Posted by refactortactical.com on Jul 15th 2024

The Ultimate Guide to M16 Barrel Length: 16” vs. 20”

When optimizing your M16 or AR-15, the barrel length is a critical factor that can make or break your shooting performance.

Whether aiming for pinpoint accuracy, increased velocity, or better handling, understanding the differences between a 16” and a 20” barrel is essential.

In this ultimate guide to M16 barrel length, we’ll explore why these specific lengths are favored, how they impact your shooting experience, and why Faxon Firearms’ AR15 barrels outshine the competition.

Importance of Barrel Length in M16 Rifles

Barrel length plays a pivotal role in the performance and functionality of M16 rifles. It influences various factors, including accuracy, velocity, and maneuverability, which can significantly impact your shooting experience. Understanding these factors can help you choose the right barrel length for your needs.

Accuracy and Velocity

One of the most critical aspects of barrel length is its effect on accuracy and bullet velocity. Generally, longer barrels provide better accuracy and higher bullet velocity. A longer barrel allows the propellant gases more time to act on the bullet, increasing its speed. A 20” barrel, for instance, tends to offer superior accuracy and velocity over shorter barrels, making it ideal for long-range shooting and precision tasks.

Moreover, the increase in velocity from a 20” barrel can significantly enhance the performance of your ammunition. Due to the substantial velocity increase, going from a 16” to a 20” barrel can effectively transform target ammunition into duty ammunition. Notably, Garand Thumb demonstrated in a video that a 20” barrel shooting M855A1 rounds could penetrate level 4 body armor, a feat that showcases the powerful advantage of a longer barrel.

Maneuverability

While longer barrels might excel in accuracy and velocity, they can be cumbersome and less maneuverable, especially in close-quarters situations. A 16” barrel balances performance and handling, making it a versatile choice for various shooting scenarios. Its shorter length enhances maneuverability, allowing for quicker target acquisition and easier handling in tight spaces.

Recoil and Noise

Barrel length also affects recoil and noise. Shorter barrels, such as the 16” option, typically generate more recoil and a louder muzzle blast than their longer counterparts. This is an important consideration for shooters prioritizing comfort and noise reduction, as a longer barrel can help mitigate these factors.

Comparison of 16” vs. 20” Barrels

Choosing between a 16” and 20” barrel for your M16 or AR-15 can be challenging, as both lengths offer unique advantages and cater to different shooting needs. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into each barrel length’s specific benefits and potential drawbacks to help you determine which is best suited for your shooting requirements.

16” Barrel: Versatility and Maneuverability

Benefits:

Enhanced Maneuverability: A 16” barrel’s shorter length makes it ideal for close-quarters combat and home defense. Its compact size allows easier handling and quicker target acquisition in tight spaces.
Weight Reduction: A 16” barrel is lighter than a 20” barrel, making your firearm easier to carry and maneuver, especially during extended use.
Balanced Performance: While it may not offer the same level of accuracy and velocity as a 20” barrel, a 16” barrel still provides a good balance of performance suitable for various shooting scenarios.

Drawbacks:

Reduced Velocity: The shorter barrel length results in lower bullet velocity, affecting accuracy and effective range. This might be a disadvantage in long-range shooting or precision tasks.
Increased Recoil and Noise: A 16” barrel generates more recoil and a louder muzzle blast than a 20” barrel, which can be less comfortable for some shooters.

20” Barrel: Accuracy and Power

Benefits:

Superior Accuracy and Velocity: The extended length of a 20” barrel allows for greater accuracy and higher bullet velocity, making it ideal for long-range shooting and precision tasks. This increased velocity can significantly enhance the performance of your ammunition, effectively turning target rounds into duty ammunition.
Penetration Capability: As demonstrated by Garand Thumb, a 20” barrel can provide enough velocity to penetrate level 4 body armor with M855A1 rounds, showcasing the added power and effectiveness of a longer barrel.
Reduced Recoil and Noise: The longer barrel helps to mitigate recoil and muzzle blast, providing a more comfortable shooting experience.
Ballistic Performance: The 20″ barrel length was particularly chosen to maximize the ballistic potential of the 5.56mm cartridge. With this length, the bullet achieves optimal stabilization, maintaining a flatter trajectory and higher impact energy at extended ranges. This was crucial for achieving the desired performance in varied combat scenarios.

M16-A4 Service Rifle — Sgt. Jason Burchs displays his M16 A4 rifle that had an enemy round hit the front sight post during an ambush Dec. 24.

Drawbacks:

Decreased Maneuverability: The added length and weight of a 20” barrel can make it cumbersome, especially in close-quarters situations. This can hinder quick movements and target acquisition.
Heavier Weight: A 20” barrel adds more weight to your firearm, which might be a disadvantage during extended use or when carrying your rifle for long periods.

Advantages of Faxon Firearms AR15 Barrels

Faxon Firearms is renowned for its high-quality AR15 barrels; their 16” and 20” options are no exception. Designed with precision and performance in mind, these barrels offer several advantages that make them stand out from the competition. Let’s explore why Faxon Firearms’ AR15 barrels are the top choice for many shooters.

Superior Materials and Construction

Faxon Firearms utilizes premium materials and advanced manufacturing processes to ensure their barrels deliver outstanding performance and durability. The 16” and 20” barrels are made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, a material known for its strength and ability to withstand high-stress conditions. The barrels are also finished with a QPQ Nitride coating, providing superior corrosion resistance and a longer lifespan than standard finishes.

Quality built with a lifetime warranty.

Enhanced Performance Features

Faxon Firearms barrels are designed with performance-enhancing features that cater to the needs of serious shooters:

Gunner Profile: The Gunner profile combines the durability of a Government profile with the weight savings of a pencil profile, offering a balanced and lightweight barrel without compromising on strength.

Precision Rifling: Each barrel features a button-rifled bore, ensuring consistent accuracy and optimal performance with every shot.
Optimized Gas Systems: The 16” barrel comes with a mid-length gas system, while the 20” barrel features a rifle-length gas system. These configurations are designed to provide reliable cycling and reduced recoil, enhancing overall shooting comfort and control.

Real-World Testing and Reliability

Faxon Firearms rigorously tests their barrels to ensure they meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. Whether you choose the 16” or 20” option, you can trust that your barrel has been engineered to withstand demanding conditions and deliver consistent results. This commitment to quality is why professional shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel trust Faxon Firearms barrels.

Competitive Pricing and Value

In addition to their superior quality and performance, Faxon Firearms AR15 barrels offer excellent value for money. Compared to other high-end barrels on the market, Faxon’s barrels provide comparable, if not superior, performance at a more competitive price point. This makes them attractive for shooters who want the best without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Choosing the right barrel length for your M16 or AR-15 is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your shooting performance and overall experience. Whether you opt for the versatile and maneuverable 16” barrel or the precise and powerful 20” barrel, understanding the benefits and trade-offs of each length will help you make an informed choice.

Faxon Firearms offers superior AR15 barrels that stand out due to their exceptional quality, advanced features, and competitive pricing. Crafted from premium materials and designed with performance in mind, Faxon’s 16” and 20” barrels provide the accuracy, reliability, and durability that serious shooters demand. With options like the Gunner profile and optimized gas systems, Faxon barrels ensure a top-tier shooting experience, whether you’re engaged in tactical scenarios, home defense, or long-range precision shooting.

Investing in a Faxon Firearms AR15 barrel means you’re not just purchasing a component for your rifle—you’re enhancing your shooting capabilities and gaining a reliable partner in your firearms journey. Explore the 16” and 20” barrels from Faxon Firearms today and experience the difference that superior craftsmanship and innovative design can make.