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As one of the most versatile semi-automatic rifles in the world, the AR-15 is available in several configurations with a wide range of barrel lengths. Our team has tons of hands-on experience with the AR platform and in today's blog, we're sharing which barrel length we think is best for a general purpose self defense build.
Dating back to the late 1950s, the original AR-15 was essentially a scaled-down variant of the AR-10 that was chambered for .223 / 5.56 NATO rather than the heavier .308 Win / 7.62 NATO. Early models retained the 20-inch barrel, which proved to be cumbersome (particularly in close quarters engagements) and may have actually hindered accuracy due to its suboptimal 1:14 twist rate.
The next generation of AR-15 rifles featured a 20-inch barrel with an improved 1:12 twist that helped to better stabilize the .223 / 5.56 NATO round after exiting the muzzle. From there, manufacturers experimented with different twist rates such as 1:9, 1:7, etc. to determine which barrel profile was most effective to pair with standard military ball ammunition at the time.
However, the original 20" barrel would soon be replaced as the U.S. military transitioned to 14.5-inch and 16-inch rifles paired with more effective .223 / 5.56 NATO loads (including M193 and M855). These AR-15 variants are still in use today, as they are lighter and more maneuverable than retro-style AR-platform rifles. Moreover, modern ammunition allows troops to maintain combat efficacy at range without the drawbacks inherent with a heavier firearm.
That these rifles have remained in service suggests that while an 18 or 20-inch barrel may be useful under specific circumstances, the 14.5-inch (with a pinned and welded muzzle device for civilian variants) or 16-inch barrel length is the sweet spot for the average shooter. And if you were to find yourself reaching out past 300-400 yards, it may behoove you to switch to a heavier caliber anyway.
While 14.5 (pinned and welded) and 16-inch barrels are now standard, the AR-15 is available for purchase with even shorter barrel lengths in 2024. A short barreled rifle (SBR) with a barrel length under 16 inches (no pinned and welded muzzle device) or AR-style pistol (braced or unbraced) afford shooters increased mobility, but generally see a decline in precision and effective range. This makes them excellent for dedicated home defense or backpack guns, even if they may not be the best choice for a general purpose defensive firearm.
One caveat: an SBR with a suppressor or muzzle device is among our favorite defensive rifle setups and can be a highly effective combo when configured properly. Of course, the tradeoff is filing additional paperwork and paying a tax stamp for your rifle - which is why we ultimately recommend a 14.5-inch rifle with a pinned and welded muzzle device that extends the overall breech to muzzle length to 16 inches.
This gives you all the benefits of an SBR without the hassle, including the flexibility to engage targets in close quarters or at longer distances, and there are many solid options in today's market.
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Our own recommendations aside, the Classic Firearms team recently spoke with Neil McClean from Active Crisis Consulting to get his thoughts. Watch our video to discover which AR-15 barrel length he prefers and why.
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