Reference guide5.56 NATOBallistics approximated

AR-15 Barrel Length 2026: 10.5" to 20" Velocity & Dwell Time Compared

Quickly compare common 5.56 barrel lengths from 10.5" to 20" side by side. Each profile includes estimated muzzle velocity, practical range, overall length (OAL) with a collapsed and extended stock, and the tradeoffs that matter when building around suppressors, maneuverability, or longer shots.

By AB|Last reviewed January 2026

Reference ammo: M193 55gr (Standard)Velocities are approximate at 70°F and sea level.Effective range reflects reliable fragmentation or expansion with quality duty loads.

📋

Before You Read

This guide assumes familiarity with these topics:

AR-15 Caliber Selection 2026->

Quick Answer: Which Barrel Length?

Home defense / CQB: 11.5"-12.5" — Maximum maneuverability, still reliable with proper gas tuning. Requires SBR stamp or pistol brace.

All-around / duty: 14.5" (pinned muzzle device) or 16" — Best balance of velocity, handling, and legal simplicity. The standard choice.

Precision / Recce: 18"-20" — Maximum velocity and effective range. Worth the weight for 400+ yard shooting.

Key tradeoff: Every inch adds ~25-30 fps velocity but increases OAL. Shorter barrels = more flash, blast, and gas system tuning needed.

Best SBR Barrel Length (11.5"–12.5")

11.5"–12.5" excels indoors and in vehicles. Expect higher port pressure—plan for adjustable gas and suppressor-friendly parts.

Best Non-NFA Length (13.7"–14.5")

13.7"–14.5" keeps rifles compact while meeting 16" OAL requirements. Great for duty or travel carbines that need flexibility.

Best Precision / Recce Length (16"–20")

16"–20" pushes velocity and sight radius for Recce and SPR builds. Heavier but easier on parts and tuned for stability.

Effective range at a glance

Plot each barrel length against real-world effective distance with M193 55gr (Standard). The marker shows where fragmentation or expansion begins to taper off before velocity drops below duty thresholds.

Urban / closeMixed terrainOpen distance

Input Target Distance

Set to your expected engagement range to check viability.

300 yds

Ammunition Type

High velocity, reliable fragmentation. The standard for bulk training and duty.

100 yds

200 yds

300 yds

400 yds

500 yds

TARGET

10.5"Ultra-compact CQB× OUT OF RANGE

200 yds

-500 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 200 yards before energy trails off.

11.5"CQB / vehicle deployment× OUT OF RANGE

225 yds

-400 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 225 yards before energy trails off.

12.5"Low-profile general purpose× OUT OF RANGE

260 yds

-300 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 260 yards before energy trails off.

13.9"Compact duty / travel carbine

300 yds

-200 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 300 yards before energy trails off.

14.5"Duty / patrol generalist

350 yds

-150 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 350 yards before energy trails off.

16"All-around carbine

425 yds

Baseline carbine—most duty loads stay confidently terminal past 400 yards.

18"SPR / designated marksman

500 yds

+100 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 500 yards before energy trails off.

20"Traditional rifle / maximum reach

575 yds

+200 fps vs 16" translates to reliable hits out to roughly 575 yards before energy trails off.

Compare each barrel length

Use the visual bars to get a feel for how velocity, effective range, and overall length scale. Relative widths are normalized against the longest or fastest entry in the list.

10.5" barrel

Shortest practical 5.56 length—demands tuned gas but maximizes indoor and vehicle maneuverability.

Ultra-compact CQBTax Stamp or Pistol Brace

Muzzle velocity2,400 fps

-500 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range200 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 28.5" · Extended 31.8"

Pros

• Smallest footprint for confined spaces and PDW-style builds while retaining rifle handling.
• Fast to stage and store; pairs well with collapsible or folding stock systems.

Cons

• Highest blast and flash; requires dedicated muzzle devices or suppressors to stay controllable. Blast is significant enough to cause TBIs if shot unsuppressed.
• Very narrow dwell-time window—over-gassing and parts wear are common without tuning.
• Energy and velocity drop fastest; fragmentation envelopes shrink below 200 yards with many loads.
• Requires specialized ammo like 77gr to ensure fragmentation; standard 55gr loads may not fragment reliably at typical engagement distances.

