Because its made for close quarter combat, and even though the round wont splinter, it will still kill someone. You're putting a .223 hole through someone, and at close range thats ok. If you want distance and damage, go over 16". (Isnt it funny how the law prohibits less lethal barrels and makes you buy the more deadly 16"? idiots!)

 

I'd take the 16" over the 14.5 ANY day, The feel the same, it's just an inch and a half and it makes a huge diff. I have a 16, 20, and 24, all with flash hiders.

 

Ended up ordering this...
http://www.riflegear.com/p-45-stag-a...ete-upper.aspx

 

you will be very happy i promise.

 

i agree,16" fits the bill perfectly. i didnt waste my time with a 20" .223,decided to rock a .308 for that.

 

Indeed, good choice. Now go save up for ammo, which is more expensive than the damn rifle. I have around 10k rounds stockpiled I dont want to shoot it cuz its so expensive. Dont get me started on .308 or 300WIN MAG!!!! $2 a bullet~!!!!!!

 

At the moment I'm unhappy because I suck at waiting. HURRY UP, MONDAY!

 

reload .308,7mm rem,7mm weth
ive got a rather nice hookup on .223(125$ per 500)

the upside to .22 is weight and cost. well that and my .22 shoots 1" groups at 100yrds all day long.

 

can you pass that hook up onto us? lol. is it brass and factory? if so let me know.

 

i will check. i stumbled acrosss it by luck. its factory reloads. 1k down range with not 1 FTF.

 

dont get me started on my 50 bmg and .500 S&W.

granted recently 50 bmg reloads are dropping to around $4 per...

nice thing about my 500 S&W is that it hurts (literally my hand and wrist would be in pain after shooting 5 or so...) to shoot it... lol...

 

Get a Noveske N4 Light Recce Basic. It's about $150 over your $700 budget, but it's one of the best 16" midlength uppers on the market.

 

The difference in velocity between a 14.5" and 16" barrel is about 80fps. Very negligable.

Using effective, high quality ammo like Mk262 makes a much bigger difference in lethality and accuracy than adding 1.5" of barrel length.