Rifle, Carbine, or SBR: Which Is Right for You?

Article, General Information

How to choose between a Rifle, Carbine, or SBR (Short Barrel Rifle)

Which Length of Rifle Is Best for You?

When looking for an AR 15 for sale, you will likely run into three types of rifles. The first is rifle-length, followed by the carbine, and finally the short-barreled rifle (SBR). Each has its differences from the others, along with unique perks that might better apply to your needs. Here is what you need to know about these three rifle lengths and the benefits associated with each one.

Accurate But Heavy: The Rifle

A rifle-length rifle generally has a barrel longer than 20 inches. Depending on many factors, including the type of round and how much powder it has, longer, heavier barrels tend to make for more accurate rifles. This is, in part, thanks to a higher velocity. Some rounds require a longer barrel to burn off the powder and, depending on the barrel twist, give it more time to spin, making it more accurate at long distances.

If, for example, you are getting a DPMS AR 15 for competition, you are likely going to look at a rifle between 24 and 30 inches in length, as you will need to be accurate at ranges up to 1,200 yards. However, if you use it for hunting and add a suppressor, you likely will not want a barrel longer than 24 inches. The distinct disadvantage is that longer barrels can be harder to move when tracking a moving target.

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Rifle, Carbine, or SBR: Which Is Right for You? GunBroker.com - SMITH AND WESSON M&P15 SPT II — *SMITH AND WESSON M&P15 SPT II OR 5.56 CT BUNDLE – GunBroker.com*

Jack of All Trades: The Carbine Rifle

A carbine-length barrel is between 10 and 18 inches. It splits the difference between the pros and cons of the rifle-length barrel and an SBR. Carbine-length rifles do not take larger cartridges well as they tend to be very loud, even with ear protection. However, it is still accurate and easier to swing around while hunting compared to a rifle-length gun.

A Ruger Mini 30, for example, has a 16-inch barrel. It is perfect for hunting deer in the woods without the rifle getting caught on trees. It is maneuverable, accurate for hunting purposes, and not terribly heavy. Essentially, a carbine is a jack of all trades, trading some accuracy for better handling and weight reduction.

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1986 Ruger Mini 30 7.62x39mm Blue 19" - GunBroker.com — *1986 Ruger Mini 30 7.62x39mm Blue 19″ – GunBroker.com*

Small and Easy to Maneuver: The Short Barrel Rifle (SBR)

The SBR is a popular option among AR 15 enthusiasts. An SBR has a barrel length under 16 inches, which means it is regulated under the National Firearms Act, or NFA. This is the same law that regulates short-barreled rifles, suppressors, destructive devices, machine guns, and the like. Because it is short, it is very easy to maneuver, which can be a significant advantage in competitions. It is also lighter than the other types of rifles. It is not uncommon to see an SBR with a suppressor, which requires two different applications to the ATF and chambered in 300 Blackout. This makes for a quiet gun that is great for hunting.

However, it does come with disadvantages. The biggest is lost velocity in most calibers, losing terminal ballistics potential at longer ranges. With many calibers, they are also very loud, and the muzzle flash can be bright and blinding. You also have to fill out a Form 1 or 4, pay a $200 tax stamp, and wait for the ATF to authorize it, which could take months. But once you get over the legal hurdles, you might find this type of gun to be your favorite.

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