Build notes

Plan on heavier buffers, reduced-port gas blocks, and reliable magazines to keep cycling consistent, especially once suppressed. Expect premature wear, frequent parts breakage, unpleasant shooting experience, and poor terminal effect on target—10.5" barrels are a compromise that sacrifices reliability and performance for compactness.

Gas system: Carbine (aggressive port)

Dwell: 3.5" w/ carbine gas

11.5" barrel

Ultra-compact package that keeps 5.56 terminal performance for close-in work when tuned correctly.

CQB / vehicle deploymentTax Stamp or Pistol Brace

Muzzle velocity2,500 fps

-400 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range225 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 29.5" · Extended 32.8"

Pros

• Shortest option that maintains reliable fragmentation inside 200 yards with modern duty ammo.
• Pairs well with suppressors when combined with adjustable gas blocks or heavier buffers.
• Fast to present around barricades or in vehicles, balancing mobility and control.

Cons

• Significant muzzle blast and flash; requires purpose-built muzzle devices or cans.
• NFA registration or brace compliance needed in many jurisdictions.
• Tight dwell time window; over-gassing is common with bulk ammo.

Build notes

Prioritize balanced buffer systems and gas port sizing to keep cyclic rate controllable, especially once suppressed.

Gas system: Carbine (suppressed optimized)

Dwell: 4.5" w/ carbine gas

12.5" barrel

Adds dwell time and velocity while staying maneuverable, earning a reputation as the modern compact sweet spot.

Low-profile general purposeTax Stamp or Pistol Brace

Muzzle velocity2,600 fps

-300 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range260 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 30.4" · Extended 33.7"

Pros

• Improved dwell time over 11.5" for smoother cycling with a broader ammo selection.
• Noticeable velocity gain that stretches reliable fragmentation to roughly 250 yards.
• Still clears doorways and vehicles easily, especially once a suppressor is mounted.

Cons

• Still falls under SBR or pistol classifications. Awkward middle length since going longer could allow rifle configuration.
• Port pressure remains high; vented carriers or adjustable blocks help tame it.
• Less modular if state law restricts barrel length conversions.

Build notes

Ideal for lightweight suppressor builds—balanced recoil impulse with H2 buffers or VLTOR A5 systems.

Gas system: Carbine or mid-length

Dwell: 5.5" w/ carbine gas

13.9" barrel

Popular pin-and-weld length that reaches 16" OAL with most muzzle devices while staying notably compact.

Compact duty / travel carbinePin-Weld OK

Muzzle velocity2,700 fps

-200 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range300 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 31.8" · Extended 35.1"

Pros

• Compatible with pin-and-weld to achieve 16" OAL and avoid NFA paperwork with most muzzle devices.
• Mid-length gas delivers soft recoil impulse—easier to tune than shorter barrels.
• Balances maneuverability with better external ballistics than 12.5" builds.

Cons

• Pinned muzzle device limits suppressor compatibility unless using a HUB-compatible system.
• Mid-length dwell is marginal—benefits from adjustable gas for suppressed use.
• Slightly heavier front end compared to true SBR lengths.

Build notes

The modern standard for compact non-NFA builds. Pairs well with 2.1"+ muzzle devices like the Surefire Warcomp or Dead Air flash hiders.

Gas system: Mid-length

Dwell: 4.9" w/ mid-length gas

14.5" barrel

Service carbine baseline—battle proven and familiar, especially once permanently extended to 16".

Duty / patrol generalistPin-Weld OK

Muzzle velocity2,750 fps

-150 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range350 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 32.7" · Extended 36.0"

Pros

• Extensive aftermarket support with known reliability envelopes.
• Reaches fragmentation ranges near 350 yards with standard loads.
• Comfortable to shoot suppressed when tuned with modern gas blocks.

Cons

• Still requires pin-and-weld to breach 16" OAL.
• Marginally longer than 13.9" once muzzle device is accounted for.
• Heavier recoil pulse than a 16" mid-length when left in carbine configuration.

Build notes

Mid-length gas with an appropriate port size keeps the action soft while supporting a wide ammo range.

Gas system: Mid-length or optimized carbine

Dwell: 5.5" w/ mid-length gas

16" barrel

Non-NFA legal minimum that delivers strong exterior ballistics and the broadest compatibility.

