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

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.