AR barrels?

[Cynical]

I am starting to buy parts for my first AR. I would like to shoot a variety of different bullet weights. I am leaning toward a carbine 1 in 9. Is there any appreciable difference in accuracy out to 250-300 yds vs. a 20" barrel in the same twist rate? I am looking for a rifle that is kind of a jack of all trades. I thought the 16" would be easier to handle for defensive purpose but I would still like to be able to blister the coyotes at a couple hundred yards. I will shoot mostly 55grn fmj for plinking but would also like to load a little heavier for coyotes. I'm not looking for a match grade rifle without paying for it, but I also would like to get the most bang for my buck. Pardon the pun. Any thought or suggestions?

 

[jd4320t]

1/9 is great but I'd get 1/7. It will allow you to shoot the heavier bullets.

 

[redfox033]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a 1/7 twist would be better for hunting with heavier bullets. 1/9 twist is better for 55 and 62gr bullets. If your just plinking it probably won't matter, but if you want a heavier bullet for coyotes you'll want a 1/7 twist.
I'm not sure how much the barrel length will matter. I like a 16". But that's just me.

 

[chipsher]

If I could only have one AR, I'd use a mid-weight 16" chrome lined mid length gas system. I would'nt worry to much about the twist rate. I've got a light 14.5 chrome lined 1-9 that shoots 73gr LTBs amazingly well out to 300yds.

 

[redfox033]

If I could only have one AR, I'd use a mid-weight 16" chrome lined mid length gas system. I would'nt worry to much about the twist rate. I've got a light 14.5 chrome lined 1-9 that shoots 73gr LTBs amazingly well out to 300yds.

What kind of groups do you get at 200 and 300 yards? I've got a 16" 1/9 twist. I haven't shot it at any real distance yet.