All-around carbineNon-NFA

Muzzle velocity2,900 fps

Baseline 16" carbine

Effective range425 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 34.5" · Extended 37.8"

Pros

• No tax stamp or pinning required—barrel swaps stay simple.
• Excellent balance of velocity, dwell time, and parts availability.
• Soft recoil impulse with mid-length gas, even when suppressed.

Cons

• Longest footprint inside vehicles or tight interiors.
• Heavier front end versus compact SBR builds, handling becomes awkward especially when suppressed and adding accessories.
• Less unique—requires accessories to differentiate for specialized roles.

Build notes

Baseline for most Recce builds; keeps Mk12 / SPR uppers within weight goals while working with common suppressors.

Gas system: Mid-length (standard)

Dwell: 7.0" w/ mid-length gas

18" barrel

Stretch the carbine into SPR territory with increased velocity and sight radius for precision roles.

SPR / designated marksmanNon-NFA

Muzzle velocity3,000 fps

+100 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range500 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 36.2" · Extended 39.6"

Pros

• Tightens vertical spread past 400 yards thanks to higher velocities.
• Pairs well with heavier match bullets (69-77gr) for precision work.
• Rifle-length gas options shoot very flat and stay suppressor friendly.

Cons

• Heavier and slower to transition, intended for supported shooting.
• Needs longer handguards and bipods to stay balanced.
• Overkill for dedicated CQB or home-defense roles.

Build notes

Ideal for Mk12-inspired builds—match the gas system to your ammunition to avoid short-stroking during cold weather.

Gas system: Mid-length or rifle

Dwell: 6.0" w/ rifle gas

20" barrel

Full-length rifle that maximizes velocity and dwell time for classic 5.56 performance.

Traditional rifle / maximum reachNon-NFA

Muzzle velocity3,100 fps

+200 fps vs 16" baseline

Effective range575 yds

Distance where duty loads remain reliable.

Overall lengthOAL window

Collapsed 38.0" · Extended 41.4"

Pros

• Highest muzzle velocity; maintains fragmentation well past 500 yards with duty loads.
• Extremely forgiving gas timing—runs clean with light springs and buffers.
• Longest sight radius for irons and room for clip-on night optics.

Cons

• Longest and heaviest option—challenging indoors or in vehicles.
• Acceleration of the muzzle is slower; requires deliberate handling.
• Sling and storage footprint is significant for travel or staging.

Build notes

Best suited for rural properties or competition where velocity and stability matter more than compact storage.

Gas system: Rifle

Dwell: 8.0" w/ rifle gas

Recommended barrels to explore

Barrels we use and love

13.9" / 14.5" · Mid-length gas

Criterion CORE Mid-Length Barrel

Criterion balances government and pencil contours for soft recoil without losing cold-bore precision. Hand-lapped bores and chrome lining hold tight groups.

✓Extended gas journal works well with modern suppressors
✓Pre-dimpled for seamless gas block alignment

Profile: CORE hybrid · .750 journal · chrome-lined
Sweet spot: Pin-and-weld duty carbines that need a forgiving gas port

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

12.3" / 13.9" · Mid-length gas

Ballistic Advantage Hanson Performance Series

The Hanson taper shifts weight rearward and ships with a matched gas block you can pin, keeping the barrel rigid under bipod load.

✓Pinned block option simplifies compliance pin-and-weld jobs
✓Nickel-boron feed ramps aid reliability with dirty guns

Profile: Hanson taper · includes lo-pro gas block
Sweet spot: Lightweight Recce builds that still clear doorways

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

10.5" – 16" · Carbine / Mid-length

Faxon Firearms Pencil 5.56

Faxon's pencil profile delivers serious weight savings without sacrificing modern accuracy standards. Groups stay centered as the barrel heats.

✓Salt bath nitriding penetrates deeper than coating for long-term wear resistance
✓Button rifled for consistent bore dimensions and easy cleaning

Profile: Pencil · 1:8 twist · QPQ nitride
Sweet spot: Lightweight, maneuverable builds that prioritize handling

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

16" – 18" · Match-grade

SOLGW Precision SPR V2

Sons of Liberty Gun Works' SPR barrel uses 416R stainless steel with a .223 Wylde chamber for tight groups with both .223 and 5.56.

✓416R stainless steel with hand-lapped bore for sub-MOA potential
✓.223 Wylde chamber handles both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO safely

Profile: SPR contour · 1:7 twist · Stainless
Sweet spot: Precision/Recce builds where accuracy matters more than weight

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

14.5" – 16" · Suppressor-optimized

Centurion Arms Recce Barrel

Centurion's Recce barrel combines CHF chrome-lined construction with conservative gas port sizing. Runs smooth suppressed without aggressive tuning.

✓CHF chrome-lined bore handles high round counts and suppressor heat
✓Conservative gas port reduces tuning needed for suppressed use

Profile: Recce contour · CHF · Chrome-lined
Sweet spot: Suppressor-dedicated Recce builds where reliability matters

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

14.5" – 16" · Premium duty

Geissele CHF 5.56 Barrel

Geissele's cold hammer forged barrels deliver match-grade accuracy with duty-grade durability. FN-made CHF chrome-lined bore.

✓FN-manufactured CHF chrome-lined bore—the same process used for M4A1 barrels
✓Nanoweapon coating resists corrosion and simplifies cleaning

Profile: CHF · Chrome-lined · 1:7 twist
Sweet spot: Premium builds where accuracy and longevity both matter

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

Purchasing through these links may generate a commission at no extra cost to you. Always confirm local compliance steps (pin-and-weld, NFA paperwork) before ordering.

Barrel profile matters as much as length

Profile determines weight distribution, heat management, and harmonics. The wrong profile can turn a well-tuned length into a front-heavy, whippy mess that loses zero under sustained fire.

Government / M4 Profile

Avoid unless free

Thick behind the front sight base, thin elsewhere. This profile exists because the military needed to attach M203 grenade launchers to the barrel—a requirement most civilian builds don't share.

Why it's problematic:

• Concentrates weight forward where it hurts handling most
• Thin sections behind gas block overheat quickly under rapid strings
• Inconsistent stiffness causes POI shift as barrel heats
• No real advantage unless you're mounting a 40mm launcher

Government profiles made sense for Cold War doctrine. Modern barrels distribute mass better for accuracy and thermal stability.

Hanson / Lightweight Taper

Best all-around

Tapers from a thick chamber and gas journal toward a lighter muzzle. Shifts mass rearward while keeping the barrel stiff where pressure peaks.

Why it works:

• Reduces muzzle weight without sacrificing rigidity at the gas block
• Better heat dissipation across the profile reduces POI wander
• Improved handling for dynamic shooting and transitions
• Works well with suppressors and bipod loads

Hanson and similar tapered profiles are the modern standard for builders who care about accuracy and balance. Worth the extra cost.

Pencil / Lightweight

Excellent option

Uniform thin diameter from chamber to muzzle. Shaves weight aggressively while modern metallurgy keeps them surprisingly capable under heat.

Why they work:

• Lightest option for ultra-mobile builds (hiking, racing, backpacking guns)
• Modern pencil barrels maintain zero—groups open up but POI stays centered
• Great for most shooters who aren't dumping mags on full auto
• Significantly lighter than government profile with better balance

Quality pencil barrels from Faxon, Criterion, or BA are accurate and reliable for general use. Unless you're running serious volume or sustained strings, the weight savings are worth it.

Looking for specific barrel recommendations? Check the Recommended barrels to explore section above for vetted profiles at each length.

How to pick the right length

Mission first

Start with the environment. Tight interiors, vehicles, or suppressed-only use push you toward 11.5" to 13.7". Rural or open areas benefit from 16" and longer for velocity retention.

Legal + logistics

Avoid paperwork with 16"+ or pinned builds. If you pursue SBR lengths, budget time for the NFA process or stay compliant with pistol brace guidance in your jurisdiction.

Tune the gas

Shorter barrels mean higher port pressure. Use adjustable blocks, appropriate buffer weights, and quality suppressors to manage cyclic rate, especially for 11.5" to 14.5" builds.

Looking to translate these insights into a full build? Open the guided assistant to evaluate platforms, components, and compatibility notes tailored to your mission.

