ChrisA2 3 Posted September 26, 2020 Can't decide whether I want the 10.5 or 12.5. Hoping someone here can convince me? Already have two regular AR15s. I know velocity is affected but other than that im not sure what other pros and cons regarding the two. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackDaWack 2,895 Posted September 26, 2020 Its has to be over 26" anyway. What ever gets you closest to that number would be my choice. 10.5 with a pinned break to get you at 12" barrel would be my choice 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dajonga 396 Posted September 26, 2020 If I was going to go for one, I would go 10.5". If you are going to go short......go short. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted September 26, 2020 Personally, I went with a 12.5" barrel for my other, so I can change muzzle devices freely. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,661 Posted September 26, 2020 42 minutes ago, Krdshrk said: Personally, I went with a 12.5" barrel for my other, so I can change muzzle devices freely. Ok. So, explain this to me... • Why do you need to freely change muzzle devices? • What advantage does this offer in the “real world”? • Do you actually have different devices for different applications? • If so, do you routinely swap them out? • If so, do you follow the manufacturers recommended installation method - to include timing/shims/rock set/etc...? • How many times have you actually used this “feature”? Other than testing different devices, or someone that is trying different suppressors, I don’t know anyone that actually swaps muzzle devices on a regular basis. I have a device I like and that’s it. I have never once said, “damn, I wish I had a different muzzle device today....” The advantage of the short barrel is to have the short barrel. One advantage for having an “Other” is the ability to use a flash hider instead of a brake or compensator. IMO, pinning my preferred device (Surefire Warcomp) to a shorter barrel and losing the ability so “freely swap” muzzle devices - something that isn’t really an advantage and I would never do anyway - is a no brainer. Pin the Warcomp and have a shorter overall barrel. But maybe I am missing something.... Now, if you said I prefer 12.5” because the ballistics of a 12.5” barrel are superior when compared to a 10.5”, I would agree 100%. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJM981 924 Posted September 26, 2020 Reasons for 12" or 12.5" are a midlength gas system and higher velocity. If you want to go as short as possible up front: - shorter barrel with pinned & welded muzzle device of your choice - SB Tactical STDT AR pistol buffer tube - SB Tactical SOB Brace Barrel + muzzle device needs to be 10.5" OAL to make over 26". With my PWS CQB comp I could use an 8.5" barrel. So many options. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted September 27, 2020 5 hours ago, High Exposure said: Ok. So, explain this to me... • Why do you need to freely change muzzle devices? • What advantage does this offer in the “real world”? • Do you actually have different devices for different applications? • If so, do you routinely swap them out? • If so, do you follow the manufacturers recommended installation method - to include timing/shims/rock set/etc...? • How many times have you actually used this “feature”? Other than testing different devices, or someone that is trying different suppressors, I don’t know anyone that actually swaps muzzle devices on a regular basis. Yes, my circumstances are a bit different than most NJ Other owners. I had an A2 Birdcage FH on it at first, due to availability of parts and it's what I had in my parts bin. 12.5" was a bit blasty, recoil was a bit harsh with a standard carbine buffer. I shoot in PA a lot and got to swap it out for a can... so yes, I can shoot suppressed occasionally. Swapped in a H1 buffer and switched to a MI Flash can to direct the blast forward. Still playing with it but it seems much smoother now. 2 hours ago, ChrisJM981 said: Reasons for 12" or 12.5" are a midlength gas system and higher velocity. Most 12.5" barrels you'll find are carbine length. I definitely would have preferred a midlength, but with 2020/COVID/etc going on I could not source one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leo-польд 35 Posted October 1, 2020 I think whole point of Other in NJ is shorter carbine, 12" is OK but I got 10.5 Troy first and 12 by LWRC/piston second Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clifton1979 11 Posted October 1, 2020 A 10.5 with a carbine gas system is pretty violent on the rest of the rifle. Putting at least an H1 buffer in will help somewhat, but a midlength gas system will help reduce being overgassed. You can also throw on an adjustable gas block and get it timed. The problem with that is unless you use the same ammo every time, you're potentially going to short stroke if ammo A is different than ammo B. I'll say this on muzzle devices. You'll probably go thru one or two until you find what you like. My VG6 Epsilon w/ cage on still gives a loud bang and big flash. I'm considering swapping it for a Warcomp and Warden so I don't go deaf and blind. P.S. - Rockset up front. And not a lot. just a dab. It should not look like the final seconds of a PornHub video. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted October 1, 2020 1 hour ago, Clifton1979 said: A 10.5 with a carbine gas system is pretty violent on the rest of the rifle. Putting at least an H1 buffer in will help somewhat, but a midlength gas system will help reduce being overgassed. Midlength gas tubes are 9.5" long so with a 10.5" barrel, I believe that's too close. The gas port would be almost at the muzzle threads. Do you really want a gas block that close to the muzzle? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clifton1979 11 Posted October 1, 2020 1 hour ago, Krdshrk said: Midlength gas tubes are 9.5" long so with a 10.5" barrel, I believe that's too close. The gas port would be almost at the muzzle threads. Do you really want a gas block that close to the muzzle? It is too close, and I believe you can’t get 10.5 mid length. Was trying to point out a mid length is less rough in general or use an adjustable. Apologies for the confusion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackDaWack 2,895 Posted October 1, 2020 10 hours ago, Clifton1979 said: It is too close, and I believe you can’t get 10.5 mid length. Was trying to point out a mid length is less rough in general or use an adjustable. Apologies for the confusion. Its relevant to the size of barrel, location of the gas port, and size of the gas port. A 10.5 carbine length has FAR less dwell time vs a 16" Mid length. What matters most is not the location of the Port is respect to the chamber, but in regards to the muzzle. More distance between muzzle and port, longer dwell time.. On a 10.5 you will see oversized gas ports to get them to cycle reliably, less dwell time means you need more force to smack the bolt back. An 11.5 with carbine gas will shoot softer due to longer dwell time and properly sized gas port, or even an adjustable GB. I experienced about the same recoil in a 11.5" carbine system vs a 16" mid. So there is no general rule that mid is better than carbine, or rifle.. its really about the proper set up for the barrel length. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites