Thread: ideal barrel length for 223, is there a formula?

Apparently 14.5" was chosen for the M4 based on the need for a compact rifle but saving soldiers hearing. From experience any shorter and a suppressor is mandatory.

Originally Posted by 300CALMAN

Apparently 14.5" was chosen for the M4 based on the need for a compact rifle but saving soldiers hearing. From experience any shorter and a suppressor is mandatory.

-Any- length .223 barrel is way past the safe zone for hearing unsuppressed. 14.5" is damn short and I'd guess it's the shortest you'd go without excessive loss of velocity. Clearly portability was a primary concern if they chose that length, with hearing damage way down the list.

Originally Posted by 6x47

-Any- length .223 barrel is way past the safe zone for hearing unsuppressed. 14.5" is damn short and I'd guess it's the shortest you'd go without excessive loss of velocity. Clearly portability was a primary concern if they chose that length, with hearing damage way down the list.

Actually there are a number of theories on why they went to 14.5 inch, remember the Commando was 11.5 inch. Unfortunately they had to fit a 5 inch flash suppressor and the 203 grenade launcher wont fit. If you have ever fired a 11.5 inch version, they are loud even with earmuffs.