AR15 barrel length?

[The Chad]

I am very seriously considering buying an AR, looking at the Olympic Arms models, curious about barrel length. I like the compactness of the 16in. but don't want to give up much in terms of range and velocity. I live in NM and some of the places I hunt are pretty open, but my shots are'nt usually very far, 300 to 400 yards tops. What would you guys suggest.. Thanks Chad

[trotterlg]

I think if you want to shoot varmints at 400 yards with an AR that you will have to spend some serious money to get one accurate enough.  A 16 inch barrel sure won't get it at 400 yards. My guess is you will be giving up about 300-400 fps over a 22 inch barrel.  Larry

[Don-T]

I have a Bushy Varminter with the 24" barrel that I would be comfortable with 300 yd prairie dogs.  I have a heavy 16" upper for it too that prints the same size groups at 100 yds buts opens up noticeably past 200 yds.  The lower starting velocity and a little breeze takes its toll.

[STexhunter]

I have a DPMS upper with a 20" SS bull barrel and really like this length barrel.  Compact enough for me, though it is a little heavy.  Haven't shot anything out to 400 yds, but it really does the trick on Praire Dogs at 250 yds and a little further.

[Hazard]

i personally would stay away from a olympic arms, out of all the ar manufactures ive heard by many it is the worst, if your ganna spend money on one get a good one, i am a big fan of Rock River Arms product, i love mine and as far as fit and finish its practically unbeatable, tightest fitting ar ive seen, but you are open to your own opinion and get what u want im just saying you can get a nice rock river for around 850 bucks which is pretty fair, i would try to stick with the main manufacturers ie.  Colt, RRA, Bushmaster,DPMS. again just my personal opinion but i hope this helps ur decision.   as far as accuracy to 400 if your looking for a std 400plus yrd gun i wouldnt go with a ar15 id go with a ruger 77mk2 or a rem 700 of some sort i went with the 16 inch midlength on my rra for coyote and varmints but i was looking for a 100-250 yrd gun which i can very accurately shoot with it and its shorter and handier to move around with i didnt want a benchrest rifle, as for it shooting to 400 yrds i dont know i havnt tried it, my 22 in .223 handi rifle has no prob with being accurate at 330 yrds and so far my ar and handi shoot relatively similiar. do what you feel is right man im just trying to give a little help from what ive experienced. hope this helps

thanks
adam

[The Chad]

Thanks for the info. Well, right now I can't get an AR anyway, too many house projects. And I have a handi in 223 as well, just need to develop a load for it. I think I convinced myself that I needed an AR after reading too many predator extreme articles. What really matters is having fun and being able to make one well placed shot count. That is what I intend to do with my handi. I have'nt had very many doubles, but if I do, I need to learn to be calm, load my handi fast, and be able to take a clean second shot...

[Hazard]

i respect and admire that decision in a very big way., i love my handi 223, i was shocked at its accuracy once i shot a good ammount of rounds through it, when i first bought it, it shot like crap but it came out of it thank god., well good luck to you man.


thanks
adam

[william_75]

I would go with a plain old 20" although if I did have one I would not heistate to shoot one at 400 yards.  having never shot an "oly" I can't recommend them but Rock, DPMS and Stag all make good rifles