What is the length of an AR upper with 16" bbl?
 

I want to be able to fit it in a backpack. I ride my motorcycle quite a bit and as fun as it would be to strap on a decked out AR, somehow i think that it would be less than approved of. I'm not one to care what people think, I just don't see it being a good idea. So, how long is the upper with barrel and flash hider attached?

16" barrel length is the legal limit. the barrel has to be at least 16" to be legal, not including the muzzle brake or compensator unless they are pemanently attached, as in pinned and welded and equal 16". example would be a 14" barrel with a muzzle brake or compensator pinned and welded that was at least 2" long. if your barrel is threaded for a muzzle brake or compensator that can be removed, it better be 16" long to be legal.

Yeah, I didn't specify, I meant a full 16" barrel with a standard A2 flash hider attached.

only the barrel has to be 16" to be legal, the flash hider can be any length.

Great minds think alike... I was just wondering the same thing. If no one has answered by the time i wake up, I'll measure it:)

Upper receiver plus buffer extension tube on lower will add about 20" to OAL. If you are looking for small get a NFA stamp for a SBR or build a pistol. Either option allows the use of a sub 16" barrel. Buffer tube is non-negotiable however.

What about the upper only de-attached from the lower?

My AR has a 16" barrel and when the upper assembly including barrel is removed form the lower it is just under 29" in length, if that's what you're trying to get to.

That's exactly what I'm getting at, an arsenal SGL21 with a folding stock is 28 3/4" I wanted a comparison. Thanks a lot.