The 26 Inch Rule: Vertical Foregrips on AR Pistols

Building an AR pistol with a short barrel? The 26 inch overall length (OAL) threshold determines whether you can legally add a vertical foregrip without NFA paperwork.

Under 26" OAL + Vertical Foregrip

AOW — Requires NFA registration

Adding a vertical foregrip to an AR pistol under 26" overall length creates an "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) under the NFA. This requires a $5 tax stamp and ATF registration before installation.

26"+ OAL + Vertical Foregrip

Legal "Firearm" — No registration needed

If your AR pistol measures 26" or more overall, you can legally add a vertical foregrip. The ATF classifies this as a "firearm" rather than a pistol or AOW—no tax stamp required.

Which Barrel Lengths Clear 26" OAL?

Barrel	Typical OAL	VFG Status	Notes
10.5"	~25-26"	⚠️ Borderline	Measure carefully. Use angled grip to be safe.
11.5"	~27-28"	✓ Safe for VFG	Most popular short barrel for this reason.
12.5"	~28-29"	✓ Safe for VFG	Comfortably clears 26" with any brace setup.

How OAL is Measured

The ATF measures overall length from the rear of the buffer tube (with brace collapsed or folded, if applicable) to the end of the barrel crown or permanently attached (pinned/welded) muzzle device. Removable muzzle devices don't count toward OAL.

Why 11.5" is more popular than 10.5": The extra inch of barrel ensures you comfortably clear the 26" threshold with most brace setups, allowing a vertical foregrip without NFA paperwork. For most shooters, the marginal velocity loss from 11.5" to 10.5" isn't worth the legal complexity.

Protect your investment: Cleaning & Care

You can shoot out a barrel in 10,000 rounds, or you can ruin it in 10 minutes with bad cleaning habits. The crown (where the bullet exits) is the final authority on accuracy—protect it at all costs.

Don't do this

Cleaning from the muzzle

Jamming a rod down the muzzle end ("muzzle dipping") is the fastest way to nick the crown. Even a microscopic burr here lets gas escape unevenly as the bullet leaves, tipping it off axis and destroying your groups.

Do this instead

Breech-to-muzzle

Always push dirt out the way the bullet goes: from the chamber out the front. Use a bore guide to keep the rod centered and prevent it from rubbing the throat, and use one-piece carbon fiber rods that won't pick up grit like coated steel.

Essential barrel care tools

Protect your investment with tools that clean effectively without damaging the crown or rifling.

Cleaning rod

Tipton Deluxe Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod

Carbon fiber cleaning rod that won't scratch bore. Bearing handle follows rifling twist for proper cleaning.

✓Won't scratch delicate rifling
✓Bearings in handle follow rifling twist

Verified Retailer

View on Amazon

View Full Details

Rod guide

AR-15 Bore Guide

Centers the cleaning rod in the upper receiver to prevent throat wear. Seals chamber to keep solvent contained.

✓Seals chamber to keep solvent out of action
✓Protects throat from rod wear

Verified Retailer

View on Amazon

View Full Details

Field cleaning

BoreSnake

Quick field cleaning tool. Pull through the bore for fast carbon removal without disassembly.

✓Washable and reusable
✓Compact enough for grip storage

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

View Full Details

Solvent

Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Solvent

Odorless, non-toxic solvent that strips carbon effectively. Safe for use in enclosed spaces.

✓Flash point free
✓Safe on all metal finishes

Verified Retailer

View on Amazon

View Full Details

Affiliate links may earn a commission. Always clean from the chamber to the muzzle.

Dwell Time by Gas System

Dwell is the barrel length after the gas port. Longer dwell = lower port pressure = softer cycling. Many barrel lengths support multiple gas systems—each with different dwell characteristics.

