I have a twenty one inch barrel that shoots well, it has a rifle length gas system and functions just fine. I want to build another rifle, but short barrels are impossible to find. I don't like the gun because of the weight and length (it's a hunting rifle,) can I cut it down to 16" and still have it function properly? It does have an adjustable gas block.
Shortest barrel length with rifle length gas system?
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I wouldn't go shorter than 18" on rifle-length gas.
Adjustable gas blocks are primarily for overgassed systems. The concern with going shorter than 18" is not enough gas to cycle the action reliably. A malfunctioning AR doesn't usually perform to its accuracy potential. You would likely have to enlarge the gas port if cut to 16", but that's an inexact science with the muzzle and gas port so close together. And I don't recommend relocating the gas port either.
Go 18" and be happy.Drifter
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Thanks, I should probably just leave it alone and get on the wait and notification lists for barrels again.
Originally posted by Drifter View PostI wouldn't go shorter than 18" on rifle-length gas.
Adjustable gas blocks are primarily for overgassed systems. The concern with going shorter than 18" is not enough gas to cycle the action reliably. A malfunctioning AR doesn't usually perform to its accuracy potential. You would likely have to enlarge the gas port if cut to 16", but that's an inexact science with the muzzle and gas port so close together. And I don't recommend relocating the gas port either.
Go 18" and be happy.
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Originally posted by jurassic View PostThanks, I should probably just leave it alone and get on the wait and notification lists for barrels again.
Originally posted by jurassic View Post...I don't like the gun because of the weight and length (it's a hunting rifle,)...
FWIW, an 18" Grendel with rifle-length gas is my favorite hunting setup. More than once I've purchased 20" or longer Grendel barrels with the intent of cutting then back. The only exception has been a 20" with target crown, which is approximately the same length as an 18" with a muzzle device. (Hint: Cut your barrel to 18" with a target crown to effectively get the length of a 16" with muzzle device.)Last edited by Drifter; 06-07-2013, 01:47 AM.Drifter
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