currahee1911 Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Hi, Probably going to need to replace my barrel soon. Currently using an 18", 1 in 8. Is an 18" inch barrel better? (ranges out to 400 yds.) Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonytheTiger Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Doesn't matter. If 400 is your max I'd consider a 14.5". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outerlimits Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 16 is the heat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Another 18". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perttime Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Better? Maybe, maybe not. Different? Almost certainly. A shorter barrel should give you a little less velocity, a little more noise, a little less weight up front (assuming same barrel profile), 2" easier to maneuver in tight quarters and 2" cooler looks (IMO). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiller Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 16" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lacivilian Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 14.5" or 16" if you aren't shooting past 400yds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 16" is perfect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve133 Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 The difference in velocity is going to be basically negligible between the two lengths. 16" will be a tad lighter and easier to maneuver; 18" lets you run a rifle-length gas system, which generally lets you get a slightly softer recoil impulse. Depends on which of those you value more. Personally, I tend to prefer an 18" barrel with rifle-length gas. I've never found it to be too unwieldy, and the weight isn't too big of a concern if you don't have a heavy profile. But far better shooters than me have plenty of success with a 16" or 14.5" (or even shorter). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mveto Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 I prefer a 16” barrel, for me it seems easier to swing towards targets, I previously had an 18” and find no accuracy difference or to much velocity loss when shooting out to longer distances with the shorter barrel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurtm Posted November 9, 2018 Share Posted November 9, 2018 I've run 20" barrels like forever and they are in no way a handicap! All 556X45MM has going for it is velocity, might as well get what you can!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1chota Posted November 9, 2018 Share Posted November 9, 2018 13 hours ago, kurtm said: I've run 20" barrels like forever and they are in no way a handicap! All 556X45MM has going for it is velocity, might as well get what you can!!!! What he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt1911 Posted November 9, 2018 Share Posted November 9, 2018 I have an 18" rifle gas and a 16" mid gas and always grab the 18" The 18" shoots smoother and once the buzzer goes off, I don't feel the weight at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted November 10, 2018 Share Posted November 10, 2018 Velocity is your friend ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jswhitesell619 Posted November 11, 2018 Share Posted November 11, 2018 I'm running a double fluted 18" barrel and I'll tell you what, it is light and fast for a 18" gun. I've found that the rifle length gas really smooths out the recoil impulse. With that said, I would like to build a short rifle with a 13.7 or 14.5 for the one club I shoot at. There is nothing but bays, I think the farthest is something like 125? But I have shot my 18 and dont really feel at any disadvantage running it, just want to try something new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adamj Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 I started out with 18 and decided to go a shorter route, but skipped 16 all together and went with a 14.5. I shoot mostly bay matches and wanted something more maneuverable. The 14 balances well and swings much easier. I don't feel like I'm giving anything up by skipping a 16 for the matches I shoot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GorillaTactical Posted November 21, 2018 Share Posted November 21, 2018 (edited) This is my 16" gun going out to 800...you won't be handicapped if you're maxing out at 400, by choosing a 16" gun, especially one which can push 77grn projectiles. I would suggest some research on gas system length and associated dwell time with the shorter barrel, though. The rifle length gas on an 18" gun will provide a moderately softer recoil impulse. But if you're doing the whole adjustable gas thing, it becomes nearly a non-issue. Edited November 21, 2018 by GorillaTactical Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akkid17 Posted November 26, 2018 Share Posted November 26, 2018 I’ve been running 18” guns for most of my 3-gun life and they have been great but on the next build and probably all of them going foreword unless I plan on shooting beyond 600 a lot I will be moving to 16” barrels. Maybe 50fps difference on the heavy Bullets and that’s not going to mess up a stage more than my inability to get a stable shooting position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint U66 Posted November 26, 2018 Share Posted November 26, 2018 It's a matter of preference. I think if you look at the lengths of the barrels you would see at almost any match you would find that there is no "right" length. Some guys don't mind the added weight of say a mid weight 18 inch barrel whereas others may think its too heavy. On the other hand, some guys don't mind the recoil of say a shorter, lighter setup with say a mid length gas. Just depends on what you shoot best and what "feel" you prefer. That said, I always felt that I shot an 18 inch gun that was a tad on the heavy side better than a shorter/lighter gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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