First Build

[Scout103]

Hey y'all,

Doing my first AR15 build and had my first questions. I have built the lower with an a2 solid stock. What barrel length am I limited to if any? Can I go down to a pinned 14.5" or needs to be 20" barrel? What is the shortest the barrel can be before it has to be an SBR? Chambered in 5.56....Any tips would be great.

 

[Bfish]

Legal length is 16" anything less is an SBR. So 14.5" pinned is ok. I'd just go with 16-20" if it were me though.

 

[LastShot123]

What type of shooting do you plan for this rifle? 14.5 pinned would be great for cqb but for anything distance wise id go with >16". The solid A2 stock screams 20 " to me though..

 

[LastShot123]

Legal length is 16" anything less is an SBR. So 14.5" pinned is ok. I'd just go with 16-20" if it were me though.

This is correct. 16 total is the shortest, there are companies that make even longer flash hider too so you could technically go with even shorter 12.5 " barrel and pin a 4.5" flash hider.. not saying I would ever do this but it would still be legal!

 

[Scout103]

50-100 yds is all I plan on doing. I just like short barrels, next build I guess. 16-20" sounds like the plan. Thanks for the input.

 

[Bfish]

I agree that the solid A2 is begging for a longer barrel but doesn't mean you have to. Alway nice to have a solid stock on any rifle. Anywhere in that range you'll be good though. I've seen some pretty nice 18" shooters though with 1x4's that were amazing!

 

[roscott]

If it's your first build, I'd recommend a 16" threaded. You will likely want to try different brakes/comps down the road, or even a suppressor.

14.5" pinned is nice, but does away with any options down the road.

 

[bmbutch]

Love my 14.5" pinned (one from Spikes, other BCM), but didn't go that route until I was happy with type of flash hiders / comps available & experienced with them. I still have a 16" as well & like it as well.

For SBR types I have 5" 9mm & 8.5" .300 BLK. Once the LWRC .45 hits the streets, will add it to the family. Dang it, now going to need a .45 can.

 

[mannus]

Congrats on your build. I just started on my first build. Purchased a PSA 16" Mid-length Stainless 1/7 Freedom Upper(no BCG) they had on sale. In search of my lower parts kit and receiver now. Been putting it off for over a year.

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

Congratulations. The build gets you inside it, now go find out how deep the rabbit hole goes. I'd start with a 16. I have an M4 profile barrel on an A2 upper, no problem. 100 is nothing for that, so you'll be fine. I have a no battery Trijicon Reflex on mine, and a can. Then as you play around and figure out what you like, you can go full Lego on it, change uppers, barrels, lowers, stocks, optics, even calibers. I have the 5.56s, 300 with NV and a can, and waiting for a .458 SOCOM, and my son has a 6.5 Grendel. I have an A1 upper on one that I'm trying to get as close to a Colt 602 as I can, 20" barrel, triangle handguard, the lot. As soon as mother says I may (SBR), the M4 is going down to 10.5 and the 300 to about 8.5.