18" or 20" AR?

[Mongo Hunter]

Another AR question. possible future purchase...again.

What do you guys who do longer range shooting with AR's prefer? say 500ish yards?

I don't like to use the term "DMR" cause I'm not an air softer  , but that's kind of the setup I would be wanting to put together. I was thinking an 18" .223 Wylde gun with an adjustable stock and probably a 3-9 mildot. I still want to be able to move in and out of vehicles with this thing and pack it around without feeling like I have a boat anchor on my neck.

Just curious what you guys have found works best and what you really like. optics advice welcome too.

[Reidus]

No gain in accuracy with a longer barrel. Longer barrel gains you velocity and is easier on the ears. I have a 20" and I wouldn't go longer. I think 18 or 20 is ideal.

[b23]

There is so little difference in velocity, I'll take the shorter every time.  Shorter is definitely louder but with any length AR I'm always either shooting suppressed or with ear protection so the noise factor isn't that big a deal to me but, for me, I just like the convenience of the shorter barreled AR's. 

Also, and this part means very little, but I think the shorter barreled AR's just look better too.

[Mongo Hunter]

Also, and this part means very little, but I think the shorter barreled AR's just look better too.

Everyone knows that's rule #2. It HAS to look cool 

[Blacklab]

Personally either one in my opinion. I have 18" Grendel and 20" wylde. Wylde 223 is a little heavier due to being bull barrel. Green is Grendel black is wylde.

[Bofire]

  I bought and would not want shorter than 18 inch. Had a 16 inch before.
Carl

[Mongo Hunter]

The 18" seems to be the sweet spot for most people in my research. looks like a good balance between maneuverability and still getting a lot out of a 5.56. I found an Odin works SPR 18" 223 Wyld barrel that may to the trick. I also have located and AR of a buddies that may be the perfect candidate if I can get him to sell it to me 

[Alchase]

I love 16 inches,

I would love 16 even more if it included a suppressor and a stamp,

LOL

[Mongo Hunter]

I love 16 inches,

I would love 16 even more if it included a suppressor and a stamp,

LOL

I already have a Spikes Crusader with a 14" barrel with a pin and welded break (16" total), love that gun. Its my go to rifle for sure. I still want my short PDW style rifle too but if I can get a deal on this one from my buddy I may go for it first. sucker for a good deal 

[thinkingman]

No gain in accuracy with a longer barrel. Longer barrel gains you velocity and is easier on the ears. I have a 20" and I wouldn't go longer. I think 18 or 20 is ideal.

I agree.
I had an 18" Rock River Varmint/Wylde that shot crazy tight groups with 77gr MatchKings.
It seemed really noseheavy so I traded that upper for a 16" Rock River Predator Pursuit.  Still Wylde and 1/8 and shoots great but wish I'd kept the 18" Varmint.
I just added a Magpul PRS stock and that thing must weigh 2lbs.  Really balances the whole platform.