[shooter2440]

Hello,

I am currently gathering a list of things for my AR15 build. I decided on CMMG upper in the stainless steel bull barrel. my question is what is everyone's opinions on the barrel length. I am torn between 18 and 22 inch. My primary use would be for varmint but would be a gun that i could have around for home defense as well. just curious as to what the recomendations out there are for the appropriate barrel length. thank you.

[mjkeat]

I'm guessing you are talking 5.56/.223?

18" is more than adequate. 18" is longer than Id go for a defensive weapon and 22" is musket material. I wonder if 16" wouldn't suite you better even w/ varmints in mind since you're wanting a dual purpose AR. You can always do the 18" for varmints and save up for a 16" complete upper to pin to the same lower when not hunting.

[cpttango30]

Split the difference and go with a 20"... I was worried about getting a 20" vs a 24" but I would say it shoots good enough.

[stalkingbear]

If I was you I'd go with the 18" barrel since it's going to pull double duty. I currently have 2 ARs that I built and 1 is a 16" while the other is a 20".

[JonM]

My personal pref is pencil barrel in 20" for home defense but thats just me its what i trained urban warfare with. Full heavy barrel for target shooting. The neat thing about ar15 is you can easily swap uppers. Get your varmint tack driver then later on get a defensive upper that stays on the lower when not plugging varmints.

[diggsbakes]

18" is a perfect compromise and is very maneuverable, hardly even noticeable when compared to a 16". 20" isn't even bad, but I'd never go longer than that.

[mjkeat]

I see where you're coming from but Id hardly call an 18" SPR profiled barrel a compromise. The military has had great success w/ such a barrel.

[shooter2440]

Alright thanks guys for all the advice! I've decided to go with the CMMG stainless bull barrel 18" upper with a spikes tactical lower w/ enhanced kit. For the stock i decided to go with a Magpul PRS stock. missing anything?

[mjkeat]

Originally Posted by shooter2440

Alright thanks guys for all the advice! I've decided to go with the CMMG stainless bull barrel 18" upper with a spikes tactical lower w/ enhanced kit. For the stock i decided to go with a Magpul PRS stock. missing anything?

Is this what you're looking at purchasing?
CMMG 18" Stainless Bull Barrel Upper w/Smooth Free Float Tube, www.cmmginc.comCMMG Inc. AR15 Rifles, Parts and Accessories. .22 LR Dedicated AR-15 Rifles, Dedicated AR 15 9mm Rifles and Uppers, Tactical Bacon

1:9 twist? If so Id pass on it.

White Oaks makes a better, more accurate barrel.
Rainier Arms, LLC™ | Browse | White Oak Armament | WOA 18 SPR Stainless Steel Match Grade Barrel

[Sniper03]

Shooter,
Believe me you do not want a 22" inch or 24"
bull barrel to tote around. And certainly not for home defense. I like the 20" for precision accuracy. But that also depends on what distances you are going to shoot at. From what I understand wanting it for a sort of tactical/varmint rifle you would probably be best to go with the 18". 300 yards and under they are just fine for varmint as well as home defense. I would suggest a 1:8 twist. So you can shoot 55 gr. and heavier bullets with great accuracy.
Might also check out the Rock River Uppers and Barrels. As well as the two stage triggers.
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