POF barrel length question

[LtDan]

I have to make a quick decision between two POF rifles:
1. 16.5 inch barrel, NP3 finish, CTR stock
2. 20 inch barrel, black anodized finish, CTR stock

Weapon will be primarily LE use, unsuppressed, urban environment.
Issued ammo 168 grain Hornady AMax TAP (no other options, but it is free).

In training, we do shoot out to 1k yards. My RRA Predator does great out to 800 then starts to fall off. I've never owned or shot a POF, is the extra 3.5 inches worth it? Though it is a duty weapon, it will mostly be used to reduce the deer herd at our local parks, most shots being within 250 yards. I absolutely want a rifle capable of sub MOA though.

And I did search, and will continue to do so, but decision must made today. Local distributor has both and I can get one through an agency purchase, a sweet deal for me so recommendations for other options, manufacturers, etc. are of no value.

 

[Jrb572]

Do not know if this will help. But read this.



http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

 

[jorefice]

Interesting article.

 

[ORD]

The accuracy with both barrel lengths is comparable (certainly MOA or better if you are an experienced, competent semi-auto shooter)...what you give up with the shorter barrel is max effective range thanks to reduced MV (with that ammo, you'll likely get 2600fps+ from the 20" tube and roughly just shy of 2500fps with the 16.5" tube). While you CAN stretch a shorter barrel out to 1k with the proper ammo (and with the shooter doing their part of course), it is FAR from ideal and really wasn't designed to get the job done at that range aside from punching paper simply "because you can." For any realistic "duty" application...forget it for multiple reasons!

Its give and take with either option, but if it were my duty rifle, I would opt for the shorter barrel 99% of the time because: a) it'll be far easier to tote around; b) it'll be more maneuverable in the tight spaces that urban environs can dish out; and c) it'll do everything and more that you could ask of it with your issued ammo and under most "realistic" circumstances you would deploy it in an LE setting (especially for varmint/animal control within your stated ranges). The 20" model will buy you more max range thanks to the increased MV versus the shorter barrel, but aside from plinking at the range out to 1k which it will do better, the shorter barreled model will likely be better suited to your actual deployment uses for the rifle/carbine.

 

[LtDan]

Thank you ORD, well put. I did dally too long and the 16.5 is gone. I'll suffer through with the 20 inch...

 

[ORD]

Thank you ORD, well put. I did dally too long and the 16.5 is gone. I'll suffer through with the 20 inch...

Here's a thought....since you are getting such a break on the rifle, why not get a second upper for it from POF? Slap the 20" upper on when you want to stretch out to 1k (or beyond) or in circumstances where the weight/size/compactness/etc. of the rifle aren't as big an impediment to its effective deployment. Run the 16.5" upper the remainder of the time.

With all that said...my "go-to" semi is a 20" P-308 SPR. Its a solid 3/4MOA shooter with most match, factory ammo I have run in it and just a hair better with my reloads. They are truly exceptional rifles in every respect in my experience with several models over the years!

 

[Geronimo]

Lmao looking at Vance's too? noticed the ar prices have come back to normal there, they have a nice selection of cans also.

 

[LtDan]

Thanks ORD, that may be a viable option.

Good catch Geranimo! My agency does a lot of purchasing through Vance's, and it will be an agency purchase so no FET or sales tax. I bought a GemTech HVT from there about two years ago, it was a disaster. Significant POI shift, weapon went from sub MOA to several inch groups until the the can would get hot (approx.15-25 rounds). Then groups would shrink to MOA. It went back to Gemtech twice, Phil Dater had it the second time along with my rifle, I shipped the whole kit to him. He sat on it for six months, said he never touched it though it had been fired, and I finally asked for it back. Terrible experience, I've talked steered several individuals away from GemTech.

In any case, I'm hoping for nothing but stellar performance from the POF.

 

[Guest]

I love my POF P308 NP3 16.5" rifle. Going to put an AAC can on it here shortly and I just ordered an SWFA SS 3-15x42 for it. Got it back in March from OST and have only shot 80 rounds through it with Diamond Head irons and it ran flawlessly without any issues.