Click to expand →

Dwell Rating Scale

Critical <4"

Marginal 4–5"

Adequate 5–6"

Good 6–7"

Optimal 7"+

10.5"Carbine gas

CarbinePrimary

3.5"Critical

Port @ 7"Only viable option—requires aggressive tuning

11.5"Carbine gas

CarbinePrimary

4.5"Marginal

Port @ 7"Standard for 11.5" builds

12.5"2 gas system options

CarbinePrimary

5.5"Adequate

Port @ 7"More common—reliable with most ammo

Mid-length

3.5"Critical

Port @ 9"Rare—very short dwell, challenging to tune

13.9"2 gas system options

Mid-lengthPrimary

4.9"Marginal

Port @ 9"Modern standard—softer recoil, easier to suppress

Carbine

6.9"Good

Port @ 7"Overgassed but reliable with bulk ammo

14.5"2 gas system options

Mid-lengthPrimary

5.5"Adequate

Port @ 9"Modern standard—balanced cycling

Carbine

7.5"Optimal

Port @ 7"M4 legacy—runs hotter but very reliable

16"Mid-length gas

Mid-lengthPrimary

7.0"Optimal

Port @ 9"Sweet spot—soft shooting, easy to tune

18"2 gas system options

RiflePrimary

6.0"Good

Port @ 12"SPR standard—smooth with match ammo

Mid-length

9.0"Optimal

Port @ 9"Very long dwell—ultra-reliable but can short-stroke in cold

20"Rifle gas

RiflePrimary

8.0"Optimal

Port @ 12"Classic rifle—forgiving and soft

Why dwell time matters

Short dwell (<5")

• Higher port pressure—carrier accelerates harder
• Requires heavier buffers (H2/H3) or adjustable gas blocks
• Critical for suppressor use—backpressure compounds issues
• Less forgiving with varied ammo types

Long dwell (>6")

• Lower port pressure—smoother carrier acceleration
• Stock buffers and springs usually work fine
• More forgiving with varied ammo (steel case to match)
• Easier to suppress without over-gassing

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the most versatile barrel length for an AR-15?

The 16 inch barrel is the most versatile AR-15 barrel length. It offers the best balance of velocity (2,900+ fps with M193), effective range (400+ yards), legal simplicity (no NFA paperwork), and maneuverability. It's the standard choice for general purpose, home defense, and duty use. If you can only have one AR-15, make it a 16 inch.

▶What barrel length do Navy SEALs use?

Navy SEALs and SOCOM units primarily use 10.3 inch (MK18/CQBR), 14.5 inch (M4A1), and 16 inch barrel lengths depending on mission requirements. The MK18 with its 10.3 inch barrel is favored for CQB and vehicle operations. For general purpose and longer range engagements, 14.5 inch and 16 inch barrels are standard. The trend has shifted toward 11.5-12.5 inch barrels for better ballistic performance while maintaining compact size.

▶What is the 26 inch rule for AR-15?

The 26 inch rule determines whether you can legally add a vertical foregrip to an AR pistol. If your AR pistol has an overall length (OAL) of 26 inches or more, you can add a vertical foregrip without NFA registration. Under 26 inches OAL with a vertical foregrip creates an 'Any Other Weapon' (AOW) requiring a $5 tax stamp. This is why 11.5 inch barrels are more popular than 10.5 inch—the extra inch ensures you clear 26 inches OAL.

▶What is the difference between 14.5 and 11.5 AR-15 barrels?

The 14.5 inch barrel offers approximately 150-200 fps more velocity than 11.5 inch (2,750 fps vs 2,550 fps with M193), better terminal performance at distance, and can reach 16 inch legal length with a pinned muzzle device. The 11.5 inch barrel is 3 inches shorter overall, more maneuverable indoors, but requires an SBR stamp or pistol configuration. For home defense where maneuverability matters, 11.5 inch excels. For general purpose use, 14.5 inch pinned offers the best balance.

▶Is a 10.5 or 11.5 inch barrel better for AR-15?

The 11.5 inch barrel is better for most builders. It provides 50-75 fps more velocity, better dwell time for reliability, and crucially clears the 26 inch OAL threshold for legal vertical foregrip use on pistol builds. The 10.5 inch barrel is only 1 inch shorter but sits right at the 26 inch borderline, limiting grip options. Unless you specifically need the absolute shortest package, 11.5 inch is the smarter choice.

▶Is a 14.5 inch AR-15 barrel legal?

A 14.5 inch barrel alone is not legal on a rifle - federal law requires 16 inch minimum barrel length. However, you can legally use a 14.5 inch barrel if you permanently attach (pin and weld) a muzzle device that's at least 1.5 inches long, bringing the total to 16 inches. This is extremely common and gives you the handling of a shorter barrel while meeting legal requirements. Without a pinned muzzle device, you'd need an SBR tax stamp or pistol configuration.

