronographed it, the field data suggests that I'm actually getting more velocity than my 20" bolt-action. I'm .2 flatter at 600 with my 18" semi-auto. That really makes me wish I'd gotten the 16", but I'm not going to complain with the accuracy I'm getting.

 

[Hooch364]

Thanks, love this forum because of all the great opinions. Haven't made my mind up, but leaning toward the 16in barrel. Not planning on using this as a precision 1000yd gun as I have a bolt gun for longer distances. I will be mostly pinging steel out to 500-750 with the semi auto.

Thanks again, keep the opinions coming. Much appreciated.