Looking at getting my first auto in 223. I can get a 16 or an 18.5 inch barrel.

Which one do I want?
And what is the purpose of a "flash hider" that is on most short barrels?

18 1/2", because the muzzle blast and noise from 16's just isn't worth it, especially with the muzzle brake/flash supressor.

Two purposes of the flash suppressor on the barrels, one is to reduce muzzle jump, the other is to look just like a military rifle.

My vote is for the 18 1/2. As 458 Lott says, 16 is just too much blast and confusion if you don't need it short for some operational reason. 20 is better. One of my .223's is 16, one 18 and two 20's. IMO any advantage of a short barrel is overrated. I used to love short barrels on rifles and shotguns, but got over it a long time ago.

Call me crazy but I like the 16" barrels.

I do get a little more velocity from my 18" barrel but not as much as I would've thought.

Me and a friend were talking about the noise complaint with the 16"s and we wonder if most are comparing a barrel with a comp/brake. Yes they direct the noise straight to your ear drum but I don't notice much difference with a flash hider.

The purpose of a flash hider is eliminating flash.
The purpose of a comp/brake is to annoy you and everyone around you.

Both work as described.

As others have said, your intended use will dictate your barrel length and muzzle adornment. There are flash hiders, compensators, brakes, and various combinations. Flash hiders are supposed to hide the flash. Compensators reduce muzzle rise, and brakes reduce recoil. They all direct noise back to the shooter. Noise level is ususally proportionate to effectiveness.

When I'm running drills and plinking (with ear protection) I enjoy the short 16". For longer range work, 18" and 20" fill the bill. If I were building a designated coyote rifle, for shootig without ear protection, I'd build a 20" or longer and leave the muzzle bare.

I own a 16" and a 20". For me I prefer the 20". Not only for less noise but also I much prefer the balance a longer barrel offers. Not that a 16" barrel is hard to shoot but the 20" one just feels better to me.

Never owned a 18.5" barrel but think I would prefer it over a 16" one.

Terry

I actually like the 16 inch guns myself. You can get a flash hider that doesn't increase the noise and if your really serious about noise you can remove the flash hider altogether. The type of brake or flash hider makes all the difference. 2 1/2 inches doesn't seem like much but getting in and out of vehicles short is better. I have long barreled bolt rifles for the times when I need more range, my AR is for more than just plinking.

16" guns are loud with or without a flashhider.

Of course, no one minded shooting my Contender in 223 with a 14" barrel or my Encore in 308 with a 15" barrel.

Well the 308 was intimidating until you shot it, then everyone said that wasn't bad at all...

I once owned a .270 with a 17" barrel. No need to repeat that mistake again. Off a bench it was fine but I prefer not to wear hearing protection when I hunt.

Terry