▶Is an 11.5 inch barrel on an AR-15 legal?

An 11.5 inch barrel is legal on an AR-15 pistol (with a brace, no stock) or on an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) with an approved Form 4 tax stamp ($200 and 6-12 month wait). You cannot put an 11.5 inch barrel on a standard rifle with a stock - that would be an illegal SBR. Most people run 11.5 inch barrels on pistol builds to avoid the NFA paperwork.

▶What is the shortest legal AR-15 barrel?

The shortest legal barrel on an AR-15 rifle is 16 inches. Anything shorter requires either a pistol configuration (brace instead of stock) or an SBR tax stamp. On a pistol or SBR, there's no minimum barrel length - you can go as short as 7.5 inches, though reliability and ballistics suffer significantly below 10.5 inches. The practical minimum for 5.56 is 10.5 inches for reliable cycling and acceptable velocity.

Next Step

Ready to continue? Here's the recommended next guide:

Recommended Next

AR-15 Gas System & Buffer Tuning 2026: Fix Overgassing & Cycling Issues

Master AR-15 gas system and buffer tuning for suppressed and unsuppressed rifles. Match barrel length, gas system, buffer weight, and springs for reliable cycling. Includes troubleshooting.

Or explore a related topic:

5.56 Ammo Selection 2026->

Complete Your Build

Essential accessories to round out your setup

Scroll

Illumination • $119

Streamlight ProTac HL-X

✓1,000 lumens
✓50,000 candela

View on Amazon

Slings & Retention • $75

Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling

✓Dual QD swivels
✓Convertible design

View on Amazon

Backup Iron Sights • $99

Magpul MBUS Gen 2

✓Polymer construction
✓Spring-loaded flip-up

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Slings & Retention • $22

Magpul QD Sling Swivel

✓QD swivel
✓Manganese phosphate

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Slings & Retention • $69

Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

✓Padded
✓Quick-adjust

View on Amazon

Slings & Retention • $25

BCM M-LOK QD Sling Mount

✓M-LOK
✓QD socket

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Related guides

Continue exploring with these related resources

View all guides →

AR-155.56 NATO

5.56 Ammo Selection 2026: Match Your Load to Barrel Length & Mission

Pick the right 5.56 / .223 ammo for your rifle and mission. Learn bullet weights vs twist rate, short barrel tradeoffs, projectile types (FMJ, OTM, bonded, copper), and practical buying tips with an interactive ammo finder.

Read guide

AR-15Buying guide

Best AR-15 Rifles 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide (Budget to Premium Ranked)

Top 10 AR-15 rifles ranked by price tier: Budget under $800 (PSA, S&W), mid-tier $800-$1,600 (Aero, BCM), and premium $1,600+ (Daniel Defense, Geissele, LMT, KAC). Reliability data, accuracy testing, and value analysis.

Read guide

AR-15Barrels

DI vs Piston AR-15 2026: Why Piston Is Overrated (Except One Setup)

Piston ARs are overrated—except for one specific use case. We explain why 16" piston rifles are a $500 mistake, which brand failed military testing, and the only barrel lengths where piston actually makes sense.

Read guide

This page contains affiliate links. Purchases through these links support the site at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Latest News & Reviews

SHOT Show 2026: Complete Coverage & New Releases

Everything that matters from SHOT Show 2026: computational optics from Maztech and Revic, the suppressor boom, rifles from Geissele and Noveske, PSA's modular AXR ecosystem, and 30+ product announcements.

Jan 279 min

Read article

NewsPrimary Arms

Primary Arms PLx Compact LPVO: 1.5-12x36 Precision Scope with RDB Reticle

Primary Arms unveils the PLx Compact 1.5-12x36 RDB with Japanese ED glass, diffractive Red Dot Bright reticle, AutoLive motion-sensing illumination, and updated Top Cap Reflex Mount V2.

Jan 267 min

Read article

ReviewAR-15

Partisan Disruptor FRT Review: The Best Forced Reset Trigger for 2026

The Partisan Disruptor FRT delivers forced reset functionality at $299 with a 3-position selector, cassette drop-in design, and reliable performance across 6,000+ rounds of testing.

Jan 258 min

Read article

Was this helpful?

Twitter Reddit Facebook