Which AR Varmint barrel length?

[Citadel99]

So, I'm about 90% on getting another AR. It'll be a Varmint gun. Let's not do back and forth on brand. I need some advice on the barrel length. I'm between the 20" and 24". I'm not really concerned about weight. Let me know your thoughts.

Mark

 

[DRYHUMOR]

heavy 24

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'd run with 22". But if only choice is between 20 and 24, then I'd go 24 IF it's a heavy/bull barrel, or 20 if not.

 

[Art Eatman]

The .223 is effective due to its velocity. For barrel length, then, more is better. Of the two choices, I'd go with the 24".

I shoot prairie dogs with a Ruger 77 Mk II in .223. It has a 22" barrel. It works well to 300 yards.

I've killed coyotes via a Mini-14, but I always figured that it was basically a max-200-yard package for the size of the animal and the effectiveness of the bullet. Mostly, they were around 100 yards, +/-, but all were one-shot kills. IOW, the short barrel of the Mini didn't reduce effectiveness at close range.

But, playing Ma Bell is fun, and the 24" would be quite helpful at that.

 

[CBS220]

Model1Sales has very good prices on ER Shaw barreled 24 inch varmint type uppers. I am thinking I may place an order for one soon.

I've heard that some of their bolts have problems, at least I've heard that from the people who think anything less than a Colt is heresy, but it won't be a hard use gun- just for varmints and paper, and Shaw makes a very good barrel.

 

[Onmilo]

Heavy 24.

 

[TIMC]

Just took my Vamrnint AR on it's maiden trip to the range today and put about 60 rounds of various loads through it to see what it liked. Mine is the Stag Arms model 6 Super Varminter. So far the rifle is shooting very well and I really like the 24" heavy barrel. If you want a Varmint AR I say go with the 24" barrel

 

[Citadel99]

While I don't have as many posts, an Art Eatman endorsement for 24" is pretty strong. Not one vote for 20" so far.

Mark

 

[Art Eatman]

Citadel99, ya gotta remember I'm a little weird. I hauled a 26" barrelled, 9.5 pound '06 around Terlingua mountains for some 30 years' worth of hunt seasons. That's not necessarily a mark of common sense or sanity.

Shoots good, though.