SBR AR pics

[Scratch]

Thinking about going the SBR route on an AR. But I want to see how it looks and I can't seem to find many pics of what I want.

I'm looking for something with like a 6-8" barrel, but with a railed handguard that covers the entire barrel and flash hider/ comp.

I know that with a standard flash hider, I probably wouldn't want the handguard covering it since it would get real dirty, so I was thinking possibly of a Pig?

I just want the barrel to look real thick, so it looks like the handguard is the barrel.

Not set on a railed handguard, but something tactical looking, not like one of those Hogue or smooth ones.

Preferably with a CTR stock as that's my favorite right now. Maybe even two tone.


Also looking for input on how reliable something that short runs.

[Hmac]

Look at Pimp My gun http://pimpmygun.doctornoob.com/app.php . You can kind of assemble your own gun just to get a feel for proportions etc. IMHO, 10.5 is about as short as I'd ever want to go in an SBR and I prefer 11.5 because of its proportionally longer dwell time (therefore less problematic gas system IMHO). Things can get pretty finicky when barrels get shorter than that and you might find only some ammo runs in it. I know some people build these things and keep them around as a toy, but I find my 11.5 SBR to be so useful that I built a second one, and those are the rifles that I shoot preferentially just because they handle so well. I need my SBR to be absolutely reliable across a wide range of ammo.

[Dave Timm]

I agree with Hmac about barrel length 100%. IMHO the 6-8" range is really too short, in fact the only realistic available length in that range is the 7.5" guns. Yes there are some Im sure that are reliable but at a lot of expense to the gas system, also the ballistic issues etc.

I have SBRs that are 10.5 and 11.5 inches and while my 10.5 runs great, from here on out I will be building 11.5 or 12.5 only. When shooting my 11.5 guns I don't notice the extra inch and the increased dwell time is a big plus not to mention a little help on velocity.

Thick barrels are cool for some purposes but remember thick means heavy and lugging a gun around for a class or event gets old faster with a heavy gun. On top of that you won't see much of the barrel under the hand guard or rail.

Warning though, SBRs are like pringles, you can't have just one

Dave

[Scratch]

This would be strictly a wall hanger and range toy. I have enough AR's as it is. My criteria is that I want it to shoot 5.56, be really loud, look scary, be really short, (might even go with a LAW folding stock) have like 6" groups at 50 yards, and have a good fireball. I want it to be reliable enough to be able to shoot like 500 rounds without fail, between cleanings. Not worried about velocity.

I've seen plenty of videos of people with AR pistols with 6-8" barrels that (according to them...) meet the reliability factor, so I hope it should be possible. Of course they all could be lying too...

I'll check out that app.

[Bitter Bastard]

...have like 6" groups at 50 yards....

At 50 yards there will probably no group size difference between a 7.5" and a "normal" barrel length. My 7.5" gun with a 2 MOA red dot is easier to keep a tight group than my 16" with a larger reticle. It's all about the sights. (edited to add: at short distances anyway (up to maybe 200 yards))

Bitter Bastard

[Hmac]

This would be strictly a wall hanger and range toy. I have enough AR's as it is. My criteria is that I want it to shoot 5.56, be really loud, look scary, be really short, (might even go with a LAW folding stock) have like 6" groups at 50 yards, and have a good fireball. I want it to be reliable enough to be able to shoot like 500 rounds without fail, between cleanings. Not worried about velocity.

I've seen plenty of videos of people with AR pistols with 6-8" barrels that (according to them...) meet the reliability factor, so I hope it should be possible. Of course they all could be lying too...

I'll check out that app.

I can't relate. The whole NFA process is too cumbersome and expensive for me to spend it on a range toy, but YMMV. Besides, SBR's are just more useful than any 16 inch barrel for my particular needs. I want my firearms functional and that requirement is reflected in my building concepts.

