Thinking of getting a Ruger SFAR... 16 or 20 inch?

[Balrog]

I am thinking of getting a Ruger SFAR. Should I go 16 or 20 inch?

 

[FL-NC]

16". AR10's like this have won plenty of sniper type matches. I regret I ordered my OBR in 18". Also you will be glad for the shorter OAL if a suppressor may be in your future.

 

[citizenconn]

For a regular large sized AR10/308 I would say that a 20" barrel is the better all around. But since we are talking the SFAR whose competitive advantage is being a lightweight, smaller frame AR10/308 then I would think picking a 20" barrel would be counterintuitive (heavier). I vote the 16" as well.

 

[adcoch1]

I would vote 16" if replacing a normal AR-15 is the goal, but I really want a 20" myself. It would still be light enough to manage for hunting with a light scope on top, and I like the few extra inches to get the blast away from my face. If a suppressor is in your plans though, 16" all day long.

 

[earlthegoat2]

20” maybe for hunting use only.

16” to keep with the lightweight theme.

 

[BreechFace]

For me due to the SFAR's characteristics, shorter and lighter than the competition; the longer barrel option doesn't make sense to me, especially if one has a suppressor.

 

[joneb]

For a 1:10 twist I would opt for the 20" barrel. I like more flexibility.

 

[Gtscotty]

I have the 16", it's the perfect size, only downside is the mid-length gas, would have preferred intermediate or rifle length since I shoot suppressed.

 

[Mosin77]

I’d get a 20” because I think any .308 should be, for improved ballistics and less blast. Bonus that a 20” SFAR will be lighter and shorter than a 20” in another platform. Unless suppression is planned, in which case the extra 4” saved and lighter weight will be a benefit.

 

[Doc Samson]

Pretty interesting article regarding barrel length and velocity in .308 - https://bulletin.accurateshooter.co...ty-vs-barrel-length-28-to-16-5-cut-down-test/

 

[Pat Riot]

This thread interests me as well. I am considering a Ruger SFAR.

Here is another barrel length vs velocity test that I found.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/the-truth-about-barrel-length-muzzle-velocity-and-accuracy/

 

[mavracer]

SFAR or not I like a 16" for 308, if I needed or wanted the extra range I'd go a different caliber in a 20" gun.

 

[kwb377]

Should I go 16 or 20 inch?

What are your wants/needs/expectations with the gun? What are you going to use it for?

 

[Eagle103]

I went with the 16" and it'll have a suppressor in a few months. The extra 100 fps or so you get with a 20" might matter on a longish shot on an elk but that's not what mine will be used for.

 

[mshootnit]

I think I would get the 20". 16" is pretty short for a 308.

 

[BreechFace]

The larger bore of the 308 does well with shorter barrels, 16” with a suppressor would be very handy when talking about an AR where the goal is light and handy, at least it is for me.

 

[Gtscotty]

I will say, I put a PA 3x micro prism on my 16" SFAR, and with a Ti can, it feels just like carrying my lightweight hunting Grendel. An impressive feat for a .308.

 

[js8588]

Get the 20. If you decide you want it shorter, chop it to 18 or 16.

 

[CraigC]

Pretty much settled that I don't want an AR longer than 18" and kinda wish my 18" was a 16".