Shooting the Worlds Shortest AR15

Published on August 16, 2024
Duration: 24:03

This video provides an expert-level analysis of an ultra-short 4.75-inch barrel AR-15 upper chambered in 5.56 NATO. Instructor Matt Carriker, demonstrating high authority, details the significant reduction in velocity and kinetic energy compared to longer barrels, while also showcasing the extreme muzzle blast and potential reliability challenges. The content emphasizes practical testing and technical explanations of firearm mechanics.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals an ultra-short 4.75-inch barrel AR-15 in 5.56 NATO achieves approximately 1850 fps and 436 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. While it can be made reliable unsuppressed, it produces extreme muzzle blast and significantly less energy than standard barrels, impacting projectile performance in ballistics tests.

Chapters

  1. 02:34Intro to Ultra-Short AR-15
  2. 05:14Initial Firing & Cycling Test
  3. 08:33Velocity & Kinetic Energy Comparison
  4. 12:44Ballistics Gel Performance
  5. 15:08Muzzle Blast Safety Demo
  6. 17:32Suppressed & Rapid Fire Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges with ultra-short 5.56 NATO barrels?

Ultra-short barrels, like the 4.75-inch AR-15 upper, face challenges with insufficient dwell time and gas pressure to reliably cycle the action. They also produce significant muzzle blast and reduced projectile velocity and kinetic energy compared to longer barrels.

How does the velocity of a 4.75-inch barrel compare to a standard AR-15 barrel?

A 4.75-inch 5.56 NATO barrel averages around 1850 fps, which is significantly less than a 20-inch barrel that can achieve over 3100 fps. This results in a substantial loss of kinetic energy.

Is a 4.75-inch barrel AR-15 reliable?

The video demonstrates that an unsuppressed 4.75-inch barrel AR-15 can be made reliable through proper gas system tuning, despite the inherent challenges of such a short barrel length. Suppressed fire introduced some malfunctions.

What safety concerns are associated with ultra-short barreled rifles?

Ultra-short barreled rifles produce extreme muzzle blast, posing a significant risk of injury if hands are placed too close to the muzzle. The intense heat and pressure can cause severe burns and damage.

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