I think you're on the right track looking at AR pistol concepts. Personally I've never seen one that will shoot 500 consecutive rounds reliably, but they're probably out there. I've certainly never seen a reliable AR that short and I'm not sure I've even heard of one. Again, they're probably out there. If I were you, I'd post the query over on M4Carbine.net, or at least search that sight.

ETA: That short an SBR is going to be very sensitive to variations in gas pressure between various types of ammo. I'd consider building it with an adjustable gas system like a switchblock.

[Consummate]

This one doesn't shoot big flames, but take the AAC Blackout flash hider off and that changes.

[johnlewjohn]

This is my 6" Shorty.
Rock River lower with a custom upper.
The deal with my 6" shorty is that even after all the tweaking I have done to make it "reliable", it would not be my first choice
for a firearm to grab and run off into the woods with.
I still have an occasional Fail to Eject, so it tries to jam the spent casing and new round at the same time.
Other than that, it is extremely obnoxious, loud and flashy, and does have the added benefit of curing a plugged sinus.
I believe I have an actual action shot with the flash I will see if I can find. (see post below)

I wanted the ability to change the flash hider easily, so that is the only thing that sticks out.
Even when I attach a suppressor, there is still a fair amount of flash, just quieter.

[johnlewjohn]

Don't ask me how I got this pic on an iPhone, because it was blind luck.
Here is how the flash looks.

Stats for rifle:

RRA lower
DPMS upper with Custom 6" Barrel 1/2x28 thread
Midwest Industries rail, and BUIS
Vltor EMOD stock
Vltor Charging Handle
DPMS BCG
REDI-Mag
ARMS M68 with Aimpoint M2
Troy Modular Vertical Grip
Surefire X300
Magpul MOE+
DD Single point sling adapter plate (need to install)

Be warned, once you start down this road, you will need more than one...
I also have a factory Colt SBR 6921 and a custom 300 Blackout

[coltpython123]

Adams arms piston driven 7.5 inch barrel

ugly bushmaster 10.5 inch barrel

Noveski 7.5 inch barreled upper with yankee hill machine quad rail i believe the lower is a mega lower

[coltpython123]

I know that with a standard flash hider, I probably wouldn't want the handguard covering it since it would get real dirty, so I was thinking possibly of a Pig?

Primary weapons systems makes some really nice ones

[Scratch]

DSC_0418.JPG

I really like this one, (the third one down with the Mega lower and Eotech) what flash hider/comp/brake is that?
Is that the Noveske 7.5"?
D.I. Coerrect?
How reliable or finicky is it?

[coltpython123]

DSC_0418.JPG

I really like this one, (the third one down with the Mega lower and Eotech) what flash hider/comp/brake is that?
Is that the Noveske 7.5"?
D.I. Coerrect?
How reliable or finicky is it?

the break is the noveske kx4 flash hider i think they call it the war pig, it is specially designed for ar short barreled rifles works well nice shooter really reliable i have put every kind of ammo in it and she has never missed a beat the only bad part about this whole gun is that i cant put a stock on it without jumping through a whole lotta hoops. and it is a direct impingement system just get some more of those anytime you want to shoot it just call me if you still have my number im just right over the bridge

[UnaStamus]

I will echo what Hmac and Dave have both said about the practicality of a 6-8" AR. I have some extensive experience with a 7.5" for professional use/testing, and it's a very poor overall rifle. I also very much agree that it's a lot of effort through the NFA system for very little payout. My venture with a 7.5" was done for professional reasons, and the rifle has since been recommissioned to a different caliber and the 7.5" 5.56 is now just collecting dust.

If you absolutely must have one and you need it to be very reliable, you should be looking at a piston upper. It's going to be significantly more reliable than a DI running a pistol length gas system. It will also beat up the gun a lot less. I would be looking at the LWRCI UCIW 8", but do what you will.

If you are interested, I still have the upper. Basically a Troy M7, but with a Noveske Diplomat 5.56mm 7.5" barrel.