How Powerful are Short Barrel AR-15s?

Published on May 1, 2016
Duration: 6:36

This video provides an expert analysis of short barrel AR-15 performance, featuring a custom 7.5-inch AR-15 pistol. The host, demonstrating high authority and detailed component knowledge, uses a chronograph to collect empirical data on muzzle velocity for both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations. The results are statistically analyzed and compared against a standard 18-inch rifle barrel, highlighting significant velocity loss with shorter barrels.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals a 7.5-inch barrel AR-15 pistol loses approximately 26% of its muzzle velocity compared to an 18-inch rifle barrel. Chronograph data showed the short barrel averaging 2203 fps versus 2977 fps for the longer barrel, highlighting performance differences impacting effective range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Shorty AR-15
  2. 00:26Build Breakdown & Components
  3. 01:28Suppression Demonstration
  4. 01:49Velocity Testing Goals
  5. 02:55Short Barrel Chronograph Results
  6. 03:59Long Barrel Comparison
  7. 04:51Conclusion & Power Loss
  8. 00:45Shockwave Technologies Branding
  9. 01:21Holosun Optic Close-up
  10. 01:45Griffin Armament Suppressor
  11. 03:207-inch Barrel Data Overlay
  12. 04:30Barrel Length Performance Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How much velocity does a short barrel AR-15 lose compared to a standard rifle?

A 7.5-inch barrel AR-15 pistol chambered in 5.56 NATO averaged 2203 fps, representing approximately a 26% reduction in velocity compared to an 18-inch barrel rifle which averaged 2977 fps. This significant loss impacts effective range and energy.

What components were used in the custom short barrel AR-15 pistol?

The custom AR-15 pistol featured an Anderson Arms lower receiver, a Ground Zero Precision upper parts kit with a 7.5-inch barrel, a Shockwave Technologies buffer tube and Blade stabilizer, a Midwest Industries rail, and a Holosun HS403A optic.

What is the average muzzle velocity for a 7.5-inch AR-15 barrel?

Testing conducted on a 7.5-inch barrel AR-15 pistol using 5.56 NATO ammunition yielded an average muzzle velocity of 2203 feet per second, with a standard deviation of 58.7 fps, based on a sample size of five shots.

How does a suppressor affect the velocity of a short barrel AR-15?

While the video primarily focuses on comparing barrel lengths, the demonstration included suppressed testing. Suppressors can slightly alter muzzle velocity due to gas dynamics, but the primary velocity loss in short barrels is due to incomplete powder burn and gas expansion over a shorter distance.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from The VSO Gun Channel

View all →