12.7” vs 16” barrel

[Trueblue]

I just joined the site recently, and am interested in participating in the barrel group buy going on right now, if it is not to late.
I am going to put together a dedicated suppressed hog/deer rifle and shooting distances 300 yards or less. So, am considering the 12.7” barrel, as it seems to have plenty of energy at 300 yards forhogs.
But, my concern is shooting a shorter barrel and lighter AR, how much accuracy do you give up on follow up running shots?
Is it easier to shoot a shorter lighter or longer slightly heavier AR on follow up shots on running hogs
So, for those that hunt hogs, do you prefer carrying and hunting with a suppressed 12.7” or 16” or longer barrel?

[Trueblue]

Anyone?

[BCHunter]

I've been trying to decide this for myself, but no hogs here and can't hunt with a suppresor

[BCHunter]

The 12.7 you will have to build as a pistol with a brace, or register it as an SBR, so another decision there. I would assume it's more difficult to shoot a braced pistol acurrately then a rifle.

[kpswihart]

There is a ton of info on the forum and folks are generally willing to help others out. Things have seemed somewhat quiet lately, give it a little time I'm sure someone will chime in. I just completed a 12" gun with a brace, but haven't taken it out yet. Seems to point fairly easily, though the cheek weld is a little different. Time will tell.

[Trueblue]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will just go 16” for now, so I don’t have to deal with the register fees.

[rabiddawg]

Longer heavier will help with follow up shots.

Weekend before last I was shooting a EMPTY 1 pound propane bottle at about 50 yds. I was surprised at how much muzzel rise my 12.5” had. Much more than my 740 profile 20” guns.

[Lastrites]

Apples to apples longer is easier for follow-up, think of bird shooting for a moment and notice you rarely see anyone with 20" barrels compared to longer 28"barrels out dropping your favorite foul. The advantage to the shorter package is tromping through thick brush as it will be less likely to get hung up as you bring up to your target initially.

[Kswhitetails]

The 12.7 will do everything you're asking for very well. Add to the fact that your suppressing it, and the "longer barrel being better for followups" arguement becomes almost invalid. Almost. Don't really think 3.3 inches is going to make or break your day... Add a can to the end of your 16" and now you've got 21+ inches and weight to hump. If you're not crushing through brush, all good. Either will do well, but for game under 300, the shorter barrel seems to be your cup of tea. My two cents.

If you go 12.7, add an CQB brace from Maxim or SB, and you can avoid the SBR all together. Think pistol here, it's just too much hassle to wait for mr Gov to tell you you can live free in America.

I've got an 18 Larue Grendel I bought with their .30 Tranquillo can. Aside from some bench or PRS stuff, the Larue will never wear the can. My 12.7 however will likely rarely take it off.

Either way you go, you're gonna love the Grendel. Soft recoiling, hard hitting (think .308 performance) and ultra efficient and well made bullet selection, and you're in the right wheelhouse. Hogs are gonna be fun. Check out DNS's posts down in the hunting and varmint heading. Lots of vids to learn vicariously through. And lots of terminal performance data. Good luck!

[Trueblue]

Got a chance to look at a friends ARs this weekend. He has 18”-12.5” setups with suppressors.
Loved the 12.5” build with a 15” Handguards and suppressor.
I am going with a 16” barrel, as it hung better with a one point sling and didn’t get into the dirt.Also, while holding the AR with one hand at my side, it did not get into the dirt either..I think if I went with a 18” or 20” ” barrel, I would have to be much more conscious of this. Plus, I don’t think at 300 yards I am giving that much up to the 18” barrel length.
Since this is going to be a spot and stalk setup for hogs, 16” it is. I do see a short build in my future though.
Thanks for the feedback. This will be my first AR, learning as I go.

[BCHunter]

So I decided to go with a pistol build and the GB 12.7" barrel.

My reasoning after looking at building a 16"carbine with standard 6 position stock it would be 35" at it's longest position stock fullly extended no muzzle device. @ 31.5" at its shortest positon
The pistol build will be 30" at its longest with a SB tactical brace. and @ 25" at it's shortest configuration.
with 2" difference at the rear and 3" at the front.
So with the goal of making it as light and compact as possible without getting into polymer or carbon fiber, I decided to go pistol build
plus the added benefits of qualifying under my conceal carry permit.

SO
build is looking like
Aero Precison upper with S-One 9" m-lok handguard
GB 12.7 barrel
aero low pro gas block
thread protector
Aero gen 2 enchanced lower FDE
SB Tactical brace
Ergo ambi hand grip
Trigger TBD
mil spec LPK

Thank you all for relating your experiences and Philosophy of use.

[Bigs28]

Very nice. Ithink the larue triggers are still on sale and for $99 they are hard to beat.

[LRRPF52]

I started out with 16" AA, then 18" cut to 17.6" Lilja, 16.5" Lilja Wasp, 18" AA fluted, 22" Lilja bull fluted, 18" LaRue complete rifle, and now 12" Faxon pistol build from a group buy barrel I ordered a while back.

So far, the best barrel profiles for carrying around have been the 18" and below.

The Lilja 16" Wasp is really handy and light, and one of the most accurate barrels I've owned.

The Lilja 17.6" Wasp is right there with it, only slightly longer, and a great 1000yd performer.

My Faxon 12" group buy barrel is heavy for its length because of the shank length, and this was done to help with accuracy.

For overall compactness, the 12" with Maxim Pistol Brace is the winner, followed by the Lilja 16" Wasp.

For handling under fire, the LaRue 18" Stealth purrs like a pussycat. They got the gas system worked out really well on it, and it is noticeable for someone like me with the round count I have on various 6.5 Grendels. I'm interested to see the little LaRue SUURG 11.5" suppressed and hot it handles.

[Bearcatrp]

Your 12 inch inspired me to build one similar. Looks awesome. Waiting on my 12.5 upper to begin the build.

[Trueblue]

I started out with 16" AA, then 18" cut to 17.6" Lilja, 16.5" Lilja Wasp, 18" AA fluted, 22" Lilja bull fluted, 18" LaRue complete rifle, and now 12" Faxon pistol build from a group buy barrel I ordered a while back.

So far, the best barrel profiles for carrying around have been the 18" and below.

The Lilja 16" Wasp is really handy and light, and one of the most accurate barrels I've owned.

The Lilja 17.6" Wasp is right there with it, only slightly longer, and a great 1000yd performer.

My Faxon 12" group buy barrel is heavy for its length because of the shank length, and this was done to help with accuracy.

For overall compactness, the 12" with Maxim Pistol Brace is the winner, followed by the Lilja 16" Wasp.

For handling under fire, the LaRue 18" Stealth purrs like a pussycat. They got the gas system worked out really well on it, and it is noticeable for someone like me with the round count I have on various 6.5 Grendels. I'm interested to see the little LaRue SUURG 11.5" suppressed and hot it handles.

Nice collection.
Looks like you like FDE

[82HALO]

Must be the desert life style!